FAQs Patent Questions

Question:Utility patents issued on and after 12/12/1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees

Answer:
All utility patents that issue from applications filed on and after December 12, 1980 are subject to the payment of maintenance fees which must be paid to maintain the patent in force. These fees are due at 3 1/2, 7 1/2 and 11 1/2 years from the date the patent is granted.

Question:How do I search for a particular type of patent, e.g., a design patent?

Answer:
To search for a particular type of patent, go to any one of the three search pages (Quick, Advanced, Number) and, in the appropriate patent number field (Patent Number, PN/, Query), enter the patent number including the appropriate prefix: 'D' for design patents, 'PP' for plant patents, 'R' for reissue patents, 'T' for defensive publications, 'H' for SIRs, 'X' for X patents, or 'AI' for Additional Improvements

Question:Is there a specific format in which patent information needs to be submitted to the FDA agency?

Answer:
As of August 18, 2003, patent information is required to be submitted on FDA form 3542a or FDA form 3542 depending on the approval status of the application. Form FDA 3542 is the only form that will be used for Orange Book publication.

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