Can I renew my patent?

No. Patents are not renewable.  Once their term expires, they enter the public domain. 

However, you can file for an improvement that was not previously known and possibly obtain a patent on the improved invention.  Once the first patent enters the public domain, others will still be able to practice the original invention, though; just not the improvement.

For more information on intellectual property, please visit Patent, Trademark, Copyright Information.

The content of this article is not intended to be, and does not constitute, legal advice and does not create attorney-client privilege. Consult the attorney of your choice before embarking on any legal matter or any document preparation/filing.

Dr. Thomas R. (Terry) Williamson III is a Patent Attorney practicing in Atlanta, Georgia.

C2008, Williamson Intellectual Property Law, LLC; all rights reserved, world-wide.