The Clock is Ticking on Your 20-Year Patent: 5 Steps to Maximise Its Value While You Can

When you secure a patent, you're not just protecting an invention - you’re being granted a commercial head start. But that head start has an expiry date. With most patents lasting just 20 years, every month matters. Are you doing everything you can to capitalise on that monopoly window? Below are five ways to make sure your patent doesn’t just sit on a shelf gathering dust but works hard for your business while the clock is still ticking.

1. Extend Your Reach

Many patent owners start with protection in one jurisdiction and stop there. But if you plan to manufacture, distribute, or license your product internationally - or even might do so - now is the time to consider global protection. Lysaght can manage patent filings in over 200 jurisdictions, helping you expand your commercial safety net with minimal fuss.

2. Plan for Licensing Early

Licensing your patent to others can turn your invention into a passive income stream. But you need the right agreements, pricing strategies and regional protections in place. Start thinking now about potential licensees and how your IP portfolio could work harder for you.

3. Monitor the Market

Your monopoly is only as strong as your enforcement. Are you keeping tabs on copycat products or competitive filings in key markets? A robust monitoring strategy is essential - and it often flags not just infringement, but new market opportunities you hadn’t considered.

4. Maximise Your Visibility

Patents don’t sell themselves. A press release, a LinkedIn post, or even just adding it prominently to your website can signal innovation, protect your commercial edge, and attract potential partners or investors. If you're proud of what you've created, don’t hide it.

5. Audit and Optimise

What else is sitting in your IP portfolio that could be consolidated, extended, or streamlined? Are there divisional patents, continuations, or related filings worth exploring? Now is the time to take stock and make smart strategic decisions before the 20-year mark creeps closer.

Need help taking the next step?

Lysaght provides seamless support across over 200 jurisdictions worldwide. From initial filing to portfolio expansion and enforcement, we make global protection simple and commercially smart. Let us help you make the most of your 20-year monopoly – before someone else does.