How long does it take to get a patent?

Getting a patent in Minnesota can take a lengthy amount of time. It begins with the filing of a patent application. The application must be reviewed and, if accepted, the patent process can move forward. The timeframe to get a patent in Minnesota depends on many factors, including the complexity of the application, the backlog of applications in process, and the number of prior art references (other patents, existing products or articles) that must be reviewed. In general, the patent process can take anywhere from three months to two years or longer. After filing the patent application, a preliminary review and search of prior art references take place. If the patent is approved, an examination is conducted and an official review of the patent application goes into effect. This phase typically takes eighteen to twenty-four months. Once the patent is approved, the applicant will receive an official patent certificate and the patent is published in the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent will be valid for twenty years from the date of filing. Thus, getting a patent in Minnesota can be a long process. It starts with the filing of a patent application and can last anywhere from three months to more than two years. After the patent is approved, the legally protected invention can be used by the patent holder for twenty years.

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