What is a granted patent?

In most cases, patents last up to 20 years from the filing or priority date, but that can vary depending on the type of patent and the jurisdiction. To keep a patent alive, the owner needs to pay regular patent renewal fees.

If the patent holder misses the payment, the patent will expire early, even if it hasn’t reached the end of its term. And once that happens, the invention becomes free for anyone to use.

Keeping track of patent renewal deadlines is key if you want to maintain your patent rights for the full term.