As it turns out, there are as many origin stories for barbecue as there are spellings of the word on neon signs. These explanations range from a linguistic attempt to connect barbecue to boucan (also French) to a tall tale tracing barbecue to a Texas rancher who happened to brand the initials B.Q. on his livestock.
Patent protection usually ends when the patent expires. Here are the expiration dates: For all utility patents filed before June 8, 1995, the patent term is 20 years from date of filing, or 17 years from date of issuance, whichever period is longer.
According European Patent convention expiry of European patent if it is not withdrawn, abandoned, revoked or lapsed is 20 year from filing date; it can be extended by contracting state; Article 63[ 53 ] Term of the European patent. Art. 2. (1) The term of the European patent shall be 20 years from the date of filing of the application.