A tool used to determine extensions to the standard 20-year patent term compensates for delays caused by the patent office during the application process. These delays can include extended examination periods or appeals. For example, a period of unreasonable delay during examination could result in an extension of the patent’s legal lifespan.
Securing appropriate term extensions is crucial for maximizing the effective life of a patent and, consequently, the return on investment for research and development. This process recognizes that administrative delays can significantly impact the commercial value of a patent by shortening the period of exclusivity granted to the inventor. Historically, inventors faced unpredictable periods of administrative delay, potentially losing valuable market time. The implementation of tools to calculate adjustments aims to provide a fairer and more predictable system.
