How long is a patent enforceable?
The term of a utility patent is twenty (20) years upon filing or seventeen (17) years from the date of grant depending on the filing date of the patent application. For design patents, the term of patent protection is fourteen (14) years from the date of grant. The patent term may be extended or reduced due to delays by the Patent Office and/or the applicant. For utility patents, maintenance fees must be paid at regular intervals during the life of the patent. Otherwise, the patent will expire prior to the full term of the patent.
