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).
design
USPTO Suspends Expedited Examination for Design Applications Amid Fraud Concerns and Case Backlog
In a decisive move aimed at improving efficiency and safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. intellectual property system, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the suspension of expedited examination for design patent applications, effective April 17, 2025. The policy change was officially detailed in a notice published in the USPTO’s Official Gazette on April 14.
The decision comes in response to a 560% surge in requests for expedited design application reviews—a trend the USPTO attributes in large part to a rise in fraudulent filings. This suspension is part of a broader strategy to reduce the growing inventory of unexamined design applications, curb misuse of the system, and ensure accurate and fair processing for legitimate applicants.
Key Reasons Behind the Suspension
According to the USPTO, the unexpected spike in expedited examination requests has placed significant pressure on examiners and contributed to increased backlogs in the design application pipeline. Much of this rise, the agency notes, is linked to fraudulent filings, which not only distort processing timelines but also pose risks to the integrity of the U.S. intellectual property system.
The USPTO also cites a rise in erroneous micro entity certifications—false claims to fee discounts intended for small applicants—as a factor in its decision. These certifications have become a growing concern in recent years, complicating the patent review process and necessitating additional scrutiny.
What the Suspension Means for Applicants
Starting April 17, 2025, the USPTO will no longer grant requests for expedited examination of design applications, including any renewed or pending requests submitted on or after that date. In line with this change:
Associated fees will be refunded in full for requests made after the effective date.
The USPTO will continue to examine design applications under its standard timeline, as it works to reduce overall pendency and inventory.
Impact on the Design Patent Community
The suspension will have a notable impact on companies and individuals relying on faster design patent protection for products with short market cycles, particularly in sectors like fashion, consumer electronics, and packaging design. However, the USPTO maintains that ensuring quality and transparency in the application process outweighs the short-term disruption caused by the policy shift.
Industry analysts suggest that while the suspension may create delays for some innovators, the move is likely to improve the reliability and credibility of granted design patents in the long run, which is critical for both domestic and international enforcement.
Broader Reform Efforts
This policy change is one component of the USPTO’s wider agenda to combat abuse and strengthen the integrity of the IP system. The office has been ramping up enforcement against fraudulent filings, improving data analytics to detect suspicious activity, and refining procedures for certifying applicant eligibility for reduced fees.
The USPTO also continues to explore new technologies and staffing solutions to address examination delays and ensure legitimate applications are processed efficiently.