Recently Expired Drugs
1. Acetadote patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8653061 | CUMBERLAND PHARMS | Acetylcysteine composition and uses thereof |
Aug, 2025
(15 days ago) | |
| US8399445 | CUMBERLAND PHARMS | Acetylcysteine composition and uses thereof |
Aug, 2025
(15 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using ACETYLCYSTEINE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 23 January, 2004
Treatment: Method of treating acetaminophen overdose with acetylcysteine solutions
Dosage: INJECTABLE
How can I launch a generic of ACETADOTE before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
ACETADOTE family patents
2. Amitiza patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8748481 | SUCAMPO PHARMA LLC | Method for treating gastrointestinal disorder |
Sep, 2025
(7 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Indication(I-670) | Apr 19, 2016 |
| M(M-225) | Apr 26, 2021 |
Drugs and Companies using LUBIPROSTONE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 29 April, 2008
Treatment: Method for the long term treatment of chronic constipation in a human subject with irritable bowel syndrome
Dosage: CAPSULE
How can I launch a generic of AMITIZA before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
AMITIZA family patents
3. Duzallo patent
expiration
Can you believe DUZALLO received compensation for the extended wait time during the regulatory approval process?
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US8003681 | IRONWOOD PHARMS INC | 2-(5-bromo-4-(4-cyclopropylnaphthalen-1-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)acetic acid and methyl ester |
Aug, 2025
(14 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using ALLOPURINOL; LESINURAD ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 18 August, 2017
Treatment: NA
Dosage: TABLET
More Information on Dosage
DUZALLO family patents
4. Erivedge patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US9790183 | GENENTECH | Pyridyl inhibitors of hedgehog signalling |
Sep, 2025
(6 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Jan 30, 2017 |
Drugs and Companies using VISMODEGIB ingredient
NCE-1 date: 31 January, 2016
Market Authorisation Date: 30 January, 2012
Treatment: Method of using vismodegib to treat basal cell carcinoma
Dosage: CAPSULE
More Information on Dosage
ERIVEDGE family patents
5. Exxua patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US7538116 | FABRE KRAMER | Treatment of sexual disorders |
Sep, 2025
(6 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Sep 22, 2028 |
Drugs and Companies using GEPIRONE HYDROCHLORIDE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 23 September, 2027
Market Authorisation Date: 22 September, 2023
Treatment: Treatment of subjects with major depression with sexual dysfunction caused by either major depression or prior treatments, or treatment of subjects with major depression without the risk of sexual dys...
Dosage: TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE
More Information on Dosage
EXXUA family patents
6. Genosyl patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US11554241 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US9956373 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US8609028 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US8226916 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US10124142 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US11383059 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US11291793 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US8821801 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US9522249 | VERO BIOTECH INC | Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using NITRIC OXIDE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 20 December, 2019
Treatment: A method of delivering nitric oxide to a patient
Dosage: GAS
More Information on Dosage
GENOSYL family patents
7. Givlaari patent expiration
GIVLAARI IPR and PTAB Proceedings
Can you believe GIVLAARI received compensation for the extended wait time during the regulatory approval process?
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US9150605 | ALNYLAM PHARMS INC | Compositions comprising alternating 2′-modified nucleosides for use in gene modulation |
Aug, 2025
(11 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Nov 20, 2024 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-273) | Nov 20, 2026 |
Drugs and Companies using GIVOSIRAN SODIUM ingredient
NCE-1 date: 21 November, 2023
Market Authorisation Date: 20 November, 2019
Treatment: NA
Dosage: SOLUTION
More Information on Dosage
GIVLAARI family patents
8. Mirvaso patent expiration
MIRVASO's oppositions filed in EPO
MIRVASO IPR and PTAB Proceedings
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US7439241 | GALDERMA LABS LP | Compounds, formulations, and methods for treating or preventing rosacea |
Aug, 2025
(14 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Dosage Form(NDF) | Aug 23, 2016 |
Drugs and Companies using BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 23 August, 2013
Treatment: Topical treatment of facial erythema of rosacea
Dosage: GEL
How can I launch a generic of MIRVASO before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
MIRVASO family patents
9. Ogsiveo patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US7342118 | SPRINGWORKS | Imidazole compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| US7795447 | SPRINGWORKS | Imidazole compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Nov 27, 2028 |
| ODE*(ODE*) | Nov 27, 2030 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-452) | Nov 27, 2030 |
Drugs and Companies using NIROGACESTAT HYDROBROMIDE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 28 November, 2027
Market Authorisation Date: 27 November, 2023
Treatment: NA
Dosage: TABLET
More Information on Dosage
OGSIVEO family patents
10. Olux E patent expiration
OLUX E's oppositions filed in EPO
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8962000 | PHARMOBEDIENT | Microemulsion and sub-micron emulsion process and compositions |
Aug, 2025
(8 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 12 January, 2007
Treatment: Treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses
Dosage: AEROSOL, FOAM
How can I launch a generic of OLUX E before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
OLUX E family patents
11. Omeprazole patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US9023391 | DEXCEL PHARMA | Stable benzimidazole formulation |
Aug, 2025
(23 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using OMEPRAZOLE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 04 December, 2007
Treatment: NA
Dosage: TABLET, DELAYED RELEASE
More Information on Dosage
OMEPRAZOLE family patents
12. Onzetra Xsail patent expiration
ONZETRA XSAIL's oppositions filed in EPO
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US7975690 | CURRAX | Nasal devices |
Aug, 2025
(21 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using SUMATRIPTAN SUCCINATE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 27 January, 2016
Treatment: Method of drug delivery via the nasal cavity
Dosage: POWDER
More Information on Dosage
ONZETRA XSAIL family patents
13. Ozempic patent expiration
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ozempic slows digestion and decreases appetite, leading to improved glycemic control and potential weight loss benefits.
What is the Ozempic controversy?
The injectable diabetes medication Ozempic (semaglutide) has recently seen its FDA-approved label updated to warn of potential serious intestinal side effects like obstruction or blockage. The newly added FDA warning highlights that Ozempic may cause severe gastrointestinal issues like intestinal obstruction, intense abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal swelling.
OZEMPIC's oppositions filed in EPO
OZEMPIC IPR and PTAB Proceedings
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8114833 | NOVO | Propylene glycol-containing peptide formulations which are optimal for production and for use in injection devices |
Aug, 2025
(26 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Dec 05, 2022 |
| New Indication(I-822) | Jan 16, 2023 |
| New Dosing Schedule(D-185) | Mar 28, 2025 |
| New Indication(I-961) | Jan 28, 2028 |
Drugs and Companies using SEMAGLUTIDE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 05 December, 2021
Market Authorisation Date: 06 October, 2022
Treatment: NA
Dosage: SOLUTION
How can I launch a generic of OZEMPIC before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
OZEMPIC family patents
14. Pradaxa patent expiration
PRADAXA's oppositions filed in EPO
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US7932273 | BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | 3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylaminoiminomethyl) phenylamino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-carbonyl)pyridin-2-ylamino]propionic acid ethylester methansulfonate and its use as a medicament |
Sep, 2025
(a day ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Oct 19, 2015 |
| New Indication(I-682) | Apr 04, 2017 |
| New Indication(I-683) | Apr 04, 2017 |
| M(M-168) | Nov 20, 2018 |
| New Strength(NS) | Nov 20, 2018 |
| New Indication(I-862) | Jun 21, 2024 |
| New Product(NP) | Jun 21, 2024 |
| Pediatric Exclusivity(PED) | Dec 21, 2024 |
Drugs and Companies using DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE MESYLATE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 22 December, 2023
Market Authorisation Date: 19 October, 2010
Treatment: NA
Dosage: CAPSULE; PELLETS
How can I launch a generic of PRADAXA before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
PRADAXA family patents
15. Qoliana patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US7265117 | SANDOZ | Topical brimonidine tartrate formulations that lack chlorine dioxide |
Aug, 2025
(20 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 22 May, 2006
Treatment: NA
Dosage: SOLUTION/DROPS
More Information on Dosage
QOLIANA family patents
16. Qutenza patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US10034841 | AVERITAS | Transdermal therapeutic system comprising an adhesive layer method for siliconizing the back layer of the system and use of said back layer |
Sep, 2025
(2 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Nov 16, 2014 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE) | Nov 16, 2016 |
| New Indication(I-838) | Jul 17, 2023 |
Drugs and Companies using CAPSAICIN ingredient
NCE-1 date: 16 November, 2013
Market Authorisation Date: 16 November, 2009
Treatment: NA
Dosage: PATCH
More Information on Dosage
QUTENZA family patents
17. Saxenda patent expiration
SAXENDA's oppositions filed in EPO
SAXENDA IPR and PTAB Proceedings
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8114833 | NOVO | Propylene glycol-containing peptide formulations which are optimal for production and for use in injection devices |
Aug, 2025
(26 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Jan 25, 2015 |
| New Product(NP) | Jan 25, 2017 |
| New Patient Population(NPP) | Dec 04, 2023 |
Drugs and Companies using LIRAGLUTIDE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 25 January, 2014
Market Authorisation Date: 23 December, 2014
Treatment: NA
Dosage: SOLUTION
How can I launch a generic of SAXENDA before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
SAXENDA family patents
18. Tyvaso Dpi patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US10130685 | UNITED THERAP | Diketopiperazine salts for drug delivery and related methods |
Aug, 2025
(16 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Product(NP) | May 23, 2025 |
Drugs and Companies using TREPROSTINIL ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 23 May, 2022
Treatment: NA
Dosage: POWDER
More Information on Dosage
TYVASO DPI family patents
19. Veltin patent expiration
VELTIN's oppositions filed in EPO
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US9492384 | ALMIRALL | Microemulsion and sub-micron emulsion process and compositions |
Aug, 2025
(8 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE; TRETINOIN ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 16 July, 2010
Treatment: Treatment of atopic dermatitis
Dosage: GEL
More Information on Dosage
VELTIN family patents
20. Verdeso patent expiration
VERDESO's oppositions filed in EPO
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | ||||
| US8962000 | ALMIRALL | Microemulsion and sub-micron emulsion process and compositions |
Aug, 2025
(8 days ago) | |
| US9492384 | ALMIRALL | Microemulsion and sub-micron emulsion process and compositions |
Aug, 2025
(8 days ago) | |
Drugs and Companies using DESONIDE ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 19 September, 2006
Treatment: Treatment of atopic dermatitis
Dosage: AEROSOL, FOAM
More Information on Dosage
VERDESO family patents
21. Victoza patent expiration
VICTOZA's oppositions filed in EPO
VICTOZA IPR and PTAB Proceedings
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US8114833 | NOVO NORDISK INC | Propylene glycol-containing peptide formulations which are optimal for production and for use in injection devices |
Aug, 2025
(26 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Jan 25, 2015 |
| M(M-115) | Apr 06, 2015 |
| M(M-176) | Apr 22, 2019 |
| New Indication(I-750) | Aug 25, 2020 |
| New Patient Population(NPP) | Jun 17, 2022 |
| Pediatric Exclusivity(PED) | Dec 17, 2022 |
Drugs and Companies using LIRAGLUTIDE ingredient
NCE-1 date: 17 December, 2021
Market Authorisation Date: 25 January, 2010
Treatment: NA
Dosage: SOLUTION
How can I launch a generic of VICTOZA before it's drug patent expiration?
More Information on Dosage
VICTOZA family patents
22. Vizamyl patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US7270800 | GE HEALTHCARE | Thioflavin derivatives for use in antemortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in vivo imaging and prevention of amyloid deposition |
Sep, 2025
(5 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Oct 25, 2018 |
Drugs and Companies using FLUTEMETAMOL F-18 ingredient
NCE-1 date: 25 October, 2017
Market Authorisation Date: 25 October, 2013
Treatment: Diagnostic radioimaging
Dosage: INJECTABLE
More Information on Dosage
VIZAMYL family patents
23. Xalkori patent expiration
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US7230098 | PF PRISM CV | Aminoheteroaryl compounds as protein kinase inhibitors |
Aug, 2025
(13 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Aug 26, 2016 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE) | Aug 26, 2018 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-15) | Aug 26, 2018 |
| M(M-163) | Sep 14, 2018 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-111) | Mar 11, 2023 |
| New Indication(I-852) | Jan 14, 2024 |
| New Indication(I-897) | Jul 14, 2025 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-328) | Jan 14, 2028 |
| Orphan Drug Exclusivity(ODE-407) | Jul 14, 2029 |
Drugs and Companies using CRIZOTINIB ingredient
Market Authorisation Date: 07 September, 2023
Treatment: NA
Dosage: CAPSULE, PELLETS; CAPSULE
More Information on Dosage
XALKORI family patents
24. Zurampic patent expiration
Can you believe ZURAMPIC received compensation for the extended wait time during the regulatory approval process?
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry | Activity Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | ||||
| US8003681 | IRONWOOD PHARMS INC | 2-(5-bromo-4-(4-cyclopropylnaphthalen-1-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)acetic acid and methyl ester |
Aug, 2025
(14 days ago) | |
| Drug Exclusivity | Drug Exclusivity Expiration |
|---|---|
| New Chemical Entity Exclusivity(NCE) | Dec 22, 2020 |
Drugs and Companies using LESINURAD ingredient
NCE-1 date: 23 December, 2019
Market Authorisation Date: 22 December, 2015
Treatment: NA
Dosage: TABLET
More Information on Dosage
ZURAMPIC family patents