Patent activity, or the chronology your patented invention or arrangement is protected against infringement from other companies or individuals, varies according to the type of patent you gain been granted. Servicing patents and plant annex a contradistinctive lifetime than replica patents, so cognizant how and when to resume your patent is basic to protect your investments and rights.
Instructions
Determine the Duration of Your Patent
1. Manipulate for a avail patent provided you enjoy a particular invention, mechanism, fashionable case, article of manufacture or Essay of concern. These patents are protected for 20 agedness after the patent apply is filed.
2. Seek a construction patent for doodle improvements, modifications and ornaments to existing products. A design patent generally lasts for 14 age.
3. Come by a plant patent whether you seek to protect the asexual creation of a new plant species for 20 years. It is important to determine these due dates in advance, since the USPTO will not notify you. There is a six-month window where you can pay these fees. Failure to conform may result in forfeit of your patent.
Asexual plant reproduction is defined by new species that are not created through the use of seeds, but rather by cutting, grafting or budding.
Protect Your Patent Duration
4. Pay all maintenance fees for your patent 3 1/2, 7 1/2 and 11 1/2 years after the date your patent was granted.5. Renew your patent before its expiration date by filing a patent extension with the USPTO. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of the patent, and the invention or design will become part of the public domain.
6. Will your patent to friends or loved ones after you die by filing the appropriate paperwork. All forms and applications are available on the USPTO Web site, or at any USPTO office (see Resources below).
