Intellectual property longevity varies by type. Patents are good for a minimum of 15 years and maximum of 20 years. Copyrights last for the life of the creator plus 70 years. (Works made for hire are protected for 95 years after publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.) Trademarks can live forever if they remain in use and are renewed as needed. Trade secrets can also live forever, as long as they are never discovered.