FAQs Patent Questions

Question:On filing a plant or utility application on or after 11/29/2000 Inventors may choose to not publish their application

Answer:
On filing of a plant or utility application on or after November 29, 2000, an applicant may request that the application not be published, but only if the invention has not been and will not be the subject of an application filed in a foreign country that requires publication 18 months after filing (or earlier claimed priority date) or under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Question:How long does it take for a patent application to be processed?

Answer:
The average patent application pendency is 24.6 months. Applications received in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office are numbered in sequential order and the applicant will be informed within eight weeks of the application number and official filing date if filed in paper. If filed electronically, the application number is available within minutes.

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)

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