When the patent expires, the public may freely use the technology described in the patent. Back to Top of Page 9. Design patents have a 14-year term from date of issue. Most U.S. patents are called utility patents. These patents cover new processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions.
Design patents cover new ornamental designs for articles of manufacture.
Plant patents cover newly invented or discovered asexually reproduced plants. If a patent is pending, it means that a patent application has been made. Back to Top of Page 13. Fees can change each October. Currently, patent applications are maintained in secrecy until the patent issues.