Technology Invention Patenting: International News Digest (Last 10 Days)

NewHydrogen, in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, filed its first international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for ThermoLoop technology on March 12, 2026. This breakthrough uses water and heat instead of electricity to produce low-cost clean hydrogen, incorporating AI-driven material discoveries for efficient thermochemical water splitting at temperatures below 1000°C.

«This international patent filing represents a critical milestone in our mission to produce the world’s most cost-effective clean hydrogen. By combining advanced material science with AI-driven discovery, we are creating a scalable, carbon-free path for hydrogen production that bypasses the high costs of electricity-intensive electrolysis.» — Steve Hill, CEO of NewHydrogen

The PCT filing secures a priority date in 158 countries, strengthening IP protection as the company advances toward commercialization.

WIPO Reports 0.7% Rise in Global PCT Filings for 2025

International patent applications via WIPO’s PCT reached 275,900 in 2025, up 0.7% from 2024, driven by digital communication (11.1% of filings) and semiconductors showing strong growth due to AI investments. China led with 73,718 filings (up 5.3%), followed by the US (52,617), Japan (47,922), South Korea (25,016), and Germany (16,441).

• 16 of the top 20 applicants are in ICT; University of California topped academic filers with 488 applications.

Trends highlight digital technologies and AI as key innovation drivers amid rising global investments.

MetaVia Bolsters Global Patents for Vanoglipel Therapy

MetaVia expanded its patent portfolio to 48 granted and pending patents across the US, Europe, Japan, China, and other countries for Vanoglipel, a therapy targeting metabolic and liver diseases, with protection extending through 2035.