When did the design patent term change from 14 to 15 years?
The change in design patent term from 14 to 15 years took effect on May 13, 2015. This change was implemented by the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act of 2012 (PLTIA), which was signed into law on December 18, 2012. The MPEP states:
“On December 18, 2012, the Patent Law Treaties Implementation Act of 2012 (PLTIA) was signed into law. The PLTIA among other things sets forth provisions implementing the 1999 Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (“Hague Agreement”). These provisions (Title I of the PLTIA) took effect on May 13, 2015.”
As a result, design patent applications filed on or after May 13, 2015, are granted for a term of 15 years from the date of grant.
To learn more: