What are the main patent types, and how do they differ?
Reviewed by
Dominic Davies, patent attorney (20+ years)
· Last reviewed
September 7, 2026
Utility patents protect function, design patents protect ornamental appearance, and plant patents protect new asexually reproduced plant varieties. Utility patents last 20 years from filing everywhere, with maintenance or renewal fees required; US design patents last 15 years from grant with no fees, while EU and UK registered designs can last up to 25 years with five-yearly renewals.
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