How is the patent term calculated for design patents?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The patent term for design patents is different from utility and plant patents. According to MPEP 2701 : “Design patents have a term of 15 years from the date of grant for applications filed on or after May 13, 2015, and 14 years from the date of grant for applications filed before May 13, 2015.” This change in term was implemented by the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act of 2012 (PLTIA). It’s important to note that unlike utility and plant patents, the term for design patents is calculated from the date of grant, not the filing date. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Extensions for Utility and Plant Patents Filed After June 8, 1995 MPEP 2701 Design Patents Have a 15-Year Term from Grant MPEP 2701 Patent Term Is Twenty Years From Filing Date MPEP 2701 Design Patents Have Term of 14 Years Except for Those Filed After May 2015 MPEP 2701 Permitted Term Ends at 20 Years From Filing Date MPEP 2701 Patent Term Ends at 20 Years from Earliest Priority Date for Post-1995 Continuations MPEP 2701 Term of Patent Is 20 Years From Filing Date MPEP 2701 Required Patent Term Ends at US Filing Date MPEP 2701 Term for Pre-GATT Patents Is the Greater of 20 Years or 17 Years from Grant MPEP 2701 Term Is Greater of Seventeen Years from Grant or Twenty Years from Filing MPEP 2701 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How do continuing applications affect patent term? How long is the term for design patents? How does foreign priority affect patent term? What are patent term extensions and adjustments? What are the key differences in patent terms for applications filed before June 8, 1995?