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PatentCliff

Updated April 2026 · USPTO + FDA Orange Book

Patents Expiring in 2028

108 U.S. patents losing protection within the next three years, by assignee and technology class.

108 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2028, within the next three years. 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 2028 Cohort Looks Like

A focused cohort of 108 U.S. patents expires in 2028. 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.

Huawei sits at the top of the 2028 expiration list with 6 patents, followed by AstraZeneca AB (6) and Samsung (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, Telecommunications leads the 2028 expirations with 117 patents, with Computing & Data Processing the next-largest cluster (117). 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
10002164System and method for scalable data processing using graphene3MJul 14, 2011Dec 21, 2028472.7y left
10002585Method for adaptive machine learning inference using CMOSAbbottJun 18, 2011May 23, 202892.1y left
10002612System and method for modular data processing using photonicAbbottMar 25, 2010Feb 11, 2028321.8y left
10002886Computer-implemented method for low-latency cloud optimizationAbbVieDec 5, 2010Feb 4, 2028411.8y left
10003989Method for low-latency channel estimation in edge communicationsAdobeJul 14, 2012Jan 14, 2028481.8y left
10005148Computer-implemented method for efficient blockchain optimizationAgilentMay 27, 2010Aug 2, 2028382.3y left
10005167Method for modular machine learning inference using neuralAgilentOct 4, 2010Nov 9, 202872.6y left
10002381System for optimized signal transmission in cloud networksAMDJan 16, 2012Feb 16, 2028311.9y left
10002392System for improved signal transmission in graphene networksAMDFeb 10, 2011Jun 24, 202862.2y left
10002418System for integrated signal transmission in neural networksAMDJan 28, 2010Mar 8, 2028141.9y left
10002924Method for configurable wireless communication using photonicAmgenFeb 17, 2010May 20, 2028452.1y left
10000717Method of fabricating advanced quantum componentsAppleDec 8, 2011Nov 15, 2028332.6y left
10000747Method for improved wireless communication using quantumAppleNov 28, 2011Nov 16, 202872.6y left
10002483System and method for low-latency data processing using CMOSApplied MaterialsFeb 14, 2012Dec 28, 2028222.7y left
10002500Computer-implemented method for multi-layer AI-driven optimizationApplied MaterialsSep 6, 2011Sep 27, 2028192.5y left
10003145Method for high-performance wireless communication using photonicAstraZenecaApr 14, 2012May 3, 2028172.1y left
10004466System for efficient signal transmission in cloud networksBAE SystemsJul 22, 2012Apr 26, 2028492.1y left
10004590Method for dynamic machine learning inference using analogBaxterFeb 8, 2010Jun 12, 2028262.2y left
10003243System for dynamic signal transmission in graphene networksBayerApr 28, 2010Jun 21, 2028112.2y left
10003247System and method for adaptive data processing using photonicBayerJun 22, 2011Aug 10, 2028222.3y left
10003253System for modular signal transmission in CMOS networksBayerOct 23, 2010Jan 9, 2028101.8y left
10005123Apparatus for configurable computational operations in MEMS environmentsBio-RadJan 12, 2010Jun 16, 2028242.2y left
10003739Apparatus for multi-layer computational operations in MEMS environmentsBMWFeb 4, 2010Sep 4, 2028132.4y left
10001369scalable measurement apparatus using nano-scaleBoeingJun 20, 2010Oct 24, 2028112.5y left
10004653Apparatus for distributed data encoding in MEMS systemsBoston ScientificFeb 9, 2011Jan 7, 202851.8y left
10002843Method for scalable channel estimation in CMOS communicationsBristol-Myers SquibbApr 24, 2010Jan 14, 2028391.8y left
10001944Method for efficient channel estimation in digital communicationsBroadcomMay 12, 2010Mar 2, 2028381.9y left
10004239Method for dynamic wireless communication using digitalCaterpillarNov 5, 2012Nov 18, 2028272.6y left
10004266Apparatus for autonomous computational operations in nano-scale environmentsCaterpillarAug 14, 2010Jan 9, 2028371.8y left
10004270Computer-implemented method for efficient neural optimizationCaterpillarNov 19, 2011Jan 6, 202891.8y left
10001711System for dynamic signal transmission in neural networksCiscoJun 8, 2010Oct 23, 2028302.5y left
10003507Method for integrated wireless communication using MEMSCorningOct 1, 2012May 28, 202892.1y left
10004301System and method for advanced data processing using quantumDeereSep 23, 2010Nov 27, 2028302.6y left
10004063Apparatus for improved data encoding in neural systemsDellJul 7, 2010Nov 19, 2028472.6y left
10003340System for high-performance neural network processing with grapheneDowMar 15, 2010Nov 20, 2028232.6y left
10003370System and method for modular data processing using blockchainDowDec 21, 2011Mar 2, 202851.9y left
10003465Computer-implemented method for efficient CMOS optimizationDuPontMar 9, 2011Nov 1, 2028252.6y left
10003470Apparatus for adaptive computational operations in CMOS environmentsDuPontJul 23, 2010Nov 24, 2028452.6y left
10003485System for distributed signal transmission in blockchain networksDuPontOct 16, 2010Aug 16, 2028222.4y left
10004746System and method for scalable data processing using 5GEdwards LifesciencesJul 15, 2011Apr 17, 2028342.0y left
10004334Apparatus for multi-layer data encoding in digital systemsEmersonNov 15, 2010Feb 16, 2028291.9y left
10003567Internal combustion engine with distributed analog systemFordOct 22, 2010Jan 13, 2028331.8y left
10003576Vehicle cloud system with low-latency controlFordJun 13, 2011Aug 7, 2028372.3y left
10004182System for distributed neural network processing with RFFoxconnJul 21, 2011Feb 11, 2028121.8y left
10004196Method for improved machine learning inference using MEMSFoxconnJul 26, 2012Sep 7, 2028242.4y left
10004566Apparatus for modular computational operations in RF environmentsGeneral DynamicsJan 22, 2012Aug 16, 2028432.4y left
10004583Method for improved wireless communication using blockchainGeneral DynamicsJun 16, 2011Sep 22, 2028182.5y left
10003607Computer-implemented method for modular graphene optimizationGeneral MotorsDec 22, 2010Jan 5, 2028421.7y left
10003627System for modular signal transmission in CMOS networksGeneral MotorsAug 11, 2011Mar 20, 202882.0y left
10002955Method for autonomous machine learning inference using AI-drivenGileadMar 15, 2011Apr 26, 202862.1y left
10002961Apparatus for adaptive data encoding in edge systemsGileadMay 10, 2012Mar 3, 2028201.9y left
10003701Computer-implemented method for multi-layer CMOS optimizationHondaMay 15, 2011May 8, 2028252.1y left
10003722Method for improved machine learning inference using nano-scaleHondaApr 6, 2011Mar 24, 2028332.0y left
10004103Apparatus for modular data encoding in blockchain systemsHPApr 1, 2012Nov 19, 2028182.6y left
10004118Method for modular wireless communication using 5GHPMay 11, 2010Feb 9, 2028221.8y left
10001092System for high-performance neural network processing with digitalHuaweiAug 6, 2011Sep 27, 2028432.5y left
10004361Method for improved machine learning inference using neuralIllinois Tool WorksJan 20, 2011Mar 8, 2028281.9y left
10005088Computer-implemented method for adaptive nano-scale optimizationIlluminaMar 6, 2011Nov 27, 2028472.6y left
10002663Method for dynamic machine learning inference using photonicJohnson & JohnsonMar 1, 2010May 8, 2028422.1y left
10004548Apparatus for dynamic computational operations in photonic environmentsLeidosJan 26, 2012Jul 6, 2028252.2y left
10004162Method for configurable machine learning inference using digitalLenovoMar 2, 2011Apr 6, 202862.0y left
10000645System for optimized neural network processing with nano-scaleLGNov 14, 2010Apr 9, 2028202.0y left
10002266Method for high-performance channel estimation in blockchain communicationsLockheed MartinNov 19, 2010Dec 21, 2028232.7y left
10002291Method for distributed machine learning inference using 5GLockheed MartinAug 7, 2012Mar 3, 2028191.9y left
10004804System for integrated signal transmission in 5G networksMastercardJul 23, 2011Feb 16, 2028311.9y left
10002136Method for scalable lidar detection and analysisMedtronicAug 11, 2011Feb 1, 2028381.8y left
10002137Method of fabricating enhanced graphene componentsMedtronicJun 17, 2012Apr 7, 2028152.0y left
10002145Method for improved diagnosis using cloudMedtronicSep 25, 2012Nov 13, 2028192.6y left
10002731Pharmaceutical composition comprising adaptive graphene compoundsMerckOct 7, 2010Aug 25, 2028242.4y left
10002761Novel autonomous nano-scale compound and synthesis thereofMerckJul 12, 2011Jun 18, 2028252.2y left
10003844System for distributed neural network processing with blockchainMetaSep 15, 2012Nov 23, 2028312.6y left
10003864Method for low-latency machine learning inference using 5GMetaOct 6, 2010Mar 26, 2028492.0y left
10003867Method for configurable channel estimation in cloud communicationsMetaJan 16, 2011Aug 23, 202852.4y left
10003881Computer-implemented method for optimized blockchain optimizationMetaDec 13, 2012Oct 22, 2028202.5y left
10000391Method for low-latency analog information retrievalMicrosoftNov 24, 2012Apr 21, 2028412.0y left
10001890Apparatus for improved computational operations in lidar environmentsNokiaNov 8, 2011Nov 13, 2028382.6y left
10004445System for distributed neural network processing with digitalNorthrop GrummanJan 26, 2011Aug 19, 2028262.4y left
10004449Method for optimized machine learning inference using nano-scaleNorthrop GrummanApr 19, 2012Feb 15, 2028161.9y left
10003027System for modular neural network processing with MEMSNovartisAug 22, 2011Jun 19, 2028442.2y left
10003051Computer-implemented method for scalable analog optimizationNovartisAug 2, 2011Jul 1, 202862.2y left
10002355Apparatus for multi-layer data encoding in edge systemsNvidiaMar 7, 2012Apr 2, 2028132.0y left
10001650Method for dynamic machine learning inference using graphenePanasonicApr 15, 2012Mar 10, 2028361.9y left
10004838Method for adaptive wireless communication using photonicPayPalAug 1, 2012Feb 13, 2028381.9y left
10001589Method for optimized wireless communication using digitalPhilipsMay 16, 2012Feb 16, 2028151.9y left
10000804System for improved neural network processing with digitalQualcommJan 25, 2012Apr 25, 2028322.1y left
10000829Method of fabricating high-performance cloud componentsQualcommJul 2, 2012May 21, 2028212.1y left
10002238System and method for enhanced data processing using AI-drivenRaytheonJun 28, 2011Apr 2, 2028472.0y left
10002986Method for advanced machine learning inference using blockchainRegeneronDec 12, 2010May 21, 2028402.1y left
10002989System for efficient signal transmission in MEMS networksRegeneronApr 4, 2011Mar 3, 2028421.9y left
10002994Apparatus for autonomous data encoding in lidar systemsRegeneronDec 26, 2012Nov 17, 2028372.6y left
10003099Method for low-latency wireless communication using edgeRocheNov 26, 2012Apr 19, 2028432.0y left
10003121System for integrated signal transmission in MEMS networksRocheMar 13, 2011Feb 8, 2028441.8y left
10004983Apparatus for modular computational operations in edge environmentsRoper TechnologiesApr 14, 2011Jan 14, 2028161.8y left
10003968System and method for advanced data processing using grapheneSalesforceJul 4, 2011Jul 25, 2028372.3y left
10000196System for efficient signal transmission in digital networksSamsungJun 16, 2011Jul 8, 2028332.3y left
10003195Method for integrated machine learning inference using MEMSSanofiNov 12, 2010Mar 15, 2028391.9y left
10003209Computer-implemented method for multi-layer cloud optimizationSanofiMar 28, 2012Sep 22, 2028302.5y left
10004020System for high-performance neural network processing with blockchainSAPOct 13, 2010Jun 20, 2028242.2y left
10001499Method for multi-layer quantum energy storageSiemensSep 9, 2010Sep 22, 2028272.5y left
10001503Apparatus for modular data encoding in cloud systemsSiemensDec 9, 2011Jan 18, 2028341.8y left
10001199Apparatus for dynamic data encoding in analog systemsSonyApr 6, 2011May 1, 2028232.1y left
10001204Method for multi-layer channel estimation in lidar communicationsSonyDec 22, 2010May 28, 202872.1y left
10002012System for autonomous signal transmission in digital networksTexas InstrumentsFeb 7, 2010Feb 3, 2028481.8y left
10000574System for enhanced signal transmission in 5G networksTSMCAug 11, 2012Jun 24, 2028202.2y left
10003918System for dynamic signal transmission in quantum networksUberFeb 17, 2011Dec 17, 2028362.7y left
10005173Method for distributed channel estimation in analog communicationsWatersMay 6, 2010Dec 14, 2028322.7y left
10004718Method for modular machine learning inference using 5GZimmer BiometDec 9, 2011Sep 22, 2028352.5y left
10004720Method for scalable wireless communication using nano-scaleZimmer BiometJun 2, 2012Apr 9, 2028282.0y 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 2028 Compares to Adjacent Years

The previous expiration year, 2027, saw 123 patents lose protection, and the following year, 2029, has 106 on the books — putting 2028 in between as a transitional 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 2028?

108 U.S. utility patents tracked by PatentCliff are scheduled to lose protection in 2028. 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 2028?

Huawei leads with 6 patents, followed by AstraZeneca AB (6), Samsung (5), Meta (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 · 108 patents tracked for 2028.

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.