Patent Protection for Robotic Innovations
Patent protection for robotic innovations involves drafting patent claims covering novel and inventive features. One example of robotic innovation is robotic surgery process. In simple terms, robotic surgery is very similar to traditional laparoscopic surgery in many ways. It can sometimes be done through small incisions, as opposed to open surgery. Additionally, the small, accurate movements possible with this kind of surgery provide it some benefits over more traditional endoscopic methods. These are the main reasons why a lot of doctors are considering robots as an option for their patients.
Robotic surgery is done with precise movements that do not require much effort from the person who will be doing the surgery. Instead, the person simply has to focus on making the movements in the machine that will be used to perform the surgery. This means that there are fewer things that can go wrong and that the patient can get the job done faster than if they were using a laparoscope. Since the movements are very precise, the amount of time needed for the surgery to be completed is significantly reduced. This is especially helpful for people who need surgery right away because of some kind of accident or health condition.
Another benefit of robotic surgery comes from the automation of all the processes that take place in the operating room. This automation is necessary to make sure that the patient receives the best possible care. By using robots to operate the operating room instead of human surgeons, you can cut down on all the repetitive tasks that have to be done. In addition to reducing the amount of time the patient has to spend in the operating room, automation also reduces the amount of money that has to be spent on labor fees. Therefore, robotic surgery may very well be the wave of the future.
Innovation in Robotic Surgery
An extension of the physician’s hands, robotic surgery provides pinpoint accuracy and advances in the field range from the development of more accurate planning tools and software to increased automation of tasks during surgery.
Precision surgical arms designed for proper instrument positioning and implantation during surgery increases surgeon precision. This advancement increases accuracy and safety while decreasing invasiveness and cost. Robotization is also reaching endovascular procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) which traditionally didn’t offer the surgeon radiation protection and the potential to reduce radiation exposure for other supporting staff and patients.
Now the risk has been lowered for patients and the surgeon while improving outcome. Robotic surgery provides precision, flexibility, and control paired with shortened recovery time and limited pain. Patients benefit from the continued advancement in the field.
For example, robotic cleaners have been used to disinfect the wards and AI voice assistants are advising people on home quarantine procedures. The 2017 robotic surgery statistics released by iData Research demonstrates that over 693,000 robotic-assisted procedures were performed in the U.S. itself.
The surgical robotics market has shown massive growth and is expected to reach $98.7 billion by the end of 2024. Da Vinci Surgical System has become the most used robotic surgical system and since 2000 has been used in more than 1.5 million surgeries.
What is Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive operation performed by surgeons manipulating robotic arms through several tiny incisions called ports. The robotic surgical machine consists of several main components including the console where the surgeon sits while performing the operations. The patient-side cart with for interactive arm and attached surgical instruments and a high definition 3D vision system. This system allows surgeons to make precise controlled movements in an individual’s body with increased vision and dexterity.
During robotic surgery, a surgeon will insert a high-definition 3d camera through one of the ports. The camera provides a magnified view of the surgical area. Then the surgeon will insert specialized surgical tools held by the remaining robotic arms through the other ports. Seated at the computer console, a patient surgeon will view the surgical area through the viewfinder and move the surgical tools and camera with joystick-like control and foot pedals. A patient’s surgeon motion will generate computer input to guide the motion of the robot’s arms and surgical tools.
The advantages of a robotic surgical system include:
- Controlled, accurate movement of surgical tools,
- Prevention of unintentional handshake or tremor,
- Ability to operate in spaces smaller than a human hand,
- Enhanced visibility of the surgical area,
- Less patient blood loss and scarring.
Robotic Surgery Patents
Patents in the robotic surgery industry have been existing for the last 30 years with companies like IBM, Computer Motion, Ichikoh Industries filing for the same. Currently various companies, research institutions and universities are already holding patents and have patents pending with them for robotic surgery. The number of patents filed for any technology depicts not only the potential of the technology but also the market viability of the same.
Patent lawyers prepare patent applications and conduct patent searches with expertise in robotic, biotechnology and life sciences patent law. Additional responsibilities include international patent filing, patent prosecution, responding to patent office actions, patent licensing and technology transfer agreements.
Computer Hardware and Software Inventions can be patented subject to certain conditions. Among all intellectual property (IP) services in India, patent filing in India is most sought after especially in the case of technologies and innovations pertaining to computer hardware, software and the other computer-related inventions (CRIs). As per Indian Patent Office, patents are filed in India for innovations involving multiple aspects, such as computers, computer systems, computer networks, computer-related inventions (CRIs), computer hardware and software inventions, data processing systems, data processing methods, information technology, database creation, database processing, database management, software, functions, computer programs, firmware, embedded systems, technical effects and technical advancements.
After performing patent search and analyzing patent search results related to computer hardware and software inventions, it can be seen that most patents filed with patent claims defining computer hardware and software inventions can be categorized into method claims or process claims, apparatus or system claims, computer-readable medium claims, or patent claims that are drafted to define a computer program product.
After filing a patent in India for computer-related inventions (CRIs), computer hardware, and computer software, the provisions of Indian Patents Act requires the patent applicant to file a request for patent examination, following which the patent will be examined by the Indian Patent Office. The request for patent examination in India can be filed via Form 18 under e-filing mode or physical filing mode. The official fee to file Form 18 for patent examination request under patent e-filing mode is INR 4000, INR 10,000 and INR 20,000 for a natural person (individual patent applicant), a small entity and a legal entity respectively. For physical filing mode, the official fee to file examination request vide Form 18 with the Indian patent office, the official fee is INR 4400, INR 11,000 and INR 22,000 respectively.
Our team of advanced patent attorneys assists clients with patent searches, drafting patent applications, and patent (intellectual property) agreements, including licensing and non-disclosure agreements.
Advocate Rahul Dev is a Patent Attorney & International Business Lawyer practicing Technology, Intellectual Property & Corporate Laws. He is reachable at rd (at) patentbusinesslawyer (dot) com & @rdpatentlawyer on Twitter.
Quoted in and contributed to 50+ national & international publications (Bloomberg, FirstPost, SwissInfo, Outlook Money, Yahoo News, Times of India, Economic Times, Business Standard, Quartz, Global Legal Post, International Bar Association, LawAsia, BioSpectrum Asia, Digital News Asia, e27, Leaders Speak, Entrepreneur India, VCCircle, AutoTech).
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