do utility patents expire 
utility patents are good for up to 20 years during that time period the patent holder may have to pay maintenance fees to maintain the patent 3the bottom linenew or improved products processes or machines are eligible for utility patents which give the patent holder exclusive rights over the product this includes manufacturing and selling the product and that can be valuable when there is a market for the patented item utility patents are the most common type of patent granted by the uspto by a wide margin and they are good for up to 20 years 