October 2026
3,852 US patents lapsed for unpaid maintenance fees in the USPTO's 1 weekly batches this month, and 397 more in the categories we follow reached the end of their full term. These are the ones worth a closer look.
Week by week
| Batch | No. | Lapsed | Full term | Picks | 70+ | Best pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2026 | 5 | 3,852 | 397 | 197 | 54 | Bi-fold wallet made from stainless-steel woven fabric 77 |
The month's top ten
How picks are scored →-
Bi-fold wallet made from stainless-steel woven fabric
A wallet constructed from woven stainless-steel mesh that’s stitched into layers to form card pockets. The sheets of metal fabric (back layer plus one or more front layers) surround...
77score / 100 -
Drill/screwdriver with a single collar that sets speed, clutch and hammer
A handheld electric drill/driver where a single rotatable collar sets modes: multiple clutch torque settings for screw driving, a drilling mode that disables the clutch, and a hammer...
75score / 100 -
Backpack with a dialed lace that curves the back panel
A backpack that uses a retractable lace and an adjustment device (dial) to pull a spacing panel toward the rear edge of the back panel, increasing the gap between the pack and the...
75score / 100 -
A foam-filled air mattress with welded cover and dual side chambers
This is a mattress that packs open-cell foam cores inside air-tight bags and uses pumpable air to change firmness. The cover can be bonded or thermally fused to the foam surface, and a...
75score / 100 -
A heatable sleeve that wraps a cup or bottle
A reusable sleeve that fits around a cup, bottle or can and contains an internal heater and insulation layer. The heater is activated in the sleeve and uses an exothermic chemical...
75score / 100 -
Synthetic resin round bottle Pro
The write-up, demand check and manufacturing notes are for Pro members.
··score / 100 -
Article of footwear incorporating a heel strap system Pro
The write-up, demand check and manufacturing notes are for Pro members.
··score / 100 -
Press-to-open zippers for reclosable packages Pro
The write-up, demand check and manufacturing notes are for Pro members.
··score / 100 -
Disposable facial hair grooming sink liner and wipe systems Pro
The write-up, demand check and manufacturing notes are for Pro members.
··score / 100 -
Dishwasher comprising at least one dishwasher spray arm Pro
The write-up, demand check and manufacturing notes are for Pro members.
··score / 100
Where the picks came from
| Consumer category | Picks |
|---|---|
| Sports & Fitness | 30 |
| Home & Furniture | 20 |
| Kitchen & Dining | 18 |
| Bags, Jewelry & Accessories | 16 |
| Bath & Personal Care | 16 |
| Storage & Containers | 14 |
| Apparel & Footwear | 14 |
| Toys & Games | 13 |
| Tools & Hardware | 12 |
| Auto & Bike Accessories | 8 |
| Outdoors & Camping | 7 |
| Cleaning & Laundry | 7 |
| Fishing & Hunting | 6 |
| Baby & Kids | 4 |
| Office & Stationery | 3 |
| Garden & Yard | 3 |
| Pet Supplies | 2 |
| Lighting | 2 |
| Music & Hobby | 2 |
| Track | Picks |
|---|---|
| Consumer products | 197 |
| Food, farm & garden tech | 14 |
| Auto, bikes & mobility | 12 |
| Gadgets & electronics | 12 |
| Manufacturing & industrial | 12 |
| Energy & batteries | 10 |
| Medical & health devices | 10 |
| Software & AI | 5 |