Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[gvkipr]

 

I would like to know the best method to find the patent expiry dates for non-US patents.

Pls Help.

[JimIvey]

The best way is to find someone who knows patent law in the jurisdiction you care about.

The general rule is 20 years from the filing date -- perhaps from the priority date.  Most patent jurisdictions have a web site somewhere with their patent rules/laws posted.  You can try to look it up yourself.

If the patent was filed more than 20 years ago, I'd say there's over a 90% chance that it's no longer in force.  Of course, more information is always better.

Regards.

[pushpak16]

I would suggest you consider following points apart from filing date 20 years expiry dates:-
1. Any opposition filed (check prosecution history), most patent office dont update online patent resgister but offline is updated regularly so inquire in patent office.
2. maintenance fees paid or not.
3. any ongoing litigation in court.
4. Misconduct by applicant (it will help as you will know when any objection is raised against you like infringement you have sure shot idea that patent will not stand in the matter of LAW).

hope it helps