When does a patent enter the public domain?
A) when the patent term period has expired
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 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 the patent term period, typically 20 years from the filing date, has expired. Once it enters the public domain, the invention becomes freely available for anyone to use, make, or sell without the need for permission or payment to the patent owner.

When Does a Patent Enter the Public Domain