1. What is USPTO Patent Expiration?

In the United States, utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, have a term of 20 years from the filing date. This calculator determines when a patent will expire based on its filing date.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard USPTO expiration formula:

Note: This is the basic calculation. Actual expiration may be affected by patent term adjustments, maintenance fees, or other special circumstances.

3. Importance of Patent Expiration Date

Details: Knowing when a patent expires is crucial for competitors planning to enter the market, for licensing negotiations, and for determining freedom to operate.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Simply enter the patent filing date (as recorded by the USPTO) and the calculator will show the expiration date 20 years later.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are there exceptions to the 20-year rule?
A: Yes, patents may be eligible for patent term adjustments (PTA) due to USPTO delays or patent term extensions (PTE) for certain regulated products.

Q2: What about design patents?
A: Design patents have a 15-year term from issuance, not 20 years from filing.

Q3: Do maintenance fees affect expiration?
A: While failure to pay maintenance fees can cause early expiration, the maximum term is still 20 years from filing if fees are paid.

Q4: How does this apply to PCT applications?
A: For national stage entries, the 20-year term is calculated from the international filing date.

Q5: What about pre-June 8, 1995 patents?
A: Patents filed before June 8, 1995, expire either 17 years from issuance or 20 years from filing, whichever is longer.