International Technology Patent Digest

October 15–26, 2026

Patented quantum-memory technology recognized among the year’s best inventions

Qunnect’s Qu-MEM, developed from patented research at Stony Brook University in the United States, was named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 list. The device is described as the world’s first commercial room-temperature quantum memory and could support the development of scalable quantum networks and more secure communications. The technology is also being integrated into Stony Brook’s quantum-networking infrastructure.[1][7]

Patent protects AI system for auditable digital-file recognition

U.S. software company Brillient received a patent for a system that identifies and classifies digital files using their structural characteristics rather than filenames, extensions or visual appearance. The technology is designed to process documents, images, audio and video while improving traceability and reliability in enterprise AI applications.[5]

U.S. court upholds Google-related patent claims

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld all challenged claims of a Valtrus patent after Google sought to invalidate them through inter partes review. The decision highlights the continuing importance of patent litigation involving search technologies and the limits of challenges based on earlier patent applications.[3][4]

New patents target microrobotic medicine and neurological monitoring

Researchers at Purdue University received recognition for patented biomedical technologies, including a portable platform that combines magnetic microrobot control, ultrasound imaging and localized heating. Potential applications include targeted drug delivery, sample collection and robot-assisted surgery. A separate patented biosensor uses platinum nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes to measure glutamate with substantially increased sensitivity, supporting research into neurological injuries.[2]

Eurasian patent granted for industrial-waste air-pollution technology

A Belgian company received Eurasian Patent No. 054861 for a process that converts metallurgical waste powder into a sorbent for removing acidic pollutants from industrial flue gases. The technology targets hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, while reducing waste volumes and offering an alternative to more expensive lime-based purification materials.[10]

Patent-grant timelines fluctuate in the United States

Recent U.S. patent data indicate a sharp change in the time between payment of the issue fee and patent grant. The median interval was reported at 29 days for patents issued during the first half of 2026, compared with 60 days for patents issued from September 1 through October 20. The shift may affect commercialization planning and the timing of technology launches.[4]