IP Licensing Frameworks

- **Utility patents:** 20 years from filing date. Protect functional inventions (processes, machines, compositions of matter). - **Design patents:** 15 years from grant date. Protect ornamental appearance only. - **Provisional applications:** 12-month placeholder; establishes priority date but never becomes a patent itself. Costs ~$1,600–$3,200 (small entity). - **Key limitation:** Patents are territorial — a US patent provides zero protection in Europe, China, etc. PCT filing extends to 150+ countries but requires national phase entry (expensive). - **Maintenance fees:** Due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years post-grant. Miss a deadline = patent lapses. Fees: $2,000 / $3,760 / $7,700 (large entity, 2025 rates).