Expert Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) Services

Patent term adjustment (PTA) is a legal mechanism that compensates patent applicants for delays caused by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) during the examination process. These delays can occur due to the USPTO’s failure to meet specific deadlines, such as issuing an office action or completing the examination within a certain timeframe. As a result, the term of the granted patent may be extended beyond the standard 20 years from the filing date. At Patent Drafting Catalyst, our Patent Term Adjustment Services help inventors and companies identify and claim the full duration of PTA they’re entitled to, ensuring maximum protection for their innovations.

The patent term changed to 20 years from the date of filing with the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) on June 8, 1995. Prior to this change, the term of a U.S. patent was 17 years from the date of issuance. With the adoption of the 20-year term, delays caused by the USPTO during the examination process became more impactful, which led to the introduction of Patent Term Adjustment (PTA). To help inventors navigate these changes and secure every additional day of protection, Patent Drafting Catalyst offers expert Patent Term Adjustment Services tailored to your filing timeline and patent history.

Patent term adjustment and patent term extension serve different purposes, although both extend the life of a patent. Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) accounts for delays caused by the USPTO during the patent examination process, ensuring that the applicant is compensated for the lost time. On the other hand, patent term extension (PTE) applies specifically to products that require regulatory approval, such as pharmaceuticals or medical devices, and compensates for delays in obtaining that approval. At Patent Drafting Catalyst, we focus on delivering accurate and effective Patent Term Adjustment Services, helping you understand and claim the additional time you deserve for your utility patents.

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) works by analyzing the prosecution timeline of a patent application to determine how many days of delay were caused by the USPTO. These delays are categorized based on missed deadlines, extended examination periods, or procedural holdups. The USPTO then subtracts any delays caused by the applicant to arrive at a final PTA calculation. If you believe there’s a miscalculation, you have the right to request a correction or file an appeal. At Patent Drafting Catalyst, our Patent Term Adjustment Services include a detailed review of your file history to ensure that all eligible days are accurately counted, helping you secure a longer patent term.

You can find the Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) listed on the Issue Notification that you receive from the USPTO when your patent is granted. Additionally, this information is available through the USPTO’s Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system, which provides the official PTA calculation. However, the USPTO’s calculation may not always be accurate. That’s why many patent holders rely on Patent Drafting Catalyst. Through our dedicated Patent Term Adjustment Services, we help you verify the correctness of your PTA and assist with filing corrections if needed, ensuring you receive the full term your patent deserves.

The best Patent Term Adjustment Services provider is one that combines legal precision with a deep understanding of USPTO rules and timelines. It should offer detailed analysis, accurate calculations, and responsive support to ensure clients receive every eligible day of patent protection. Patent Drafting Catalyst is recognized as a trusted name in patent term adjustment. Our team of professionals carefully tracks delays, reviews official PTA records, and helps correct discrepancies, delivering reliable, end-to-end service that ensures your patent rights are fully preserved.