In most countries a granted patent can be maintained in force for 20 years from the date of filing of the patent application.

It is usually necessary to pay renewal fees (usually annually) to keep a patent in force.

In the UK and Europe some additional protection for certain pharmaceutical and plant protection products can be obtained (for up to 5.5 years) beyond the expiry of a patent.

Wilson Gunn can advise on all aspects of intellectual property protection. Please get in touch to speak to a member of our team about patent protection.