What factors determine a utility patent’s expiration date?

According to MPEP 2211, several factors determine a utility patent’s expiration date:

• The term of the patent
• Payment of maintenance fees
• Any disclaimer filed to shorten the patent term
• Patent term extensions or adjustments for delays within the Office under 35 U.S.C. 154 (see MPEP § 2710, et seq.)
• Patent term extensions available under 35 U.S.C. 156 for premarket regulatory review (see MPEP § 2750 et. seq.)

The MPEP also notes that “Any other relevant information should also be taken into account.“

To learn more:

• utility patent
• patent expiration
• patent term
• maintenance fees
• patent term extension
• patent term adjustment