What happens to a patent when it expires?
it becomes the property of the state
ownership rights are inherited
the patent is licensed
It becomes public domain
A patent allows you, and only you, to profit from your genius when you invent something new. No one else can manufacture or sell your invention unless you give permission. When a patent expires, anyone can copy your idea and market it. It becomes public domain
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Answers by country
it becomes the property of the state
ownership rights are inherited
the patent is licensed
It becomes public domain
answers
Australia25
the Netherlands16
Republic of Ireland15
Switzerland20
the United States91
Pakistan15
the United Kingdom103
Poland2570
Austria38
Germany199
Canada11
Egypt12
Greece11
India43