How long does a Patent last for?

Question: How long does a Patent last for?

Answer:

There are two different types of patents that have different commercial lives.

a standard patent which may last up to 20 years (or 25 years for pharmaceutical substances)
an innovation patent which may last up to 8 years

Whilst all patents must be new and useful, a standard patent must involve an inventive step. In contrast, an innovative patent need only involve an innovative step. Whether a step is considered inventive or innovative will depend on the extent to which the invention relies on existing published information or background knowledge.

Answered by Daniel Smith

As a trademark lawyer, Daniel can help you with your trade mark registration process and provide advice on how best to protect your brand. In addition to his trade mark experience, he’s worked in litigation and brings in extensive IT know-how as well. Daniel uses both his in-depth technical knowledge and legal experience to understand his clients’ business needs and help them achieve the best possible outcome.

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