I really hope this is the last time I have to post this info. As...

I really hope this is the last time I have to post this info. As DAAC said, look it up people.
This is the material patent for the MPL in the US: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/6239077

Corresponding patents were issued in other jurisdictions with different expiry timelines, but let's stick to the US for now.
US patents are in force for 20 years from filing plus whatever term adjustment is offered due to processing delays.
If you look at the front page for the patent above, the filing date shown at (22) is Apr. 21, 1999 and the adjustment period at (*) is 0 days.
Adding 20 years gives you a patent expiry of Apr. 21, 2019.
BUT, because this is a pharma patent, it is elligible to be extended for a period up to 5 years pursuant to the Hatch-Waxman Act, which recognises the time it can take for pharmaceuticals to be approved and reach market post patent approval. Now, the extention may be shorter than this, but let's assume it's the maximum 5 years and we arrive at a latest possible date of Apr. 21, 2024 - next April.
If anyone thinks we'll be generating commercial revenue from MPL before next April (pretty much the only thing you need to watch out for) then, respectfully, I can recommend a good shrink.
The takout here, as I've said so many times before...
THE PATENTS ARE NOT AN ISSUE!
And if you're going to invest in biotech, it's a good idea to have some appreciation for the way this stuff works.

Cheers

Densy