USPTO issues 11 millionth patent
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued US patent number 11 million to 4C Medical Technologies for its prosthetic heart valve invention.
The utility patent covers AltaValve, the heart valve replacement technology, which is currently being evaluated in clinical research studies.
It was awarded on May 11, 2021, three years after the USPTO released its 10 millionth patent.
“This momentous benchmark is a reminder of the remarkable and enduring tradition of American innovation that has driven our nation forward for generations,” said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Building our economy back stronger requires new ideas and innovative solutions from every sector. I am proud to recognise patent 11 million, its inventors, and its promise.”
Barnes & Thornburg partner Jeff Stone represented 4C Medical Technologies in securing the patent.
“I’m thrilled to have been a part of this significant milestone for the USPTO and 4C Medical,” said Stone.
The AltaValve is implanted using a catheter and is currently the only device that preserves the native mitral valve. It has the potential to treat patients with failed mitral valve repair. The patent was granted to co-inventors Saravana Kumar and Jason Diedering of 4C.
“We are incredibly excited and honoured to be granted US patent number 11 million for our invention,” said inventor Saravana Kumar.
“The 4C Medical beginning is a true story of American entrepreneurship, where Jason and I worked in a garage many nights and weekends to turn this idea into reality.”
“4C Medical’s approach to inventing is simple—we identified a need, created a solution, and demonstrated its benefits. We are a team of highly driven and creative engineers who are committed to bringing lifesaving technologies to people who need it most,” explained inventor Jason Diedering.
Drew Hirshfeld, director of the USPTO added: “We owe a debt of gratitude to inventors who continue to show up day after day with solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We congratulate the inventors behind patent 11 million and all of the innovators who helped the country reach this milestone.”
Patent 10 million was issued in June 2018 for a “Coherent Ladar Using Intra-Pixel Quadrature Detection” invention.
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