Patents

[chrisd]

I'm not sure if I'm in the right section here or not, but I have a question on how long a patent lasts. I see many companies making aftermarket parts for older automobiles and I am wondering if the patent expires or does permission need to be granted/bought for each part made in the aftermarket?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

All the information you need can be easily found at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Take a look at the types of patents that can be filed. A patent will last for the duration prescribed by law and, during that time, the patent holder has the exclusive right to make use of or license the rights to that patent.