When does a patent enter the public domain?
A)when the patent term expires
B)when the patent has been challenged in court and found to be an infringement
C)when the government deems that the practical purpose of the invention is universally applicable and cannot be controlled by one individual or a group of people
D)when the invention is either obvious or not a novel one

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patent enters the public domain when its term of protection has expired. This allows the invention to be freely used, manufactured, and sold by anyone without permission or payment of royalties to the original patent holder.

When Does a Patent Enter the Public Domain