Every patent is far more than a formality protecting your
invention. It is an investment in innovation – one
that demands a long-term, informed approach to generate ongoing
value for your business.
The secret to extracting these returns is appropriate
maintenance, and the secret to managing patent renewals is
foresight. If you know what comes around every corner, from fees
and due dates to potential challenges and complications, you can
prepare a strategy that will consistently secure your Intellectual Property (IP) success.
The what and why of patent renewals
A patent is generally granted for a maximum of 20 years from the
filing date, during which time the holder will have rights to
exclude others in the jurisdiction from manufacturing, using or
distributing the invention or products directly created by it.
Although there is no obligation to retain a patent for this full
term, you must pay maintenance fees throughout its actual lifetime,
sometimes starting
