Tag: patent term extension

Effective Patent Life: Why Market Exclusivity in Pharmaceuticals Is Shorter Than You Think
Lee Mckenna 12 7 January 2026

Effective Patent Life: Why Market Exclusivity in Pharmaceuticals Is Shorter Than You Think

Effective patent life in pharmaceuticals is often just 10-13 years, not 20, due to lengthy drug development and regulatory delays. Secondary patents and exclusivities extend monopolies beyond legal limits.

When Do Drug Patents Expire? Understanding the 20-Year Term and Real-World Timelines
Lee Mckenna 9 28 December 2025

When Do Drug Patents Expire? Understanding the 20-Year Term and Real-World Timelines

Drug patents last 20 years from filing, but most drugs have only 7-12 years of market exclusivity due to lengthy approval processes. Patent extensions, regulatory exclusivities, and litigation shape when generics can enter.