Anyone know the length of a Pharmaceutical Patent?

[overst33r]

How long does a Pharmaceutical Patent last? I am guessing a decade or so...

I've been searching for a little and wanted to see if anyone knew it off the top of their head.

 

[richardycc]

20yrs.

 

[Rastus]

I think it's 17 years with a 7 year extension on top of that.

 

[Winchester]

It is 20 years from the filing date which it usually takes 18-24 months to get it actually patented so usually 18 actual years.