Legal Definitions - duration

In legal contexts, duration refers to the total length of time that something exists, remains valid, or continues to be in effect.

• Example 1: A Service Contract
  Imagine a company that signs a contract with a software provider for technical support. The contract specifies that the support services will be provided for a period of three years. The duration of this service contract is three years, meaning the agreement is legally binding and active for that specific timeframe.

• Example 2: A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
  A court might issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to prevent a party from taking certain actions, such as selling an asset, until a full hearing can be held. The order might state it is effective for 14 days. The duration of the TRO is 14 days, after which it typically expires unless extended by the court.

• Example 3: A Patent's Protection Period
  When an inventor obtains a patent for a new invention, the patent grants them exclusive rights to that invention for a specific period, typically 20 years from the filing date in many countries. The duration of the patent protection is 20 years, during which no one else can legally make, use, or sell the invention without the patent holder's permission.