When is a patent defined as "expired"?

Learn when a patent is defined as expired. Find out what kind of renewal fees you need to pay to keep your patents active.

The term of a patent is the maximum time during which it can be maintained in force. It can vary based on the type of patent and the jurisdiction, but it is usually expressed in a number of years either starting from the date of the patent application or from the date of grant of the patent. Almost all patents last 20 years if kept in force.

In most jurisdictions, patent annuities (renewals) or maintenance fees have to be regularly paid in order to keep the patent in force. We consider a patent expired when it either reaches its maximum term time or the grant holder does not pay the renewal fee in due time.

Reinstating an expired patent is an extensive and costly procedure with no guarantee of success.

Related:

What does your renewal flow look like?

Learn what it means when a patent is defined as expired

Read more about...

What is a Subscription invoice?
Learn how your Bulk payment plan invoice process works. Pay for the service fee in the most efficient way in one go and save an extra 10 percent.
Read Next
Which renewal requires a letter of Power of Attorney (PoA)?
Find out which local representation requires a letter of Power of Attorney for IP renewals. If you need one, upload your documents with ease.
Read Next
What is a credit note?
Find out the purpose of a credit note when we don’t receive a Deposit Request/Invoice and Deposit Request amount.
Read Next