Patent rights generally remain enforceable for 5-20 years, depending on the invention and the country. THIS IS TRUE.
English patents - 14 year term
American patents - 17 year term. A compromise between the historical 14 years and potential 21 years of protection.
Italy and Mexico - 15 years from date of application
Japan - 15 years from publication
United Kingdom - 16 years from filing of specifications
Germany - 18 years from application
France - 20 years from filing
Argentina and Chile - 5, 10, 15 years depending on the type of invention.