Evergreening definition
Evergreening means the process of refreshing software and hardware with new or updated versions to extend the lifecycle of Resources in a cost-effective manner.
Evergreening the patent. Drug companies try to renew patents after they expire by applying for new patents for “new uses” of the same product. This practice has been described as “evergreening” the patent. Under TRIPS, members are not obliged to grant patents on new uses of existing substances. The US wants provisions in FTAs to allow companies to apply for new patents for each “new use” of a product, thus allowing the patent protection to continue beyond the expiry date of the patent. Patents on new uses are required by several US FTAs.