History

• The United States Patent Act dates back to 1790, when the first version of the act was passed. Since that time, the act has been subject to a multitude of reviews and reassessments. The most recent reform legislation, the Patent Reform Act, was introduced to Congress in 2009.
  
  

Content

• The United States Patent Act, as it currently stands, provides patentees the right to stop others from using, selling, or making the invention she has patented. It allows inventors to create inventions without fear they will be immediately copied, made and sold by others.
  
  

60-Day Period

• The 60-day period refers to the process by which one applies for an extension of the term of a patent. To do this, an application must be submitted to the United States Patent Office Director within 60 days after the product has received permission for commercial use or marketing. For example, if your invention needs approval from the FDA before you can make it available commercially, the application for an extension on the patent for this product must be submitted within 60 days of the approval of the FDA.