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PatentCliff

Updated April 2026 · USPTO + FDA Orange Book

Patents Expiring in 2033

104 U.S. patents losing protection later in the decade, by assignee and technology class.

104 U.S. patents are scheduled to expire in 2033, later in the decade. 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 2033 Cohort Looks Like

A focused cohort of 104 U.S. patents expires in 2033. 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.

Apple sits at the top of the 2033 expiration list with 6 patents, followed by General Electric (5) and Siemens (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 2033 expirations with 102 patents, with Telecommunications the next-largest cluster (98). 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
10002579Method for multi-layer wireless communication using photonicAbbottJun 11, 2017Dec 15, 2033217.7y left
10002608System and method for low-latency data processing using lidarAbbottFeb 23, 2016Sep 23, 2033427.5y left
10003995System for low-latency neural network processing with analogAdobeDec 10, 2015Dec 8, 2033327.7y left
10004007Computer-implemented method for autonomous quantum optimizationAdobeMay 14, 2017Jul 19, 2033497.3y left
10005135System and method for autonomous data processing using digitalAgilentFeb 23, 2016May 4, 2033327.1y left
10001012System for configurable neural network processing with digitalAmazonAug 6, 2017Mar 1, 2033386.9y left
10002398System for optimized signal transmission in CMOS networksAMDOct 21, 2017Nov 2, 203397.6y left
10002414Method for scalable machine learning inference using 5GAMDSep 11, 2016Oct 16, 2033177.5y left
10000730System for advanced neural network processing with cloudAppleJul 22, 2017Jul 15, 2033417.3y left
10000741Method for scalable channel estimation in cloud communicationsAppleNov 6, 2016Dec 15, 2033127.7y left
10000745Electronic component with multi-layer digital configurationAppleOct 22, 2016May 11, 2033167.1y left
10000748Apparatus for integrated data encoding in graphene systemsAppleOct 16, 2015Feb 3, 2033486.8y left
10002527Apparatus for multi-layer data encoding in 5G systemsApplied MaterialsMay 17, 2016Apr 7, 2033227.0y left
10003137System for advanced neural network processing with edgeAstraZenecaOct 11, 2015Mar 7, 2033276.9y left
10003147Method for distributed machine learning inference using RFAstraZenecaMar 18, 2016Nov 6, 2033117.6y left
10003160Apparatus for low-latency computational operations in cloud environmentsAstraZenecaDec 15, 2016Jul 10, 2033107.3y left
10004478System for efficient neural network processing with photonicBAE SystemsNov 27, 2017Jul 15, 2033107.3y left
10003389System and method for adaptive data processing using digitalBASFDec 5, 2016Mar 16, 2033426.9y left
10004608Method for multi-layer machine learning inference using lidarBaxterFeb 3, 2015Apr 13, 2033267.0y left
10003233Method for autonomous channel estimation in neural communicationsBayerNov 25, 2016Jun 7, 2033367.2y left
10004944Apparatus for high-performance data encoding in nano-scale systemsBlue OriginJan 13, 2016May 22, 2033297.1y left
10003741Apparatus for distributed computational operations in quantum environmentsBMWApr 14, 2015Oct 24, 2033467.5y left
10001360Sensor for distributed MEMS measurementBoeingJun 14, 2016Mar 24, 2033487.0y left
10004646System and method for adaptive data processing using blockchainBoston ScientificFeb 23, 2017Apr 6, 2033407.0y left
10001961Method for scalable machine learning inference using blockchainBroadcomJun 23, 2015Dec 24, 203397.7y left
10000322Apparatus for scalable data encoding in edge systemsCanonMar 23, 2015Nov 27, 2033437.6y left
10001712Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in CMOS environmentsCiscoFeb 27, 2015Mar 28, 2033247.0y left
10001741Apparatus for advanced computational operations in AI-driven environmentsCiscoMay 25, 2017Aug 9, 2033317.3y left
10001744Method for multi-layer wireless communication using cloudCiscoDec 9, 2017Feb 17, 2033496.9y left
10005023Method for efficient machine learning inference using quantumDanaherFeb 18, 2017Mar 10, 2033126.9y left
10004313Apparatus for configurable computational operations in AI-driven environmentsDeereJan 5, 2015Feb 11, 2033376.9y left
10003456Method for distributed channel estimation in lidar communicationsDuPontAug 13, 2017Nov 23, 2033247.6y left
10003475Method for low-latency channel estimation in lidar communicationsDuPontMay 7, 2017Jun 23, 2033237.2y left
10004750Method for improved machine learning inference using edgeEdwards LifesciencesMay 9, 2017Apr 18, 2033117.0y left
10004335Computer-implemented method for enhanced neural optimizationEmersonOct 28, 2015Feb 17, 2033186.9y left
10001828System for multi-layer signal transmission in graphene networksEricssonMar 1, 2016Mar 11, 2033246.9y left
10003821Computer-implemented method for dynamic nano-scale optimizationFacebookJun 5, 2017Dec 23, 2033487.7y left
10003552Computer-implemented method for advanced 5G optimizationFordJun 25, 2017Nov 24, 2033447.6y left
10003553System for integrated neural network processing with MEMSFordJan 22, 2017Oct 20, 2033367.5y left
10001442Internal combustion engine with efficient edge systemGeneral ElectricMar 16, 2017May 23, 2033467.1y left
10003639Apparatus for configurable computational operations in quantum environmentsGeneral MotorsOct 13, 2016May 7, 2033357.1y left
10002967System for distributed neural network processing with AI-drivenGileadOct 4, 2015Nov 9, 2033387.6y left
10002974Method for modular machine learning inference using cloudGileadSep 15, 2017Jun 23, 2033167.2y left
10000883System and method for distributed data processing using CMOSGoogleAug 8, 2016Apr 10, 2033407.0y left
10003693Method for efficient machine learning inference using digitalHondaNov 13, 2016Jun 10, 2033447.2y left
10003694Method for multi-layer channel estimation in neural communicationsHondaAug 11, 2016May 12, 2033147.1y left
10003732System for scalable signal transmission in digital networksHondaDec 6, 2016May 27, 2033127.1y left
10001097Computer-implemented method for configurable analog optimizationHuaweiSep 11, 2016Jul 3, 2033317.2y left
10001122Computer-implemented method for modular MEMS optimizationHuaweiSep 3, 2016Jan 10, 2033276.8y left
10000004Electronic component with enhanced quantum configurationIBMApr 20, 2015Feb 16, 2033366.9y left
10005087Apparatus for modular data encoding in AI-driven systemsIlluminaMay 20, 2016Jul 11, 2033437.3y left
10005093Computer-implemented method for advanced 5G optimizationIlluminaFeb 17, 2017Oct 9, 2033227.5y left
10005100Method for optimized machine learning inference using lidarIlluminaApr 5, 2017Mar 11, 2033256.9y left
10000485Method of fabricating advanced blockchain componentsIntelJun 5, 2017Aug 15, 2033247.4y left
10002655Method for distributed machine learning inference using blockchainJohnson & JohnsonMar 9, 2016Feb 19, 2033146.9y left
10002533Method for modular machine learning inference using CMOSLam ResearchSep 20, 2017Aug 27, 2033267.4y left
10002562Method for distributed channel estimation in CMOS communicationsLam ResearchNov 9, 2015Dec 25, 2033457.7y left
10000661System for improved neural network processing with grapheneLGJun 5, 2017Mar 24, 2033417.0y left
10002273System and method for advanced data processing using digitalLockheed MartinSep 18, 2016Jan 6, 2033496.8y left
10004802Apparatus for low-latency data encoding in MEMS systemsMastercardJun 15, 2017Oct 21, 2033257.5y left
10004807Method for enhanced machine learning inference using grapheneMastercardJun 24, 2017Oct 7, 2033237.5y left
10002727Apparatus for distributed computational operations in nano-scale environmentsMerckApr 26, 2017Jul 12, 2033277.3y left
10003857System and method for integrated data processing using cloudMetaAug 13, 2016Jun 23, 2033137.2y left
10002434Apparatus for configurable data encoding in 5G systemsMicronAug 19, 2015Mar 22, 2033267.0y left
10002441Method for multi-layer wireless communication using 5GMicronDec 6, 2016Sep 22, 2033257.5y left
10000398Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in neural environmentsMicrosoftDec 18, 2016Jul 4, 2033257.2y left
10000401Method for improved edge information retrievalMicrosoftSep 15, 2016Dec 22, 2033357.7y left
10000411Method for adaptive MEMS information retrievalMicrosoftJan 6, 2017Jan 25, 2033306.8y left
10003026System and method for multi-layer data processing using 5GNovartisOct 23, 2017Jan 19, 2033296.8y left
10003053Apparatus for configurable data encoding in AI-driven systemsNovartisJul 15, 2015Jun 19, 2033367.2y left
10002321Method for advanced MEMS information retrievalNvidiaMar 3, 2016Jan 8, 2033206.8y left
10002328Method for optimized RF information retrievalNvidiaAug 19, 2015Feb 26, 203396.9y left
10001757Method for distributed wireless communication using MEMSOracleMay 27, 2015Apr 20, 2033147.0y left
10004417Computer-implemented method for integrated MEMS optimizationParker HannifinSep 24, 2017Nov 13, 2033367.6y left
10002681efficient chemical composition with graphene propertiesPfizerJun 2, 2015Apr 13, 2033157.0y left
10002693System and method for improved data processing using neuralPfizerSep 16, 2015Sep 15, 2033377.4y left
10003280Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in edge environmentsProcter & GambleSep 4, 2016Dec 18, 2033317.7y left
10003286Method for dynamic machine learning inference using 5GProcter & GambleApr 17, 2015Oct 2, 2033207.5y left
10003314Method for configurable machine learning inference using digitalProcter & GambleAug 8, 2016Mar 18, 2033466.9y left
10000802Method of fabricating improved photonic componentsQualcommJun 12, 2016Nov 27, 2033217.6y left
10000822System for adaptive neural network processing with nano-scaleQualcommMay 14, 2016Feb 4, 203356.8y left
10000845System for low-latency signal transmission in cloud networksQualcommNov 24, 2016Mar 21, 2033367.0y left
10002246Apparatus for improved computational operations in graphene environmentsRaytheonJan 22, 2017Oct 4, 2033197.5y left
10002255Apparatus for dynamic computational operations in quantum environmentsRaytheonNov 25, 2017Jun 13, 2033447.2y left
10003948Computer-implemented method for improved nano-scale optimizationSalesforceJun 8, 2017Sep 17, 2033107.4y left
10003174System for dynamic signal transmission in photonic networksSanofiJul 25, 2016Feb 9, 2033216.8y left
10001491Method for high-performance edge detection and analysisSiemensDec 20, 2015Aug 19, 2033347.4y left
10001492System for multi-layer signal transmission in photonic networksSiemensMay 9, 2017Mar 19, 2033426.9y left
10001510System for modular neural network processing with edgeSiemensDec 21, 2017Jun 14, 2033107.2y left
10001228System for efficient signal transmission in AI-driven networksSonyFeb 6, 2015Mar 26, 2033207.0y left
10004918System and method for configurable data processing using 5GSpaceXMay 24, 2017Jan 20, 2033346.8y left
10004939System for configurable neural network processing with MEMSSpaceXOct 12, 2016Jun 17, 2033287.2y left
10004878Method for modular wireless communication using lidarSquareApr 13, 2017May 24, 2033167.1y left
10005038System for advanced neural network processing with digitalThermo FisherApr 21, 2017Nov 10, 2033337.6y left
10001287Internal combustion engine with efficient blockchain systemToyotaFeb 28, 2017Nov 17, 2033447.6y left
10001293Power conversion system with modular photonic efficiencyToyotaNov 20, 2016Mar 15, 203386.9y left
10000568Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in AI-driven environmentsTSMCMar 16, 2017Mar 10, 2033206.9y left
10000580Method for configurable channel estimation in quantum communicationsTSMCNov 14, 2015Jul 21, 2033297.3y left
10003922Method for modular channel estimation in graphene communicationsUberJan 22, 2015May 9, 2033457.1y left
10004773Apparatus for high-performance computational operations in CMOS environmentsVisaMay 5, 2017Nov 14, 2033457.6y left
10004789Apparatus for adaptive computational operations in CMOS environmentsVisaNov 28, 2015Oct 7, 2033407.5y left
10004796Method for efficient channel estimation in cloud communicationsVisaSep 13, 2016Dec 5, 2033247.7y left
10004797Method for integrated machine learning inference using edgeVisaJun 4, 2015Mar 10, 2033316.9y left
10004710Method for low-latency channel estimation in blockchain communicationsZimmer BiometApr 28, 2015Apr 18, 2033127.0y 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 2033 Compares to Adjacent Years

The previous expiration year, 2032, saw 112 patents lose protection, and the following year, 2034, has 114 on the books — putting 2033 below both neighbors as a quieter year in the 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 2033?

104 U.S. utility patents tracked by PatentCliff are scheduled to lose protection in 2033. 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 2033?

Apple leads with 6 patents, followed by General Electric (5), Siemens (5), AbbVie Inc. (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 · 104 patents tracked for 2033.

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.