How long does a patent last?

In Washington State, a patent typically lasts for a period of twenty years from the date of patent application filing, as set by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This is different from copyright protection, which lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. During the twenty-year period, the patent holder has exclusive rights over the invention that is covered under the patent. This means the holder is the only one who can make, use, or sell the invention, and any use of the invention by anyone else is prohibited and can result in legal action by the patent holder. After the expiration of the patent, the invention is considered part of the public domain, and anyone can make, use, or sell the invention without the need for permission from the patent holder. In some cases, a patent may be extended beyond the original twenty-year period. This is especially likely if the patent is for a product used in the medical field, or if the patent holder has made significant changes or improvements to their invention. It is important to note that the twenty-year duration is only for granted patents in the United States. For patents outside the US, the duration may differ. It is recommended to consult an experienced lawyer if you have further questions about the length of a patent.

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