USPTO: Patent Term Guarantee Overview

The "patent term guarantee" set forth in the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 establishes three main bases for adjusting the term of a utility or plant patent: (1) if the USPTO fails to take certain actions within specified time frames; (2) if the USPTO fails to issue a patent within three years of the actual filing date of the application; or (3) for delays due to interference, secrecy order, or successful appellate review.  Click here for more from the USPTO.

 

Courtesy of William F. Heinze*
Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, L.L.P.
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*Admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Not admitted in Georgia.

 

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