Re: When does a 1986 patent issue expire?

Subject: Re: Re: When does a 1986 patent issue expire?

Comments:
: : I recalled there was a 17 year term on patents. That changed in 1995, but did it apply retroactively to in-force patents, or only new issues thence-forward? : <i>The law was not changed retroactively. It only applies to subsequently filed applications.</i> : : I am specifically interested in knowing if United States Patent 4,572,812 is still covered? : <i>As far as I can see, it expired in February 2003.</i> : : Is there a method to discover when a patent expires? : <i>I believe the law changed in June 1995. Any application filed before then expires 17 years from the date of issue. It's not printed on those patents; it's assumed that everyone knows that.</i> : <i>Patents issuing from later applications expire 20 years from the date of the earliest non-provisional U.S. patent application on which the patent is based. The front page of the patent will indicate parent applications of divisionals, continuations, and continuations-in-part. The earliest non-provisional application is the starting point for the 20 years. The front page also indicates if there is any term extension or if any portion of the term has been disclaimed (given away by the patent owner).</i> : : : The issue date of this patent might not represent the filing date -- which rules, the initial application filing date, or the date of USPTO approval and issuance? : <i>After June 1995, the latter. Before then, the former.</i> : : Thank you for your reply... : <i>I hope that helps. Regards.</i> : : Lion Kuntz : : Santa Rosa, California, USA

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