An innovative engineering firm specializing in industrial equipment for the food manufacturing sector is set to expand its footprint across the UK and Europe after receiving full patent approval for its breakthrough emissions control product.
FEG Global, headquartered in Washington, UK, has developed the LGC Scrubber, a patented system designed to revolutionize odour and oil mist management in food production facilities. The technology is aimed at companies involved in high-temperature frying, cooking, coating, or seasoning—common in seafood, meat, poultry, ready meals, and snack food manufacturing.
The LGC Scrubber features a dual-function system that combines a particulate wet scrubber and a gas scrubber. This allows it to effectively capture and eliminate both oil mist and volatile odour compounds from industrial food processing operations. Its modular design makes it adaptable for integration into existing factory layouts, providing a practical and scalable solution for food manufacturers.
One of the standout benefits of the LGC Scrubber is its potential contribution to the circular economy. The system allows for the collection and possible repurposing of waste emissions—such as oil particles—as biofuel, opening up additional revenue streams for users.
Following the patent approval, FEG Global plans to ramp up sales and installations of the LGC Scrubber across European markets. The company already operates regional offices in the Midlands, Glasgow, and Belgium, positioning it strategically for cross-border growth.
Chris Williams, Managing Director of FEG Global, emphasized the broader impact of the innovation:
The LGC Scrubber is not just a technical achievement; it’s a practical, market-ready solution that addresses critical environmental and operational challenges for food manufacturers. As housing developments increasingly encroach on industrial zones, managing odours and emissions isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for regulatory compliance and community relations.”
The system has already been successfully implemented by Whitby Seafoods, one of the UK’s largest seafood processors known for its iconic Whitby Scampi. The company, which processes over 3,000 tonnes of scampi annually, required a reliable system to manage odours in its high-temperature production environment.
Chris Dickinson, Head of Engineering at Whitby Seafoods, praised the partnership:
“We needed a solution that met our environmental standards while integrating seamlessly into our operational setup. FEG Global delivered exactly that. The LGC Scrubber installation has allowed us to maintain high production volumes while ensuring we continue to meet our environmental responsibilities as a local employer and good neighbour.”
As regulatory pressures mount and community awareness grows around industrial emissions, FEG Global’s LGC Scrubber is poised to become a critical solution for food manufacturers seeking to future-proof their operations while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Gayatri
“Judge Signals Sanctions Against Patent Attorney for Sharing Netflix’s Confidential Data with Litigation Funder”
A federal judge in Oakland has signaled his intent to impose sanctions on patent attorney Bill Ramey and his firm, Ramey LLP, for violating a protective order by sharing Netflix Inc.’s confidential information with a litigation funder. The case stems from a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Finnish inventor Lauri Valjakka against Netflix, in which Ramey represented Valjakka.
During a hearing the U.S. District Court indicated that attorneys’ fees would be an appropriate sanction, noting that they would likely be substantial. The dispute centers on Ramey’s disclosure of Netflix’s source code and financial information to AiPi LLC, a litigation funding company, without proper authorization. Netflix contends that these materials, described as the “crown jewels of its business,” were shared in violation of the court’s protective order, which restricts access to sensitive information to authorized individuals only.
At the hearing, Netflix’s attorney, Sarah Piepmeier of Perkins Coie, argued that AiPi had access to the confidential information before Netflix was aware of the funding arrangement. She expressed concern that AiPi’s possession of Netflix’s proprietary data could influence its decisions in future litigation or inspire new lawsuits. Ramey defended his actions, asserting that the protective order allowed him to share the information with “affiliates,” a category he believed included AiPi’s attorneys. He further claimed that no harm had occurred because AiPi’s lawyers assured him they hadn’t used the materials inappropriately.
Judge Tigar expressed skepticism about Ramey’s defense, stating that having individuals affiliated with a litigation funder review Netflix’s source code constituted a situation of harm. He also indicated that he would consider referring Ramey to the California State Bar or another disciplinary body for further review.
This development adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Ramey and his firm. Earlier this year, Judge Tigar denied Ramey’s application for pro hac vice admission in a separate case, CyboEnergy Inc. v. Netflix Inc., ruling that Ramey had been practicing law in California without a state bar license. Additionally, Ramey has faced scrutiny over his firm’s handling of multiple patent cases in California without proper licensure, leading to questions about his compliance with state ethical standards .
The case, Valjakka v. Netflix Inc., continues to unfold, with potential implications for the intersection of patent law, litigation funding, and the protection of confidential business information.
During a hearing the U.S. District Court indicated that attorneys’ fees would be an appropriate sanction, noting that they would likely be substantial. The dispute centers on Ramey’s disclosure of Netflix’s source code and financial information to AiPi LLC, a litigation funding company, without proper authorization. Netflix contends that these materials, described as the “crown jewels of its business,” were shared in violation of the court’s protective order, which restricts access to sensitive information to authorized individuals only.
At the hearing, Netflix’s attorney, Sarah Piepmeier of Perkins Coie, argued that AiPi had access to the confidential information before Netflix was aware of the funding arrangement. She expressed concern that AiPi’s possession of Netflix’s proprietary data could influence its decisions in future litigation or inspire new lawsuits. Ramey defended his actions, asserting that the protective order allowed him to share the information with “affiliates,” a category he believed included AiPi’s attorneys. He further claimed that no harm had occurred because AiPi’s lawyers assured him they hadn’t used the materials inappropriately.
Judge Tigar expressed skepticism about Ramey’s defense, stating that having individuals affiliated with a litigation funder review Netflix’s source code constituted a situation of harm. He also indicated that he would consider referring Ramey to the California State Bar or another disciplinary body for further review.
This development adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Ramey and his firm. Earlier this year, Judge Tigar denied Ramey’s application for pro hac vice admission in a separate case, CyboEnergy Inc. v. Netflix Inc., ruling that Ramey had been practicing law in California without a state bar license. Additionally, Ramey has faced scrutiny over his firm’s handling of multiple patent cases in California without proper licensure, leading to questions about his compliance with state ethical standards .
The case, Valjakka v. Netflix Inc., continues to unfold, with potential implications for the intersection of patent law, litigation funding, and the protection of confidential business information.
Clearmind Medicine Secures European Patent Publication for Psychedelic-Based Cocaine Addiction Therapy
Clearmind Medicine Inc. (Nasdaq: CMND, FSE: CWY0), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on the development of next-generation psychedelic-based treatments, has officially announced the publication of a European patent application for its novel cocaine addiction therapy. The patent, filed with the European Patent Office (EPO) under number EP 4531826, represents a critical milestone in the company’s mission to address substance use disorders with innovative, non-addictive therapeutic solutions.
A Groundbreaking Therapeutic Combination
The newly published patent centers around a proprietary formulation that combines MEAI (5-methoxy-2-aminoindane) with N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs), including Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). This unique combination aims to reduce cocaine cravings and prevent relapse by targeting the neurological pathways associated with drug addiction, without negatively impacting the natural reward systems in the brain.
These studies showed that animals treated with MEAI experienced a significant reduction in drug-seeking behavior. Notably, the research also found that the treatment did not impair the animals’ motivation for natural rewards such as sucrose, indicating the therapy’s ability to specifically address compulsive drug use without affecting healthy reward mechanisms.
Enhancing Global IP Protection
The European patent publication marks a key development in Clearmind’s broader strategy to strengthen its global intellectual property portfolio. The company has filed similar patent applications in multiple jurisdictions, and this European recognition further validates its proprietary approach to addiction therapy.
“This milestone reinforces our commitment to protecting the science behind our innovative treatments,” said Adi Zuloff-Shani, Ph.D., CEO of Clearmind Medicine. “Securing intellectual property rights in major global markets is essential for supporting the future commercialization of our psychedelic-based therapeutics and ensuring continued leadership in this evolving field.”
Strategic Collaboration and Expansion
The patent is also part of an ongoing collaborative effort with SciSparc Ltd. (Nasdaq: SPRC). The partnership is exploring the combined potential of Clearmind’s MEAI compound with SciSparc’s PEA-based technologies to develop advanced treatments for a range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This alliance is expected to further accelerate the development of therapies targeting addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
About Clearmind Medicine Inc.
Clearmind Medicine is a clinical-stage psychedelic pharmaceutical company dedicated to creating transformative solutions for pressing and under-treated health conditions. Its research and development efforts focus primarily on psychedelic-derived compounds, with the goal of advancing them through the regulatory pipeline for use as pharmaceutical treatments, functional supplements, or food-grade therapies.
The company currently manages an expansive IP portfolio comprising 19 patent families and 31 granted patents, and continues to pursue additional filings to protect its proprietary formulations and discoveries.
The publication of this European patent application represents a significant leap forward in Clearmind’s pursuit of effective therapies for cocaine addiction. By combining rigorous scientific research with strategic global partnerships and IP protection, the company continues to establish itself as a leader in the emerging field of psychedelic-based mental health treatments.
Apple Patent Hints at Future Mac Devices with Gesture Control and Interactive Projection Surfaces
Apple Inc. has been granted a new patent that reveals ambitious plans to revolutionize how users interact with its computing devices. The patent outlines technology that could transform future MacBooks, iMacs, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboards by embedding a range of advanced sensors and projection systems. These innovations aim to enable gesture-based control, enhanced spatial awareness, and interactive visual displays projected onto nearby surfaces.
A New Era of Gesture-Driven Input
At the core of the patent is the integration of gesture recognition capabilities that go beyond current trackpads and touch input. According to the document, the proposed system will utilize a combination of position sensors, light sources, and image sensors to determine the precise location and motion of a device such as a mouse or keyboard. These sensors would not only track device movement on a surface but also interpret hand and finger gestures made in the air near the device.
Apple envisions using technologies such as visible and infrared cameras, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic modules, and accelerometers to recognize and interpret three-dimensional gestures. This would allow users to perform tasks by simply moving their hands above or beside the device, offering a touchless control experience. Such an approach could be particularly useful for accessibility, creative applications, or sterile environments where physical contact should be minimized.
Turning Surfaces into Smart Interfaces
One of the most striking features detailed in the patent is the use of miniature projectors embedded within devices like the MacBook or Magic Mouse. These projectors would be capable of casting virtual elements—such as labeled keys, buttons, or other UI elements—onto nearby surfaces. The projected images could then be interacted with through gestures or taps, effectively expanding the device’s interface beyond its physical form.
This concept has the potential to transform an ordinary desk into an extended digital workspace. For instance, a user could have projected function keys beside their MacBook that respond to finger taps or swipes, creating a dynamic, context-sensitive input surface.
Intelligent Feedback and Enhanced Input Detection
Apple’s design also includes the use of haptic feedback components that respond to user gestures. When a user interacts with the projected interface or moves their fingers along sensor-equipped sidewalls, haptic actuators could provide tactile responses to simulate button presses or surface texture changes.
In addition, embedded accelerometers may detect subtle vibrations transmitted through surfaces when users tap or move their fingers. This data could further refine gesture recognition, enabling high-precision input even on non-traditional interaction planes.
Implications for Future Apple Devices
The patent suggests that this technology could be applied across various Apple products, with particular emphasis on peripherals like the Magic Mouse and Keyboard, as well as the MacBook and iMac lines. By transforming passive input devices into intelligent, gesture-aware, and surface-interactive tools, Apple is laying the groundwork for a new user experience paradigm.
While the company has not officially announced any product using this technology, the patent signals Apple’s continued exploration of spatial computing and immersive interfaces. If implemented, this system could mark a significant step toward seamless, intuitive control across both 2D and 3D input environments.
Looking Ahead
This patent complements Apple’s broader efforts in augmented reality, wearable tech, and spatial computing—an area gaining traction with devices like Vision Pro. As Apple moves to unify its ecosystem with richer, more natural user interactions, the concepts in this patent may soon move from paper to product.
Disclaimer: While patents offer a glimpse into future product directions, not all patented technologies make it into commercial products. However, Apple’s consistent investment in gesture-based and sensor-driven innovations makes this development one to watch.
Unilin Technologies Secures European Patent for Groundbreaking Osiris Wood Recycling Technology
Unilin Technologies, the intellectual property division of Unilin, has been awarded European patent EP 4114629 for its pioneering Osiris recycling technology. This patent marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to foster circular practices in the wood industry and reflects Unilin’s ongoing investment in sustainable innovation.
The patented Osiris system represents the first industrial-scale technology capable of recycling fiberboards—a long-standing challenge in the wood-based panel industry. Historically, the composite structure of fiberboards, which combines wood fibers with adhesives and resins, made them difficult to disassemble and therefore unfit for effective recycling. As a result, these boards typically ended up in landfills or were incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation.
With Osiris, Unilin has developed a scalable and practical solution to this issue. The technology enables the efficient separation of wood fibers from waste fiberboards, which can then be reintegrated with virgin wood to manufacture new fiberboards. This process not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources by decreasing reliance on fresh wood material.
The Osiris technology is exclusively offered for licensing by Unilin Technologies in partnership with Dieffenbacher, a leading provider of wood-based panel production systems.
“We are proud to receive this patent, which underscores the innovation behind Osiris and the impact it can have on the sustainability of the fiberboard industry,” said a spokesperson from Unilin Technologies. “Our goal is to create real-world solutions that allow manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high production standards.”
The granting of this European patent further strengthens Unilin’s intellectual property portfolio and opens the door for wider adoption of circular technologies across the board manufacturing sector. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainable production methods, Osiris offers a viable path forward for companies seeking to align with environmental targets without compromising efficiency or quality.
The patented Osiris system represents the first industrial-scale technology capable of recycling fiberboards—a long-standing challenge in the wood-based panel industry. Historically, the composite structure of fiberboards, which combines wood fibers with adhesives and resins, made them difficult to disassemble and therefore unfit for effective recycling. As a result, these boards typically ended up in landfills or were incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation.
With Osiris, Unilin has developed a scalable and practical solution to this issue. The technology enables the efficient separation of wood fibers from waste fiberboards, which can then be reintegrated with virgin wood to manufacture new fiberboards. This process not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources by decreasing reliance on fresh wood material.
The Osiris technology is exclusively offered for licensing by Unilin Technologies in partnership with Dieffenbacher, a leading provider of wood-based panel production systems.
“We are proud to receive this patent, which underscores the innovation behind Osiris and the impact it can have on the sustainability of the fiberboard industry,” said a spokesperson from Unilin Technologies. “Our goal is to create real-world solutions that allow manufacturers to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high production standards.”
The granting of this European patent further strengthens Unilin’s intellectual property portfolio and opens the door for wider adoption of circular technologies across the board manufacturing sector. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainable production methods, Osiris offers a viable path forward for companies seeking to align with environmental targets without compromising efficiency or quality.
Navigating the Genomics Revolution: The Evolving Role of Intellectual Property Protection
More than two decades after the landmark announcement of the Human Genome Project’s completion in 2003, the field of genomics is undergoing a profound transformation. What began as a focus on decoding linear DNA sequences has expanded into a multidisciplinary understanding of the genome’s structural and functional complexity. This includes insights into protein folding, post-translational modifications like glycosylation, and the critical functions of non-coding DNA segments once dismissed as “junk,” such as introns.
In healthcare, personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are transitioning from research to real-world application. Genomic research is also driving the development of disease-resistant crops in agriculture and, in the biotech industry, is converging with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate innovations like next-generation sequencing and data interpretation.
This rapid evolution brings renewed focus on how intellectual property (IP) laws can safeguard innovation while keeping pace with scientific complexity. A strategic approach to IP is essential to protect genomics-related breakthroughs across multiple domains.
Patents: The Traditional Tool — and Its Limitations
Utility patents remain a cornerstone of IP strategy in genomics. In the competitive life sciences market, such exclusivity can determine commercial viability. However, the scope of what is patentable, especially in the U.S., is becoming increasingly restrictive.
Key genomic discoveries — like isolated human genes — when naturally occurring, are not patentable under U.S. law. Similarly, diagnostic methods that link biomarkers with disease states often fall outside the scope of patent-eligible subject matter. AI-driven components, such as algorithms used to interpret genomic data, also face hurdles, as abstract ideas and software in isolation typically don’t qualify for patent protection.
Disclosure Challenges in Patent Law
Patents require inventors to fully disclose their invention. This becomes problematic when critical elements of an innovation — like proprietary algorithms or data models — aren’t patentable but are vital to the invention’s function. In such cases, companies may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information that could be exploited by competitors, forcing them to weigh the benefits of limited patent protection against the risk of exposing valuable trade secrets.
Trade Secrets: A Flexible but Fragile Option
When patenting isn’t viable or would reveal too much, trade secrets offer an alternative. This form of protection doesn’t require disclosure and isn’t limited by subject matter rules or duration, as long as the information remains confidential. Genomics-based innovations — such as algorithm development, data modeling, and experimental optimization — are well-suited to trade secret strategies.
However, trade secrets are vulnerable. A single leak — from an employee, partner, or regulatory disclosure — can irreversibly compromise protection. Therefore, robust internal controls, clear access policies, and legal safeguards are essential to maintain secrecy.
Copyright: Protecting the Expression of Genomic Insights
While traditionally associated with creative works, copyright law has found new relevance in the digital era. It now extends to software, source code, and potentially, some aspects of genomics-related data and algorithms. Unlike patents, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — which means competitors can replicate the core concept using different language or methods, provided they don’t copy the exact expression.
For genomics, copyright might apply to algorithmic code, databases, or visualization tools used in analyzing genetic data. However, it is a limited tool that works best in conjunction with other forms of IP protection.
Toward an Integrated IP Strategy for Genomics
As genomics continues to push scientific boundaries, no single form of IP protection is sufficient. A multi-layered approach is often required — combining patents for core inventions, trade secrets for proprietary methods or data, and copyright for software or data presentation.
Careful coordination is essential. Over-disclosure in a patent could undermine trade secret protection, while an overly secretive approach might prevent the grant of a meaningful patent. Developing a clear, strategic IP roadmap that aligns with scientific goals and commercial interests is critical for ensuring innovations are protected without sacrificing competitive advantage.
In healthcare, personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are transitioning from research to real-world application. Genomic research is also driving the development of disease-resistant crops in agriculture and, in the biotech industry, is converging with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate innovations like next-generation sequencing and data interpretation.
This rapid evolution brings renewed focus on how intellectual property (IP) laws can safeguard innovation while keeping pace with scientific complexity. A strategic approach to IP is essential to protect genomics-related breakthroughs across multiple domains.
Patents: The Traditional Tool — and Its Limitations
Utility patents remain a cornerstone of IP strategy in genomics. In the competitive life sciences market, such exclusivity can determine commercial viability. However, the scope of what is patentable, especially in the U.S., is becoming increasingly restrictive.
Key genomic discoveries — like isolated human genes — when naturally occurring, are not patentable under U.S. law. Similarly, diagnostic methods that link biomarkers with disease states often fall outside the scope of patent-eligible subject matter. AI-driven components, such as algorithms used to interpret genomic data, also face hurdles, as abstract ideas and software in isolation typically don’t qualify for patent protection.
Disclosure Challenges in Patent Law
Patents require inventors to fully disclose their invention. This becomes problematic when critical elements of an innovation — like proprietary algorithms or data models — aren’t patentable but are vital to the invention’s function. In such cases, companies may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information that could be exploited by competitors, forcing them to weigh the benefits of limited patent protection against the risk of exposing valuable trade secrets.
Trade Secrets: A Flexible but Fragile Option
When patenting isn’t viable or would reveal too much, trade secrets offer an alternative. This form of protection doesn’t require disclosure and isn’t limited by subject matter rules or duration, as long as the information remains confidential. Genomics-based innovations — such as algorithm development, data modeling, and experimental optimization — are well-suited to trade secret strategies.
However, trade secrets are vulnerable. A single leak — from an employee, partner, or regulatory disclosure — can irreversibly compromise protection. Therefore, robust internal controls, clear access policies, and legal safeguards are essential to maintain secrecy.
Copyright: Protecting the Expression of Genomic Insights
While traditionally associated with creative works, copyright law has found new relevance in the digital era. It now extends to software, source code, and potentially, some aspects of genomics-related data and algorithms. Unlike patents, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself — which means competitors can replicate the core concept using different language or methods, provided they don’t copy the exact expression.
For genomics, copyright might apply to algorithmic code, databases, or visualization tools used in analyzing genetic data. However, it is a limited tool that works best in conjunction with other forms of IP protection.
Toward an Integrated IP Strategy for Genomics
As genomics continues to push scientific boundaries, no single form of IP protection is sufficient. A multi-layered approach is often required — combining patents for core inventions, trade secrets for proprietary methods or data, and copyright for software or data presentation.
Careful coordination is essential. Over-disclosure in a patent could undermine trade secret protection, while an overly secretive approach might prevent the grant of a meaningful patent. Developing a clear, strategic IP roadmap that aligns with scientific goals and commercial interests is critical for ensuring innovations are protected without sacrificing competitive advantage.
PIL Filed in Supreme Court Against Trademarking of “Operation Sindoor”
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging attempts to trademark the term “Operation Sindoor,” which is associated with India’s recent cross-border military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The plea, filed by advocate Dev Ashish Dubey, contends that the term should remain in the public domain as a symbol of national sacrifice and military valor, and must not be subject to commercial exploitation.
Symbol of National Mourning and Valor
“Operation Sindoor” was the code name attributed to a high-profile military operation carried out in April 2025 following a series of terrorist attacks on Indian soil. The operation garnered widespread national attention and has since become emblematic of India’s counter-terrorism resolve. According to the petitioner, the term has deep emotional and patriotic significance, representing both the grief of the nation and the courage of its armed forces.
Dubey argued in his petition that allowing the term to be trademarked for commercial purposes—particularly for use in entertainment and educational services—would undermine its solemnity. “This term is now a part of national memory,” the plea states. “To commercialize it is to trivialize the sacrifices of the martyrs and disrespect the sentiments of their families.”
Corporate Involvement and Controversy
Among them was an application by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), which had applied for the trademark under Class 41, covering services related to media, education, and entertainment.
In a public statement, the conglomerate clarified that the filing was made “without proper authorization” by a junior employee and was promptly retracted upon internal review.
Despite the withdrawal, the PIL notes that other private entities have also submitted trademark applications for the term, raising concerns about potential misuse in films, web series, and other commercial content.
Legal Arguments
The petition invokes Section 9 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, which prohibits the registration of terms that are likely to hurt public sentiment or are devoid of distinctive character in the commercial sense. Dubey’s plea argues that “Operation Sindoor” falls within this exception due to its symbolic association with a national tragedy and its lack of commercial originality.
“This is not a brand name or an invented phrase,” Dubey said. “It is a descriptor of a solemn military campaign, and it belongs to the people of India, not to any corporate entity or private individual.”
Call for Judicial Intervention
The petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to direct the Registrar of Trademarks to reject any current or future applications seeking to register “Operation Sindoor” as a trademark. The PIL also seeks broader guidelines to prevent similar attempts to commercialize terms tied to national security or military actions.
However, legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent regarding the ethical and legal limits of branding sensitive national events.
Public Reaction
The PIL has received support from several quarters, including veterans’ associations and civil society groups. Many believe that the term should be preserved as a collective symbol of national pride and not repurposed for profit.
With the Supreme Court expected to weigh in on the matter, the case is likely to spark a larger conversation around the commodification of national symbols and the need for legislative safeguards against such practices.
ABVC BioPharma Secures Japanese Patent for Botanical Depression Drug ABV-1504, Strengthens Global IP Portfolio
In a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio, U.S.-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company ABVC BioPharma has received a key patent grant in Japan for its novel antidepressant candidate, ABV-1504. The newly issued patent secures exclusive rights in Japan for the innovative botanical-based treatment through 2040, reinforcing the company’s commitment to addressing global mental health challenges with plant-derived therapies.
ABV-1504, currently under clinical development for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is formulated from PDC-1421, a proprietary compound extracted from the traditional medicinal herb Polygala tenuifolia. This active ingredient acts as a Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) inhibitor and has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in Phase II clinical trials, offering a potentially safer and non-addictive alternative to conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The Japanese patent adds to ABVC’s existing IP protections in the United States, Australia, and Taiwan, ensuring broad international coverage for PDC-1421. With depression affecting more than 280 million people globally, and the antidepressant market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, ABV-1504 positions itself as a differentiated and promising therapy in a growing global landscape.
“Securing patent protection in Japan is a critical achievement for ABV-1504 and reflects our broader strategy to provide innovative, plant-based solutions for central nervous system disorders,” said a company representative. “Japan’s healthcare system, which has long embraced botanical therapies, represents an ideal market for introducing this novel treatment.”
Japan presents strong commercial potential for ABV-1504. With over 5 million people suffering from depression and the country’s antidepressant market expected to surpass $1.25 billion by 2025, ABVC sees the region as a vital part of its global expansion strategy. The integration of herbal medicine into Japan’s modern healthcare practices further enhances market readiness for scientifically validated botanical alternatives.
To accelerate market access and local engagement, ABVC established BioLite Japan K.K., a joint venture led by a former Pfizer executive with deep experience in the Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical industry. Through this entity, ABVC is actively collaborating with regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and local industry leaders to prepare for future clinical and commercial developments in the region.
In a parallel development, ABVC signed a global licensing deal in November 2023 with AiBtl BioPharma Inc., valued at $667 million. The agreement includes milestone payments and royalties based on future commercialization success, underscoring investor confidence in the compound’s potential.
The issuance of the Japanese patent represents a major milestone for ABVC BioPharma as it continues its mission to redefine the treatment landscape for mental health disorders. By advancing a botanical-based solution with proven clinical promise, ABVC aims to offer patients a new path toward safer and more sustainable depression management.
China Strengthens IP Protection with New Fast-Track Service Center in Shenzhen’s Futian District
In a significant move to bolster the nation’s innovation ecosystem, China has approved the establishment of a new national-level fast-track intellectual property rights (IPR) protection service center in Shenzhen’s Futian district. The announcement was made by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), marking another milestone in the country’s expanding IP protection infrastructure.
Futian, located in the core of Shenzhen’s central business area, is widely recognized for its vibrant fashion industry. The new IPR center is expected to provide significant support to these businesses by offering streamlined services for securing design patents.
According to CNIPA, the new facility will be focused on expediting the design patent application process. Typically, it takes around six months for a design patent to be approved in China. However, with the assistance of the new service center, this duration can be reduced to within three months, enabling companies to protect their innovations more quickly and effectively.
“Fast-track services like those offered by the Futian center are essential for industries where product design changes rapidly and time-to-market is critical,” said a CNIPA spokesperson. “By accelerating the IP protection process, we aim to enhance innovation capabilities and create a more favorable environment for creative industries.”
Design patents represent a substantial portion of China’s intellectual property filings. In 2023 alone, China granted 638,000 design patents, and in 2024, the country maintained its position as the global leader in international design patent filings. The introduction of fast-track services in innovation-driven zones like Futian is seen as a strategic step toward sustaining this momentum.
The center will also contribute to the local economy by attracting more fashion designers and creative talent to the district. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, are expected to benefit, as they often face resource constraints when navigating traditional IP processes. By offering efficient services, the new center aims to reduce barriers for these businesses and empower them to compete on a larger scale.
This initiative is part of a broader national effort to create a comprehensive IP protection
Catheter Precision Secures First U.S. Patent for Surgical Closure Device, LockeT
Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE American: VTAK), a leading U.S.-based developer of advanced medical devices in the cardiac electrophysiology field, has received a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio. The company announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for its first U.S. patent for LockeT, a specialized surgical closure device designed for orthoscopic entry wounds. The patent application was originally filed in December 2022.
LockeT, a Class 1 device registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a suture retention product aimed at facilitating wound closure following percutaneous venous procedures. This latest patent strengthens Catheter Precision’s competitive position in the U.S. market and builds upon its growing foundation of international intellectual property protections.
“This first U.S. patent for LockeT complements our portfolio of international patents already granted in China, Europe, and the United Kingdom,” said David Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Catheter Precision. “Securing IP protection in the U.S. is particularly meaningful as we continue discussions for product distribution in key global markets, including China and Europe.”
The company is also anticipating regulatory clearance in the form of a CE mark within the current quarter, which would authorize LockeT’s commercial use across European markets. According to Jenkins, this approval is expected to open new revenue opportunities and accelerate market entry efforts abroad.
“We’re encouraged by the reception LockeT has received since its limited rollout in the U.S. late last year,” Jenkins added. “Healthcare systems globally are increasingly looking for devices that can improve clinical outcomes while also reducing overall procedural costs. LockeT is well-positioned to meet these dual objectives.”
LockeT represents a key addition to the company’s product lineup, especially as hospitals and surgical centers seek more effective wound management solutions that minimize complications and enhance recovery.
About Catheter Precision
Based in the United States, Catheter Precision, Inc. is a medical technology company dedicated to improving the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The company collaborates closely with clinicians to design and deliver innovative electrophysiology devices that raise the standard of care in cardiac procedures.
Forward-Looking Information
This news article contains statements that may be considered forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to product approvals, market adoption, and commercial success. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including those detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).