What is the standard patent term for utility and plant patents?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 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 standard patent term for utility and plant patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, is 20 years from the earliest effective U.S. filing date. This is established by 35 U.S.C. 154(a)(2) , which states: “Subject to the payment of fees under this title, such grant shall be for a term beginning on the date on which the patent issues and ending 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, if the application contains a specific reference to an earlier filed application or applications under section 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) from the date on which the earliest such application was filed.” It’s important to note that this term can be subject to adjustments and extensions under certain circumstances. 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 Term of Patent Is 20 Years From Filing Date MPEP 2701 Required Patent Term Is Twenty Years From Filing Date MPEP 2701 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 Patent Term Ends at US Filing Date MPEP 2701 Patent Term Begins on Issuance and Ends at 20 Years From Filing MPEP 2701 Term Is Greater of Seventeen Years from Grant or Twenty Years from Filing MPEP 2701 Patent Term Extension Separate from Section 154 MPEP 2701 Permitted Priority Not Considered in Patent Term Determination MPEP 2701 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How do continuing applications affect patent term? How is the patent term calculated for design patents? How long is the term for design patents? How does foreign pr...