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How long do drug patents last?

Drug patents are just like any other patent and in the United States patents are now granted for a term of 20 years from the date of application (14 years for design patents). Different rules apply for patents covered by applications filed before June 8, 1995 and patents may be extended only by a special act of Congress. Certain pharmaceutical patents may be extended under the Hatch-Waxman Act and there are very specific rules governing such extensions. It would be best if you discuss any specific questions with an attorney such as the ones at the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt at 972-412-2671.