How long does a patent usually last?

A patent typically lasts for 20 years from the filing date of the application. This standard duration is widely observed globally, as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) mandates a minimum 20-year term for World Trade Organization member countries.12

While 20 years is the standard, the duration can vary based on the jurisdiction and the specific type of patent:

• Design Patents: In countries such as the United States, these often have shorter terms, typically lasting 15 years.1
• Extensions: Certain patents, such as those for pharmaceuticals, may be granted extensions to compensate for time lost during the regulatory approval process.1

This two-decade term is designed to balance the rights of inventors to benefit from their creations with the public interest of eventually allowing inventions to enter the public domain.1