Overview
When patents expire, it opens up opportunities to create improved or cheaper versions of once-protected products. This is common in pharmaceuticals but applies to other industries too.
Company examples
- Hims - Launched erectile dysfunction and hair loss treatments after Viagra patent expiry
- Lannett Company - Produces generic drugs after patent expirations of brand-name medications
- Mylan (now part of Viatris) - Developed EpiPen alternatives after patent expiration
Questions to consider
- - What valuable patents are expiring in the next few years?
- - How can we improve upon or repackage newly off-patent technologies for new markets?
How to cite
Faster Than Normal. “Leverage patent expiry to launch products Framework.” fasterthannormal.co/business-frameworks/leverage-patent-expiry-to-launch-products. Accessed 2026.