How long does the Deer Solution utility patent generally continue from the initial filing date?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 14: PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION]
No other patents or patent applications are material to the franchise. Once issued, patents generally continue for 20 years from the initial filing date. Our right to use this patent is not materially limited by any agreement or known infringing use. We may copyright advertising materials and design specifications, our Manuals and other written materials and items. We have not applied to the USPTO for the issuance of any patents.
| Patent Number (P) (If Issued) or Serial Number (S) (If Not Yet Issued) | Filing Date of Patent | Type of Patent | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18/384,937 | October 30, 2023 | Utility | ANIMAL AND INSECT REPELLENT AND METHOD OF ITS USE |
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a utility patent generally lasts for 20 years from its initial filing date. Deer Solution has one utility patent, titled "ANIMAL AND INSECT REPELLENT AND METHOD OF ITS USE," with the serial number 18/384,937. The filing date for this patent is October 30, 2023.
For a prospective Deer Solution franchisee, this means that the utility patent protecting the animal and insect repellent formula and its application method is expected to remain in effect until October 30, 2043, provided it is properly maintained. This patent protection gives Deer Solution a competitive advantage by preventing others from using the same methods or formulas without permission.
It is important to note that while the FDD states patents generally continue for 20 years, this is contingent on the patent being properly maintained and not successfully challenged. The FDD also mentions that Deer Solution has not applied to the USPTO for the issuance of any other patents, so this is the only patent that is material to the franchise. Franchisees should be aware that Deer Solution "may copyright advertising materials and design specifications, our Manuals and other written materials and items."