What does a patent cover and how long for?

A patent can be kept in force for a period of up to 20 years. This period starts from the date of filing. Annual renewal fees beginning on the fourth anniversary of the filing date are required in order to keep the patent or application in force.

While granted and in force, the patentee has the exclusive right to make, use, license and sell the patented invention, and to prevent other infringing those exclusive rights.

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