Good question. What I've been reading is 20 years from the application. Others factors apply and can extend such time not to mention exclusionary rules. If Dec 8,2000 was the application date then it would be 2020 not to mention exceptions and other factors of protection.
The maximum term of a European patent is 20 years from its filing date. The patent may lapse earlier if the annual renewal fees are not paid or if the patent is revoked by the patentee or after opposition proceedings. In certain cases (medical or plant protection product patents) it is possible to extend the period of protection.
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