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Thank you for this forum with lots of great information.

I did a patent search registered under the number: Legal status of EP1020844 (A2) 2000-07-19; EP1020844 (A3) 2004-04-28

A priori the patent is free of rights (validity 20 years) but I note that modifications have been made during the period. Does this mean that there is an extension of the validity period of this patent?

I sent an email to the EPO department, so far no feedback.

If anyone can give me expert help regarding this patent and rights.

Thanking you in advance

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  • I'm not sure validity is what you are questioning. Perhaps freedom to operate?
    – Eric S
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 0:42
  • I'm sorry the lack of expertise in the matter makes me poorly expressed and therefore understand. Absolutely, in fact I want to know if we can freely use the model protected by this patent or not?!
    – TOPREFEREE
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 1:01
  • Please see my answer.
    – Eric S
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 4:18

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I believe EP1020844 (A3)'s priority date is 01/16/1999. Issued patents generally are in force for 20 years from their priority date. Looking at the INPADOC legal status page, the last entry from 2008/03/07 states:

"STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN".

This suggests the application was never granted as a patent. Even if it did, we are more than 20 years from the priority date.

I am not a lawyer and this is not a legal opinion. You would be best served getting a formal freedom to operate opinion. Also, please keep in mind that while this patent application may not be in force, there is always the potential for other relevant patents.

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  • Thanks a lot for tour answer!Can you please explain to me exactly what you mean by « Also, please keep in mind that while this patent application may not be in force, there is always the potential for other relevant patents »
    – TOPREFEREE
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 1:03
  • @TOPREFEREE What I mean is that avoiding one doesn’t mean you avoid all patents. It’s a good idea to do a thorough patent search to make sure there isn’t some problematic patent out there.
    – Eric S
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 4:17
  • Thank you very very much!
    – TOPREFEREE
    Commented Feb 19, 2022 at 10:39

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