You can freely build on The Invention of the Modern Adhesive Bandage
This patent expired in 1945. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Johnson and Johnson
Patent granted
1926
Expired
1945
Forward citations
16
What this patent covers
This patent describes a surgical dressing consisting of a strip of adhesive material with a central, non-adhesive pad of sterile gauze. The design allows the user to apply a protective, absorbent covering to a minor wound without needing separate tape or pins. By integrating the adhesive backing and the sterile pad into a single, ready-to-use unit, it simplified the process of dressing small cuts and scrapes in a home environment.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 1612267 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover non-adhesive bandages or traditional gauze rolls.
Does not cover liquid bandages or spray-on wound sealants.
Does not cover medical dressings that require separate adhesive tape for fixation.
Does not cover complex surgical sutures or internal wound closure devices.
Who is building on this today
Johnson and Johnson remains the dominant player in this space, having refined the product over decades. Other major healthcare companies like 3M and various private-label manufacturers continue to iterate on the adhesive and material technology.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages
Generic adhesive strips found in standard first-aid kits
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Johnson and Johnson. US Patent 1612267. Surgical dressing. Granted 1926, expired 1945. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.