The Nespresso patents start to expire in 2012, though Nestle is seeking to modify the system in order to obtain new patents and extend the monopoly time. Rather ironically Sara Lee owns Douwe Egbert which has the Senseo system, which was also patented but first successfully challenged in court and then the patents were revoked as not unique, owing to the existence of Nespresso as prior art.

Nexpod appears to still be in business (though it appears they've abandoned selling empty capsules).