The Speed Dial Screen ........................................................................................................................ 13. Working in the Speed Dial Screen ........................................................................................................ 14. Managing Your Speed Dial List ...........................................................................................................
(As of year 2005). Answer: Utility and plant patents are granted for a term which begins with the date of the grant and usually ends 20 years from the date the applications were filed. You must make the timely payment of the appropriate maintenance fees. Design patents last 14 years from the date you are granted the patent. No maintenance fees are required for design patents.
Patent protection usually ends when the patent expires. For all utility patents filed before June 8, 1995, the patent term is 20 years from date of filing, or 17 years from date of issuance, whichever period is longer.