What is the duration of a patent?

A patent is a form of intellectual property that grants the inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a specific period. The duration for most patents, specifically utility patents in the United States, is 20 years from the filing date. This period allows the inventor to have a competitive advantage and recoup the costs associated with development and marketing.

During these 20 years, no one can make, use, sell, or distribute the patented invention without permission from the patent holder. After the term expires, the patent enters the public domain, meaning that the invention can then be freely used by anyone.

This structure is designed to promote innovation by providing inventors the incentive to invest time and resources into developing new technologies while eventually allowing society to benefit from those inventions without restriction. The other durations mentioned do not align with the established regulations regarding patent duration, as patents are not designed to last forever or for the shorter periods indicated.