Give an example of something that a patent ran out on and that other manufacturers could then make?

Question

I just learned about patents, and I found them interesting, so i wondered about this.

Answer 1

Most of the devices you knew were once patented - the automobile engine, the light socket, the desktop computer. Until they go out of patent - you must license the technology to make a copy; after that, you can use the technology without paying a royalty.

Or you can modify creatively the technology and patent the new variation.

A lot of name-brand drugs start out this way - then lose their patent and become generics. They will often "tweak" their product when this occurs, so they can keep getting name-brand prices.

For example, Wellbutrin was a twice a day medication that went off patent (generic: buprion or something like that), so Wellbutrin came out with Wellbutrin SR (once a day) to get another "patent" - which will one day run out as well.

Answer 2

A name brand medication. Once the drug company's patent runs out, other companies can make generics.

Answer 3

asprin