From which date does the term of a patent begin?

From which date does the term of a patent begin?

• A. The filing date of the application
• B. The date of grant
• C. The date of first publication
• D. The date of registration

Answer: (A)

The term of a patent starts at the filing date of the patent application. This clock is set when you file (often tied to the earliest effective priority date), and the protected period runs from that moment, typically about 20 years, subject to any extensions for administrative delays. The grant date simply marks when rights become enforceable, not when the term begins. First publication and registration reveal or record the invention but do not start the term clock.

The term of a patent starts at the filing date of the patent application. This clock is set when you file (often tied to the earliest effective priority date), and the protected period runs from that moment, typically about 20 years, subject to any extensions for administrative delays. The grant date simply marks when rights become enforceable, not when the term begins. First publication and registration reveal or record the invention but do not start the term clock.