A tool designed to determine the date on which a patent’s legal protection ends typically uses the filing date and relevant legal terms to compute this crucial date. For example, a utility patent filed in the United States after June 8, 1995, generally expires 20 years from its filing date, subject to potential extensions. Such tools often consider factors like patent term adjustments and extensions due to regulatory delays.
Knowing the precise date of lapse is crucial for businesses, researchers, and competitors. It allows for strategic planning, such as generic drug development, entry into a previously protected market, or freedom to operate analyses. Historically, determining this date required manual calculations and legal expertise. Automated tools simplify this process, increasing accessibility and reducing the risk of errors.