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.
Owners have the right to sue anyone who makes, uses, or sells the invention without the owner's consent for patent infringement. These rights last 20 years from the date of the application. After a patent expires, so do the exclusive rights of the patent holder.wners have the right to sue anyone who makes, uses, or sells the invention without the owner's consent for patent infringement. These rights last 20 years from the date of the application. After a patent expires, so do the exclusive rights of the patent holder.