FAQs Patent Questions

Question:How long is exclusivity granted for?

Answer:
It depends on what type of exclusivity is granted. Orphan Drug (ODE) - 7 years New Chemical (NCE)- 5 years "Other" Exclusivity - 3 years for a "change" if criteria are met Pediatric Exclusivity (PED) - 6 months added to existing Patents/Exclusivity Patent Challenge – (PC) – 180 days (this exclusivity is for ANDAs only)

Question:An inventor faces possible loss of benefits during his two-year retention period.

Answer:
The two-year retention period is not a “grace period” during which the inventor can wait to file his or her patent application without possible loss of benefits. It must be recognized that, in establishing priority of invention, an affidavit or testimony referring to a Disclosure Document must usually also establish diligence in completing the invention or in filing the patent application after the filing of the Disclosure Document.

Question:Is there any danger that the USPTO will give others information contained in my application while it is pending?

Answer:
Most patent applications filed on or after November 29, 2000, will be published 18 months after the filing date of the application, or any earlier filing date relied upon under Title 35, United States Code. Otherwise, all patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the patent is issued or the application is published. After the application has been published, however, a member of the public may request a copy of the application file.

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