Patent Life
/ˈpætənt laɪf/
Definitions
- (n.) The period during which a patent grants exclusive rights to its holder to exploit an invention.
The patent life typically lasts 20 years from the filing date.
Forms
- patent life
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Patent life is critical for balancing inventor incentives with public access; precise calculation depends on jurisdiction-specific laws and possible extensions.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.