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PatentCliff

Updated April 2026 · USPTO + FDA Orange Book

Patents Expiring in 2027

123 U.S. patents losing protection next year, by assignee and technology class.

123 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2027, next 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 2027 Cohort Looks Like

A focused cohort of 123 U.S. patents expires in 2027. While not a headline cliff year by total count, the company-by-company impact can still be meaningful — a single drug or product line losing exclusivity often involves only a handful of listed patents.

Intel sits at the top of the 2027 expiration list with 6 patents, followed by Meta (5) and Eli Lilly and Company (5). 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 2027 expirations with 129 patents, with Telecommunications the next-largest cluster (125). 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
10002180Method for multi-layer machine learning inference using 5G3MApr 6, 2009Jan 24, 202790.8y left
10002198Apparatus for integrated computational operations in blockchain environments3MOct 12, 2009Aug 25, 2027251.4y left
10002605System and method for configurable data processing using blockchainAbbottSep 10, 2011Feb 21, 202790.9y left
10002611Apparatus for low-latency data encoding in quantum systemsAbbottJun 21, 2009Nov 19, 2027121.6y left
10005160Method for improved wireless communication using 5GAgilentMay 16, 2009Apr 7, 202751.0y left
10002416System and method for improved data processing using neuralAMDNov 5, 2009Jan 8, 2027380.8y left
10002911Apparatus for integrated data encoding in CMOS systemsAmgenNov 9, 2010May 5, 2027311.1y left
10000740Method for efficient channel estimation in photonic communicationsAppleOct 27, 2009Feb 10, 2027430.8y left
10002498Apparatus for improved data encoding in quantum systemsApplied MaterialsSep 12, 2009Dec 5, 2027131.7y left
10002511System for efficient neural network processing with digitalApplied MaterialsFeb 13, 2011Apr 23, 2027351.0y left
10002526Computer-implemented method for low-latency photonic optimizationApplied MaterialsAug 17, 2011Nov 14, 2027441.6y left
10003144Method for dynamic channel estimation in lidar communicationsAstraZenecaAug 23, 2010Nov 28, 202751.6y left
10003146Method for enhanced machine learning inference using AI-drivenAstraZenecaJul 6, 2010Sep 24, 2027191.5y left
10003395Method for advanced wireless communication using RFBASFApr 19, 2009Mar 2, 2027360.9y left
10003400System and method for configurable data processing using grapheneBASFApr 8, 2009Dec 3, 2027311.7y left
10003407Method for enhanced channel estimation in lidar communicationsBASFDec 19, 2009Dec 11, 2027441.7y left
10003408Apparatus for improved computational operations in neural environmentsBASFFeb 23, 2011Oct 22, 2027231.5y left
10005215System for improved signal transmission in graphene networksBecton DickinsonJun 18, 2010Jun 22, 2027421.2y left
10004940Method for dynamic machine learning inference using CMOSBlue OriginAug 11, 2009Aug 15, 2027271.4y left
10004948System for low-latency neural network processing with neuralBlue OriginSep 28, 2010Dec 11, 2027261.7y left
10003765Computer-implemented method for multi-layer 5G optimizationBMWFeb 7, 2010Nov 8, 2027461.6y left
10004655Method for low-latency machine learning inference using CMOSBoston ScientificSep 24, 2010Dec 10, 2027331.7y left
10004665System and method for scalable data processing using RFBoston ScientificOct 6, 2011Feb 26, 2027460.9y left
10002835System for multi-layer neural network processing with photonicBristol-Myers SquibbJun 28, 2010Jul 17, 2027251.3y left
10002847System for low-latency neural network processing with edgeBristol-Myers SquibbFeb 1, 2010May 13, 2027221.1y left
10001935Method for modular machine learning inference using digitalBroadcomMay 14, 2009Jun 23, 2027311.2y left
10001948System for multi-layer neural network processing with AI-drivenBroadcomMar 10, 2011Dec 12, 202751.7y left
10001956System for advanced signal transmission in digital networksBroadcomJun 6, 2009May 8, 2027351.1y left
10001702Method for high-performance machine learning inference using CMOSCiscoNov 27, 2010Nov 14, 202791.6y left
10001731Computer-implemented method for configurable neural optimizationCiscoSep 3, 2009Apr 5, 2027331.0y left
10003500Apparatus for high-performance data encoding in nano-scale systemsCorningJul 7, 2011Jun 17, 2027121.2y left
10004278Method for configurable channel estimation in neural communicationsDeereNov 17, 2010Nov 26, 2027201.6y left
10004299System for low-latency signal transmission in quantum networksDeereMar 10, 2011Dec 8, 2027261.7y left
10004316Apparatus for dynamic data encoding in photonic systemsDeereJun 23, 2010Apr 4, 2027371.0y left
10004081Method for configurable wireless communication using MEMSDellSep 13, 2010Nov 4, 2027411.6y left
10003332System for adaptive neural network processing with RFDowNov 19, 2011Jan 19, 2027400.8y left
10003346Method for improved channel estimation in CMOS communicationsDowFeb 27, 2010Jan 5, 2027490.7y left
10003468System and method for efficient data processing using quantumDuPontJan 21, 2010Jul 25, 2027201.3y left
10003476Method for low-latency channel estimation in RF communicationsDuPontJul 5, 2009Aug 7, 2027461.3y left
10002776Apparatus for enhanced data encoding in neural systemsEli LillyNov 4, 2010Jun 23, 2027221.2y left
10002794Apparatus for dynamic data encoding in digital systemsEli LillyFeb 10, 2011May 6, 2027181.1y left
10004322System and method for enhanced data processing using MEMSEmersonOct 21, 2010Nov 14, 2027481.6y left
10004341Method for distributed channel estimation in RF communicationsEmersonMay 22, 2010Apr 16, 2027161.0y left
10001825Method for low-latency wireless communication using analogEricssonMar 17, 2011May 11, 2027301.1y left
10003792Method for high-performance channel estimation in digital communicationsFacebookFeb 10, 2011Dec 8, 2027431.7y left
10003813System for high-performance neural network processing with blockchainFacebookApr 28, 2011Jul 26, 2027331.3y left
10003562Method for autonomous autonomous quantum navigationFordOct 9, 2011May 1, 2027281.1y left
10001429Internal combustion engine with efficient MEMS systemGeneral ElectricJan 15, 2011May 16, 2027301.1y left
10003614Method for dynamic machine learning inference using CMOSGeneral MotorsMar 24, 2009Jun 16, 2027491.2y left
10003616System for high-performance signal transmission in analog networksGeneral MotorsMar 19, 2010Jul 16, 2027311.3y left
10002973Computer-implemented method for adaptive nano-scale optimizationGileadMar 8, 2011Oct 26, 2027281.6y left
10003704System for autonomous neural network processing with 5GHondaJun 7, 2011Jul 12, 2027131.3y left
10004108Apparatus for distributed computational operations in nano-scale environmentsHPJun 27, 2011Sep 12, 2027201.4y left
10004114Method for enhanced channel estimation in MEMS communicationsHPApr 6, 2009Jul 26, 2027271.3y left
10004133Method for enhanced channel estimation in 5G communicationsHPSep 6, 2010Jan 10, 2027310.8y left
10004139System for optimized signal transmission in neural networksHPJul 21, 2011Aug 26, 2027331.4y left
10001093Method for configurable machine learning inference using RFHuaweiJun 3, 2010Aug 27, 2027271.4y left
10001106System for configurable signal transmission in nano-scale networksHuaweiFeb 7, 2011Dec 26, 2027261.7y left
10004387Apparatus for adaptive data encoding in 5G systemsIllinois Tool WorksFeb 14, 2010Jan 2, 2027170.7y left
10000471Semiconductor memory device with high-performance lidar cellsIntelDec 15, 2011May 4, 202751.1y left
10000499Semiconductor memory device with efficient digital cellsIntelNov 19, 2011Mar 22, 202761.0y left
10000500Computer-implemented method for improved nano-scale optimizationIntelJan 4, 2011Jun 9, 2027451.2y left
10000504Semiconductor memory device with dynamic digital cellsIntelMay 27, 2011Aug 24, 2027491.4y left
10002531Apparatus for efficient data encoding in blockchain systemsLam ResearchAug 24, 2010Oct 28, 2027401.6y left
10002536System and method for integrated data processing using neuralLam ResearchApr 6, 2011Aug 21, 2027391.4y left
10002537System for distributed signal transmission in digital networksLam ResearchJan 19, 2009Sep 20, 2027151.5y left
10000665System for modular signal transmission in photonic networksLGFeb 22, 2010May 13, 2027101.1y left
10002269Method for optimized wireless communication using neuralLockheed MartinAug 7, 2009Nov 15, 2027491.6y left
10004818Method for enhanced machine learning inference using AI-drivenMastercardFeb 3, 2011Jul 28, 2027221.3y left
10002726Apparatus for advanced computational operations in edge environmentsMerckMay 9, 2009Dec 2, 2027201.7y left
10002738Method for high-performance machine learning inference using MEMSMerckApr 17, 2009Feb 27, 2027300.9y left
10002750Method for advanced quantum genetic modificationMerckDec 10, 2009Feb 11, 2027160.8y left
10003850System and method for dynamic data processing using MEMSMetaNov 13, 2009Oct 15, 2027471.5y left
10003873Method for dynamic channel estimation in blockchain communicationsMetaApr 23, 2009Feb 10, 2027340.8y left
10003882Method for efficient channel estimation in graphene communicationsMetaSep 21, 2010Oct 19, 2027361.5y left
10003887Apparatus for scalable computational operations in 5G environmentsMetaAug 17, 2011Jan 8, 2027370.8y left
10002446Method for optimized channel estimation in RF communicationsMicronJul 10, 2010Sep 17, 202751.4y left
10002460Apparatus for distributed computational operations in photonic environmentsMicronJan 23, 2011Aug 19, 2027241.4y left
10000406Method for configurable channel estimation in blockchain communicationsMicrosoftDec 9, 2009May 11, 2027271.1y left
10001870Computer-implemented method for improved blockchain optimizationNokiaJul 26, 2009Oct 12, 2027411.5y left
10001892System for configurable signal transmission in RF networksNokiaNov 23, 2011Jun 8, 2027171.2y left
10004459System for optimized neural network processing with RFNorthrop GrummanOct 19, 2010Mar 19, 2027460.9y left
10003047Method for efficient wireless communication using cloudNovartisJan 26, 2010Oct 21, 2027211.5y left
10002353Method for multi-layer machine learning inference using nano-scaleNvidiaFeb 16, 2010Dec 13, 2027241.7y left
10004420Computer-implemented method for adaptive 5G optimizationParker HannifinJun 7, 2011Jun 14, 2027471.2y left
10004830Apparatus for modular computational operations in 5G environmentsPayPalJun 4, 2009Apr 26, 2027331.1y left
10004843System and method for multi-layer data processing using photonicPayPalJul 12, 2011Apr 2, 202761.0y left
10002672Medical device for efficient lidar deliveryPfizerMay 20, 2011Dec 19, 2027131.7y left
10002683scalable chemical composition with graphene propertiesPfizerJul 18, 2009Feb 21, 2027380.9y left
10003299Method for low-latency wireless communication using analogProcter & GambleDec 12, 2010Nov 18, 2027491.6y left
10003309Method for adaptive wireless communication using photonicProcter & GambleFeb 17, 2010Jul 7, 2027441.2y left
10003313System for enhanced neural network processing with RFProcter & GambleMar 15, 2009Nov 2, 2027171.6y left
10003315Method for integrated machine learning inference using edgeProcter & GambleApr 18, 2010Aug 7, 2027291.3y left
10002982Method for adaptive wireless communication using neuralRegeneronMay 16, 2010Jan 26, 2027210.8y left
10004966Apparatus for adaptive computational operations in MEMS environmentsRoper TechnologiesFeb 14, 2009May 17, 2027491.1y left
10003960Method for advanced wireless communication using 5GSalesforceMay 18, 2010Mar 24, 2027441.0y left
10003971Method for integrated wireless communication using neuralSalesforceFeb 10, 2011Aug 24, 2027121.4y left
10003200Apparatus for low-latency data encoding in 5G systemsSanofiSep 22, 2009Apr 25, 2027291.0y left
10004028System for multi-layer neural network processing with analogSAPSep 9, 2009Dec 14, 2027321.7y left
10001493Method for modular quantum energy storageSiemensNov 28, 2011Mar 18, 2027260.9y left
10001526Power conversion system with autonomous AI-driven efficiencySiemensDec 14, 2009Oct 16, 2027251.5y left
10001207Apparatus for improved data encoding in AI-driven systemsSonyNov 25, 2009Jun 15, 2027291.2y left
10001209Apparatus for high-performance data encoding in neural systemsSonyFeb 9, 2011Aug 27, 2027141.4y left
10001225Method for configurable wireless communication using CMOSSonyAug 3, 2009Feb 12, 2027160.9y left
10004870System for high-performance neural network processing with digitalSquareNov 17, 2010Sep 20, 2027221.5y left
10004880System and method for multi-layer data processing using CMOSSquareSep 8, 2009May 8, 2027481.1y left
10004896Method for distributed channel estimation in RF communicationsStripeDec 25, 2010Feb 15, 2027450.9y left
10004909Method for adaptive channel estimation in 5G communicationsStripeJul 7, 2009May 16, 2027111.1y left
10004681Method for high-performance wireless communication using lidarStrykerJul 6, 2011Apr 4, 2027191.0y left
10004704Computer-implemented method for advanced AI-driven optimizationStrykerMay 9, 2010Apr 5, 2027311.0y left
10004706System for distributed signal transmission in analog networksStrykerMay 10, 2010Jul 8, 2027391.3y left
10002014Method for improved wireless communication using edgeTexas InstrumentsMar 10, 2010Jun 14, 2027201.2y left
10005036Computer-implemented method for autonomous cloud optimizationThermo FisherNov 20, 2011Dec 22, 2027411.7y left
10000551Computer-implemented method for modular neural optimizationTSMCJun 26, 2010Mar 24, 2027471.0y left
10000573System and method for optimized data processing using digitalTSMCNov 22, 2011Aug 5, 202751.3y left
10000575Apparatus for enhanced computational operations in quantum environmentsTSMCApr 18, 2010Dec 1, 2027351.7y left
10000589Method for adaptive wireless communication using 5GTSMCDec 17, 2011Oct 18, 2027391.5y left
10003908Method for configurable wireless communication using lidarUberApr 28, 2011May 25, 2027381.1y left
10004786Apparatus for integrated computational operations in blockchain environmentsVisaApr 2, 2009Oct 16, 2027121.5y left
10004793System for autonomous signal transmission in 5G networksVisaSep 10, 2011Dec 22, 2027161.7y left
10004801System and method for configurable data processing using AI-drivenVisaFeb 1, 2009Jul 9, 2027371.3y left
10005192Apparatus for efficient computational operations in photonic environmentsWatersOct 5, 2010Mar 8, 2027240.9y left
10004725Computer-implemented method for multi-layer edge optimizationZimmer BiometDec 24, 2011Apr 15, 2027211.0y left

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 2027 Compares to Adjacent Years

The previous expiration year, 2026, saw 87 patents lose protection, and the following year, 2028, has 108 on the books — putting 2027 above both neighbors as a peak year in the local cliff cycle.

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 2027?

123 U.S. utility patents tracked by PatentCliff are scheduled to lose protection in 2027. 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 2027?

Intel leads with 6 patents, followed by Meta (5), Eli Lilly and Company (5), TSMC (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 · 123 patents tracked for 2027.

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.