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How can I lose patent protection?

By , About.com Guide

Question: How can I lose patent protection?
Answer: If you fail to pay the periodic maintenance fees to the USPTO, your patent will expire. You can also lose your patent protection if your patent is declared invalid or unenforceable by a court action.

It is important to maintain a current address on record at the USPTO, to receive both correspondence and fee information from the USPTO for the life of your patent so that notices the USPTO may send you will get to you. 

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