| How can I find a solution on my technical problem? Patents and utility models describe very often technical solutions to certain problems. Patents which are 20 years old (filing date!) are state of the art and can be used free without paying any royalties. Further a big amount on patents is lapsed due to non-payment of fees. In the "legal status" of a patent the actual status can be examined. BUT: patents can be set in force again (depending on the country, 6-9 months). Last but not least: patents are NATIONAL laws. Example: a patented technology in USA can be used free in Europe if it is not patented there. |
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