PATENT-TERM EXTENSION

patent-term extension.A lengthening of the time a patent remains in force, given to compensate inventors for time lost because of administrative delays such as interferences, secrecy orders, or appeals. • The extension applies to utility and plant patents issued after June 7, 1995 and before May 29, 2000. Its maximum length is five years. Cf. PATENT-TERM ADJUSTMENT. [Cases: Patents  133. C.J.S. Patents §§ 234–235.]

[Blacks Law 8th]