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PatentCliff

Updated April 2026 · USPTO + FDA Orange Book

Patents Expiring in 2026

87 U.S. patents losing protection this calendar year, by assignee and technology class.

87 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2026, this calendar year. The full list below is built from USPTO patent records — every entry shows the assignee, expiration date, and CPC technology class as filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

What the 2026 Cohort Looks Like

87 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2026 based on current USPTO records. Smaller annual cohorts often appear at the edges of a tracked window or during periods of reduced filing activity 20 years earlier.

Google sits at the top of the 2026 expiration list with 6 patents, followed by Samsung (4) and Apple (4). Concentrated expirations in a single assignee often signal a coordinated product family reaching the end of its patent life — a pattern most visible in pharmaceutical compound families and consumer electronics platforms.

Among technology classes, Computing & Data Processing leads the 2026 expirations with 93 patents, with Telecommunications the next-largest cluster (90). The mix of CPC classes in a single year provides a reasonable map of which technology areas are about to see a step-change in new entrants and lower licensing pressure.

Expiring Patents — Full List

Patent #TitleAssigneeGrantedExpiresClaimsStatus
10003999Method for efficient wireless communication using lidarAdobeDec 12, 2009Apr 22, 2026230.0y left
10005166System for low-latency neural network processing with blockchainAgilentFeb 12, 2009Dec 21, 2026370.7y left
10001035System for enhanced signal transmission in blockchain networksAmazonJun 10, 2008Aug 16, 202660.4y left
10002417System and method for scalable data processing using CMOSAMDMar 10, 2010May 5, 2026110.1y left
10002424Method for dynamic machine learning inference using RFAMDOct 8, 2010Feb 16, 202628Expired
10002937Apparatus for efficient computational operations in neural environmentsAmgenOct 2, 2010Sep 11, 2026400.4y left
10000710System for efficient signal transmission in graphene networksAppleApr 10, 2010Oct 6, 2026150.5y left
10000739System for efficient neural network processing with quantumAppleJul 18, 2010Oct 25, 2026190.6y left
10003126Method for modular wireless communication using CMOSAstraZenecaJan 6, 2010Oct 9, 2026350.5y left
10003153Apparatus for scalable computational operations in edge environmentsAstraZenecaMay 13, 2010May 12, 2026320.1y left
10004471System for optimized neural network processing with 5GBAE SystemsJul 6, 2010Nov 1, 2026410.6y left
10004477Apparatus for modular data encoding in RF systemsBAE SystemsNov 9, 2009Jan 9, 202640Expired
10003251Apparatus for autonomous computational operations in CMOS environmentsBayerFeb 13, 2010Nov 19, 2026360.6y left
10005199System for dynamic neural network processing with AI-drivenBecton DickinsonAug 20, 2010Apr 8, 2026420.0y left
10003752System for autonomous signal transmission in CMOS networksBMWJun 21, 2009May 27, 2026460.1y left
10004630Method for adaptive wireless communication using CMOSBoston ScientificMay 11, 2008Mar 22, 202644Expired
10004641System and method for integrated data processing using analogBoston ScientificJul 19, 2010Sep 18, 2026270.4y left
10002820Method for optimized channel estimation in photonic communicationsBristol-Myers SquibbJun 23, 2010Oct 3, 2026160.5y left
10002823System for advanced neural network processing with photonicBristol-Myers SquibbMar 23, 2010Dec 13, 2026490.7y left
10002851Apparatus for integrated data encoding in MEMS systemsBristol-Myers SquibbDec 13, 2009Nov 27, 2026190.6y left
10001939System and method for autonomous data processing using CMOSBroadcomMar 2, 2010Mar 27, 20267Expired
10000297System for high-performance signal transmission in photonic networksCanonNov 23, 2009Jul 26, 2026360.3y left
10001738System for dynamic signal transmission in digital networksCiscoApr 15, 2009Dec 2, 2026410.7y left
10004314System for scalable signal transmission in neural networksDeereNov 10, 2010Jan 23, 202638Expired
10003331Apparatus for low-latency computational operations in photonic environmentsDowNov 15, 2010Nov 15, 2026260.6y left
10003374Method for high-performance wireless communication using 5GDowAug 7, 2008Feb 19, 202645Expired
10003448System for integrated signal transmission in edge networksDuPontJan 24, 2009Jun 10, 2026410.2y left
10002808Method for adaptive channel estimation in cloud communicationsEli LillyJan 25, 2008Sep 3, 2026480.4y left
10001809System and method for low-latency data processing using cloudEricssonSep 1, 2010May 18, 2026420.1y left
10003805Computer-implemented method for scalable blockchain optimizationFacebookNov 12, 2008Sep 1, 2026370.4y left
10003587System and method for efficient data processing using CMOSFordOct 21, 2010Nov 10, 2026480.6y left
10001415Method for enhanced blockchain energy storageGeneral ElectricJul 15, 2008Apr 5, 202621Expired
10003606System for improved signal transmission in neural networksGeneral MotorsMar 7, 2010Feb 10, 202627Expired
10000891Method for multi-layer machine learning inference using 5GGoogleJul 11, 2008Jan 20, 202622Expired
10000913Computer-implemented method for enhanced RF optimizationGoogleDec 24, 2009Apr 19, 2026150.0y left
10003689Method for efficient machine learning inference using photonicHondaJun 7, 2010May 9, 2026220.1y left
10003691Method for adaptive machine learning inference using analogHondaJun 11, 2009Oct 10, 2026150.5y left
10003718System and method for advanced data processing using cloudHondaAug 20, 2009Dec 21, 2026320.7y left
10002053Method for dynamic lidar detection and analysisHoneywellMay 23, 2008Jun 14, 2026300.2y left
10002070Method for dynamic MEMS detection and analysisHoneywellAug 15, 2009Jul 27, 2026110.3y left
10002094efficient measurement apparatus using lidarHoneywellJan 8, 2010Apr 24, 202680.0y left
10004093Apparatus for adaptive computational operations in 5G environmentsHPDec 3, 2009Oct 18, 2026440.5y left
10004104Method for low-latency channel estimation in photonic communicationsHPMar 9, 2008Nov 1, 2026210.6y left
10004112Apparatus for efficient computational operations in quantum environmentsHPFeb 4, 2009Aug 8, 2026490.3y left
10001081Method for efficient wireless communication using neuralHuaweiJun 12, 2008Aug 23, 2026450.4y left
10000027System for dynamic neural network processing with photonicIBMDec 27, 2009Feb 26, 202616Expired
10004371Method for advanced channel estimation in digital communicationsIllinois Tool WorksJan 26, 2009Oct 2, 2026390.5y left
10002635System for distributed neural network processing with grapheneJohnson & JohnsonJun 17, 2008Mar 11, 202638Expired
10002287Method for autonomous machine learning inference using neuralLockheed MartinMay 21, 2009Dec 21, 2026160.7y left
10004805Apparatus for modular data encoding in graphene systemsMastercardJun 13, 2009Jun 16, 2026260.2y left
10002760distributed cloud enzymatic processMerckNov 18, 2008Jun 20, 2026420.2y left
10002437Apparatus for enhanced computational operations in lidar environmentsMicronAug 14, 2009Mar 9, 202633Expired
10002455Method for modular machine learning inference using 5GMicronOct 15, 2010Apr 1, 202618Expired
10001882System for improved neural network processing with AI-drivenNokiaFeb 22, 2010Oct 6, 2026220.5y left
10001887Method for optimized channel estimation in lidar communicationsNokiaOct 27, 2009Apr 14, 2026230.0y left
10001888Method for integrated wireless communication using CMOSNokiaMay 28, 2010Dec 24, 2026480.7y left
10003041Method for low-latency wireless communication using grapheneNovartisJun 25, 2008Nov 28, 202670.6y left
10003061Method for modular wireless communication using blockchainNovartisApr 2, 2010May 25, 2026410.1y left
10002358Method of fabricating optimized digital componentsNvidiaAug 17, 2008Jun 7, 2026110.2y left
10001787Method for distributed channel estimation in quantum communicationsOracleDec 22, 2009May 13, 2026210.1y left
10001647Computer-implemented method for integrated AI-driven optimizationPanasonicSep 15, 2010Sep 15, 2026350.4y left
10001659System and method for adaptive data processing using blockchainPanasonicMay 6, 2008Jun 4, 2026230.2y left
10001665Apparatus for adaptive data encoding in digital systemsPanasonicSep 6, 2010Apr 27, 2026270.1y left
10001670Method for high-performance wireless communication using photonicPanasonicOct 27, 2008Feb 25, 202639Expired
10004396Apparatus for advanced data encoding in RF systemsParker HannifinMay 4, 2010Nov 6, 2026410.6y left
10004858System and method for enhanced data processing using digitalPayPalMay 8, 2008Jan 9, 202628Expired
10002686Pharmaceutical composition comprising enhanced photonic compoundsPfizerOct 22, 2008Mar 16, 202642Expired
10002688Therapeutic agent with modular graphene mechanismPfizerOct 12, 2008Nov 17, 2026380.6y left
10001568Apparatus for integrated data encoding in edge systemsPhilipsOct 19, 2008Jul 25, 2026390.3y left
10002231Method for multi-layer channel estimation in CMOS communicationsRaytheonFeb 5, 2010Apr 13, 2026350.0y left
10002985Method for optimized channel estimation in 5G communicationsRegeneronFeb 15, 2010Sep 14, 2026220.4y left
10003007Apparatus for enhanced computational operations in cloud environmentsRegeneronAug 23, 2009Jan 16, 20268Expired
10000164Apparatus for multi-layer computational operations in blockchain environmentsSamsungMar 25, 2009Jul 6, 202660.2y left
10000187Semiconductor device with integrated analog structureSamsungApr 17, 2010Mar 1, 202627Expired
10003189Apparatus for distributed data encoding in cloud systemsSanofiApr 13, 2009Jan 3, 20266Expired
10001538Power conversion system with low-latency nano-scale efficiencySiemensDec 6, 2010Apr 10, 2026370.0y left
10001539Method for distributed machine learning inference using lidarSiemensDec 21, 2008Oct 20, 2026260.5y left
10001230Computer-implemented method for distributed graphene optimizationSonyApr 17, 2009Sep 4, 202670.4y left
10001239System and method for high-performance data processing using edgeSonyDec 6, 2009Oct 26, 2026290.6y left
10004907Apparatus for autonomous data encoding in CMOS systemsStripeMar 20, 2009Jan 18, 202610Expired
10004673Computer-implemented method for scalable 5G optimizationStrykerJul 10, 2008Jul 7, 2026270.2y left
10004697System and method for scalable data processing using 5GStrykerFeb 27, 2010Jul 2, 2026480.2y left
10003669Method for improved machine learning inference using 5GTeslaMar 4, 2010Feb 28, 202615Expired
10002007Method for high-performance machine learning inference using CMOSTexas InstrumentsMar 15, 2010Sep 27, 202690.5y left
10005062Method for distributed wireless communication using digitalThermo FisherMay 25, 2009Aug 9, 2026450.3y left
10000560Computer-implemented method for dynamic edge optimizationTSMCSep 26, 2010Sep 5, 2026110.4y left
10000581Apparatus for low-latency computational operations in quantum environmentsTSMCJul 9, 2009Apr 1, 202631Expired

Why These Expirations Matter

When a U.S. patent expires, its claims enter the public domain. For pharmaceutical patents, that is the trigger that lets generic manufacturers file an Abbreviated New Drug Application under the FDA approval process using the brand drug\'s safety data — a pathway that typically delivers 80–95% list-price drops within 12–18 months. For non-drug patents (semiconductors, consumer electronics, industrial equipment), expiration usually translates directly into competitive entry without the regulatory delay.

Cross-reference any drug-related expiration on this page with the FDA Orange Book, which lists all currently in-force exclusivities and patents tied to approved drug products. The Orange Book exclusivity dates can extend market protection past the patent expiration shown here.

How 2026 Compares to Adjacent Years

The following expiration year, 2027, has 123 patents on the books — making 2026 a lighter cohort relative to next year.

How These Expirations Are Calculated

Each expiration date is computed from USPTO patent records using the standard 20-years-from-earliest-non-provisional-filing rule. Patent Term Adjustments (granted to compensate for USPTO processing delays) and Patent Term Extensions (granted under the Hatch-Waxman Act for time lost during FDA review) are applied where present in the federal record. For pharmaceutical patents, FDA-granted exclusivities can extend market protection past the patent expiry shown here — those are tracked separately on each drug profile. Read the full methodology for the data pipeline and known limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many patents are expiring in 2026?

87 U.S. utility patents tracked by PatentCliff are scheduled to lose protection in 2026. That count comes directly from USPTO records using the standard 20-years-from-earliest-non-provisional-filing rule, with Patent Term Adjustments and Patent Term Extensions applied where the federal record specifies them.

Which companies have the most patents expiring in 2026?

Google leads with 6 patents, followed by Samsung (4), Apple (4), Sony (4). Concentrated expirations in a single assignee often track to a specific product family — pharmaceutical compound families, semiconductor process generations, or consumer electronics platforms tend to cluster.

What happens when a U.S. patent expires?

When a patent expires, the technology it covers enters the public domain. Anyone can manufacture, use, or sell products based on the expired patent without licensing or royalty payments. For drug patents specifically, expiration is a precondition for generic competition — but FDA-granted exclusivities can extend market protection past patent expiry, and method-of-use patents may remain in force even after the compound patent expires. For non-drug patents, expiration is more straightforward and typically translates into immediate competitive entry.

Are these dates final?

The expiration dates shown reflect the current USPTO record as of 2026-04-10. Dates can shift in two ways: USPTO can grant a Patent Term Adjustment correcting for prosecution delays, or the manufacturer can secure a Hatch-Waxman Patent Term Extension on a drug patent that compensates for FDA review time. Both adjustments appear in the federal record and are reflected here when present. Always confirm against the live USPTO record before making a downstream decision.

Where can I verify these patent expirations?

Every patent in the table below carries its USPTO patent number. You can verify any individual patent through USPTO Patent Public Search (ppubs.uspto.gov), Google Patents, or — for drugs — the FDA Orange Book listings. The federal source is always authoritative; this page is a structured presentation of those records, not an independent calculation.

All companies →Plain-English guides →Methodology →

Sources: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PatentsView, Open Data Portal) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Orange Book). Public-domain federal data. Cite as: "PatentCliff, April 2026 reading. Data: USPTO + FDA Orange Book."

Last updated 2026-04-10 · 87 patents tracked for 2026.

The this entity category groups every U.S. pharmaceutical patent expirations entity sharing this attribute. The list above is the data; the paragraphs below explain what the grouping means against the broader the FDA Orange Book and USPTO patent records distribution and how to read the relative rankings within the category.

For readers using this category as a starting point, the per-entity detail pages linked from the table above carry the underlying the FDA Orange Book and USPTO patent records data in full. The category-level view is the filter; the per-entity pages are the actual answer.