When a patent expires, the protection it offers comes to an end. This means that anyone can make, use, sell, or import the invention without infringing the patent. This can lead to increased competition, as others can utilise the previously patented invention. Once a patent expires, there is no way to renew or extend it. Therefore, it’s important for inventors to make the most of the exclusivity period and capitalise on their invention before the patent runs out. Additionally, they should consider filing applications for additional patents that build upon their existing patented inventions to protect their intellectual property rights further.