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PatentCliff

Updated April 2026 · USPTO + FDA Orange Book

Patents Expiring in 2031

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

117 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2031, within the next five 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 2031 Cohort Looks Like

A focused cohort of 117 U.S. patents expires in 2031. 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.

Eli Lilly and Company sits at the top of the 2031 expiration list with 6 patents, followed by IBM (5) and Amazon (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 2031 expirations with 122 patents, with Computing & Data Processing the next-largest cluster (121). 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
10002167System and method for multi-layer data processing using quantum3MJul 12, 2014May 27, 2031135.1y left
10002186System for efficient neural network processing with CMOS3MSep 8, 2013Apr 24, 2031225.0y left
10002577System for adaptive neural network processing with nano-scaleAbbottFeb 4, 2013Feb 16, 2031434.9y left
10003975Method for adaptive wireless communication using blockchainAdobeJan 3, 2015Oct 26, 2031215.6y left
10005139Computer-implemented method for efficient cloud optimizationAgilentSep 13, 2014Feb 15, 2031404.9y left
10005145Apparatus for optimized data encoding in photonic systemsAgilentOct 18, 2014Jan 9, 203184.8y left
10000999Computer-implemented method for efficient digital optimizationAmazonFeb 14, 2014Dec 21, 2031355.7y left
10001015System for autonomous signal transmission in quantum networksAmazonFeb 7, 2014Oct 26, 2031305.6y left
10001017Apparatus for improved computational operations in analog environmentsAmazonOct 23, 2014Oct 24, 2031485.5y left
10001022System for adaptive neural network processing with blockchainAmazonMar 15, 2015Oct 14, 2031145.5y left
10002412System and method for integrated data processing using edgeAMDOct 17, 2015Jan 8, 2031444.8y left
10002906Apparatus for multi-layer computational operations in RF environmentsAmgenJan 25, 2015Aug 15, 203155.4y left
10002942Method for integrated channel estimation in nano-scale communicationsAmgenNov 20, 2015Jul 27, 2031135.3y left
10004479Apparatus for optimized computational operations in AI-driven environmentsBAE SystemsFeb 1, 2015Apr 16, 2031385.0y left
10004481Apparatus for dynamic data encoding in MEMS systemsBAE SystemsJan 28, 2015Jun 28, 2031465.2y left
10003394System for high-performance signal transmission in RF networksBASFJan 13, 2014Nov 18, 2031175.6y left
10003404Method for enhanced channel estimation in nano-scale communicationsBASFMay 21, 2015Mar 8, 2031194.9y left
10003409Apparatus for scalable computational operations in MEMS environmentsBASFAug 6, 2013Oct 8, 2031395.5y left
10004587Apparatus for improved computational operations in graphene environmentsBaxterDec 19, 2015Jul 14, 2031435.3y left
10003230Method for adaptive wireless communication using 5GBayerJan 2, 2013Dec 6, 2031235.7y left
10005218Computer-implemented method for adaptive edge optimizationBecton DickinsonFeb 26, 2015Dec 24, 2031465.7y left
10005222Apparatus for distributed data encoding in analog systemsBecton DickinsonNov 27, 2015Nov 25, 2031345.6y left
10005106Apparatus for efficient data encoding in AI-driven systemsBio-RadSep 13, 2015Jan 18, 2031404.8y left
10005112Method for scalable channel estimation in analog communicationsBio-RadJul 19, 2014Dec 4, 2031425.7y left
10005133Method for enhanced channel estimation in nano-scale communicationsBio-RadJul 6, 2015Aug 27, 2031415.4y left
10003745System and method for optimized data processing using cloudBMWSep 19, 2014Jan 25, 2031194.8y left
10001352Method for advanced neural fuel efficiencyBoeingJul 10, 2013Feb 9, 2031344.8y left
10001359Sensor for advanced lidar measurementBoeingFeb 20, 2014Apr 24, 2031175.0y left
10001366Method for dynamic digital fuel efficiencyBoeingOct 8, 2013Oct 4, 2031135.5y left
10004656Method for high-performance wireless communication using MEMSBoston ScientificFeb 11, 2013Aug 16, 2031155.4y left
10001953Method for multi-layer machine learning inference using cloudBroadcomJan 24, 2015Nov 24, 2031355.6y left
10001722Method for modular wireless communication using analogCiscoJan 15, 2013Feb 4, 2031494.8y left
10001723Method for integrated wireless communication using digitalCiscoJun 28, 2014Dec 12, 2031365.7y left
10001746System and method for multi-layer data processing using RFCiscoNov 14, 2014Oct 8, 2031305.5y left
10003505Method for dynamic machine learning inference using cloudCorningAug 21, 2015Nov 14, 2031405.6y left
10003536Computer-implemented method for enhanced 5G optimizationCorningFeb 14, 2014Jan 1, 2032165.7y left
10004289Method for integrated channel estimation in AI-driven communicationsDeereOct 10, 2013Mar 7, 2031254.9y left
10003360System for efficient neural network processing with AI-drivenDowMay 24, 2015Aug 10, 2031105.3y left
10003363Apparatus for dynamic computational operations in CMOS environmentsDowMay 18, 2014Sep 21, 2031165.5y left
10003367System for scalable signal transmission in MEMS networksDowJan 24, 2014Jun 27, 2031265.2y left
10002772Method for high-performance wireless communication using AI-drivenEli LillyApr 25, 2014Oct 25, 2031205.6y left
10004333System for autonomous neural network processing with neuralEmersonMay 22, 2013Jan 2, 2031274.7y left
10004342Apparatus for modular computational operations in cloud environmentsEmersonJan 13, 2014Feb 7, 2031114.8y left
10001813Method for autonomous channel estimation in edge communicationsEricssonApr 19, 2015Jan 25, 203194.8y left
10001823Computer-implemented method for optimized neural optimizationEricssonJul 15, 2015Jan 21, 2031164.8y left
10001836Method for multi-layer channel estimation in AI-driven communicationsEricssonMay 12, 2013Nov 24, 2031225.6y left
10001847Method for enhanced machine learning inference using quantumEricssonFeb 6, 2015Jun 19, 2031435.2y left
10003791Method for dynamic wireless communication using cloudFacebookAug 23, 2015Oct 24, 2031455.5y left
10003797System for enhanced signal transmission in digital networksFacebookAug 27, 2015Feb 5, 2031274.8y left
10004205Method for advanced wireless communication using AI-drivenFoxconnSep 8, 2013Jan 23, 2031244.8y left
10004226Computer-implemented method for integrated AI-driven optimizationFoxconnJul 27, 2013Nov 3, 2031175.6y left
10001431System for dynamic neural network processing with neuralGeneral ElectricApr 28, 2015Nov 23, 2031135.6y left
10001449System for multi-layer neural network processing with MEMSGeneral ElectricOct 13, 2015Aug 5, 2031465.3y left
10003621Method for high-performance machine learning inference using nano-scaleGeneral MotorsJun 5, 2013Apr 25, 2031115.0y left
10002947System for multi-layer signal transmission in MEMS networksGileadMar 12, 2014Jan 19, 203194.8y left
10000916Apparatus for multi-layer data encoding in photonic systemsGoogleNov 24, 2014Nov 17, 2031305.6y left
10003695Apparatus for integrated computational operations in quantum environmentsHondaJul 9, 2014Dec 22, 2031375.7y left
10003735Apparatus for optimized computational operations in RF environmentsHondaSep 10, 2013Jul 16, 2031365.3y left
10003736Apparatus for low-latency data encoding in CMOS systemsHondaApr 20, 2014Nov 18, 2031115.6y left
10002069Computer-implemented method for dynamic graphene optimizationHoneywellDec 21, 2014May 17, 203195.1y left
10002071System for adaptive neural network processing with grapheneHoneywellJan 4, 2015Apr 26, 2031365.1y left
10002073System for optimized signal transmission in cloud networksHoneywellMay 21, 2015Jul 15, 2031305.3y left
10004126System and method for high-performance data processing using edgeHPMar 26, 2014May 3, 2031255.1y left
10001091Method for modular channel estimation in photonic communicationsHuaweiNov 20, 2014May 23, 2031375.1y left
10001113Method for distributed channel estimation in analog communicationsHuaweiApr 2, 2014Jul 22, 203195.3y left
10000013Semiconductor device with configurable 5G structureIBMJun 14, 2013Aug 7, 2031295.3y left
10000030Method for low-latency channel estimation in analog communicationsIBMAug 8, 2015Nov 25, 2031365.6y left
10000045Method for adaptive graphene information retrievalIBMNov 11, 2013Mar 20, 2031315.0y left
10004367Apparatus for distributed data encoding in CMOS systemsIllinois Tool WorksNov 7, 2014Mar 22, 2031245.0y left
10004372System for distributed signal transmission in 5G networksIllinois Tool WorksJan 12, 2014Jan 7, 2031154.8y left
10004375System and method for dynamic data processing using photonicIllinois Tool WorksFeb 18, 2014Jul 3, 2031225.2y left
10000497Semiconductor memory device with adaptive edge cellsIntelApr 8, 2014May 15, 203165.1y left
10002665integrated chemical composition with MEMS propertiesJohnson & JohnsonSep 11, 2015Mar 3, 2031434.9y left
10004532Method for optimized channel estimation in photonic communicationsLeidosDec 4, 2014Apr 11, 2031435.0y left
10004543System and method for efficient data processing using AI-drivenLeidosDec 1, 2014Jun 28, 2031445.2y left
10004172Method for configurable machine learning inference using blockchainLenovoJan 6, 2013Sep 23, 2031335.5y left
10000626Computer-implemented method for scalable cloud optimizationLGAug 17, 2013Dec 7, 2031355.7y left
10000637System for low-latency signal transmission in lidar networksLGNov 25, 2015Oct 24, 2031375.5y left
10002294Method for efficient channel estimation in analog communicationsLockheed MartinApr 27, 2014May 16, 2031295.1y left
10004809Apparatus for enhanced computational operations in analog environmentsMastercardJan 15, 2015Jul 9, 2031305.3y left
10002146dynamic integrated circuit with nano-scale elementsMedtronicMar 21, 2015Sep 20, 2031245.5y left
10002440Apparatus for advanced data encoding in nano-scale systemsMicronApr 17, 2014Nov 2, 2031325.6y left
10002470Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in blockchain environmentsMicronJul 28, 2013May 22, 2031385.1y left
10000388System for optimized neural network processing with cloudMicrosoftOct 10, 2014Jun 14, 2031165.2y left
10000396Method for scalable channel estimation in lidar communicationsMicrosoftJun 6, 2015Mar 20, 2031475.0y left
10001897System for configurable neural network processing with photonicNokiaMay 20, 2014Jun 17, 2031215.2y left
10004438Method for advanced machine learning inference using AI-drivenNorthrop GrummanJul 14, 2015Dec 27, 203165.7y left
10003018System for dynamic neural network processing with CMOSNovartisJul 3, 2013Nov 21, 2031245.6y left
10001794Apparatus for adaptive computational operations in quantum environmentsOracleFeb 2, 2014Apr 10, 2031325.0y left
10001632Method for dynamic wireless communication using RFPanasonicJul 3, 2015Jul 19, 2031255.3y left
10001664Computer-implemented method for adaptive edge optimizationPanasonicMar 12, 2014May 5, 2031155.1y left
10001676Computer-implemented method for modular graphene optimizationPanasonicAug 14, 2014Oct 10, 2031235.5y left
10001566Apparatus for integrated data encoding in digital systemsPhilipsApr 17, 2015May 16, 203165.1y left
10003283Apparatus for integrated computational operations in quantum environmentsProcter & GambleJan 13, 2014Jan 13, 203194.8y left
10000831Computer-implemented method for efficient quantum optimizationQualcommAug 13, 2013Nov 9, 2031345.6y left
10000832improved integrated circuit with digital elementsQualcommSep 10, 2015Oct 12, 2031475.5y left
10000850Method of fabricating autonomous photonic componentsQualcommMay 5, 2015Mar 20, 2031145.0y left
10003008System for modular neural network processing with digitalRegeneronSep 16, 2013Dec 22, 2031315.7y left
10003081Apparatus for high-performance data encoding in graphene systemsRocheDec 18, 2014Sep 14, 2031405.4y left
10003943Apparatus for configurable data encoding in quantum systemsSalesforceJul 12, 2014Jul 6, 2031335.2y left
10003197Computer-implemented method for autonomous edge optimizationSanofiSep 27, 2013Nov 15, 2031245.6y left
10003216Apparatus for modular data encoding in 5G systemsSanofiJul 23, 2015Sep 3, 2031215.4y left
10004049Method for enhanced channel estimation in lidar communicationsSAPJul 17, 2014Mar 23, 2031375.0y left
10001505Apparatus for advanced data encoding in RF systemsSiemensJul 6, 2014Jun 15, 203195.2y left
10001212System for low-latency signal transmission in RF networksSonyJul 26, 2015Dec 10, 2031105.7y left
10004917Method for scalable wireless communication using neuralSpaceXFeb 25, 2015Aug 15, 2031295.4y left
10004927Method for multi-layer wireless communication using cloudSpaceXOct 10, 2013Oct 9, 203165.5y left
10004935Method for scalable wireless communication using photonicSpaceXDec 11, 2015Jul 2, 2031185.2y left
10004908Computer-implemented method for efficient CMOS optimizationStripeSep 6, 2014Mar 2, 203154.9y left
10004675Apparatus for dynamic data encoding in quantum systemsStrykerJan 16, 2016Jan 1, 2032365.7y left
10004677Method for optimized channel estimation in edge communicationsStrykerMay 12, 2015Aug 24, 2031365.4y left
10004687System for adaptive signal transmission in neural networksStrykerOct 19, 2013Sep 23, 2031105.5y left
10001989Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in analog environmentsTexas InstrumentsApr 27, 2013Nov 2, 2031305.6y left
10005048System and method for scalable data processing using grapheneThermo FisherJan 7, 2015Feb 7, 2031354.8y left
10000593Computer-implemented method for modular RF optimizationTSMCSep 22, 2015Apr 7, 2031145.0y left
10003923Method for enhanced machine learning inference using nano-scaleUberJan 5, 2014Feb 7, 2031194.8y left
10005174Apparatus for integrated computational operations in neural environmentsWatersMar 7, 2015Mar 15, 2031494.9y 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 2031 Compares to Adjacent Years

The previous expiration year, 2030, saw 113 patents lose protection, and the following year, 2032, has 112 on the books — putting 2031 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 2031?

117 U.S. utility patents tracked by PatentCliff are scheduled to lose protection in 2031. 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 2031?

Eli Lilly and Company leads with 6 patents, followed by IBM (5), Amazon (5), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (5). 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 · 117 patents tracked for 2031.

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.