Intellectual Property
Surnetics technology is protected by an active US patent portfolio with continuation applications extending protection through 2034 and beyond. Partners gain exclusive access to technology that cannot be commercially replicated.
Core Patent
The core issued patent covers the fundamental method and apparatus for creating surface energy gradients that passively control fluid flow in microfluidic channels.
US Patent
US 9,968,930 B2
Inventor
Brian David Babcock
Assignee
Surnetics LLC
Filed
March 26, 2014
Granted
May 15, 2018
20
Claims
44
Citations
2034
Expires
Cited by 44 subsequent patents — evidence of broad industry influence and technological relevance across multiple sectors.
When 44 subsequent patents from major industry players cite this work, it is evidence of broad technological relevance — validation that this is foundational IP, not a niche filing. This citation record demonstrates the core science underpins a wide range of downstream applications and commercial interests.
44
Patent Citations
Worldwide Coverage
The portfolio spans international filings and multiple US continuation applications, reflecting a deliberate strategy to maximize protection scope and longevity.
International Patent Cooperation Treaty application filing establishes worldwide priority.
US 9,968,930 B2 granted May 15, 2018. Core claims covering microfluidic products with controlled fluid flow.
US continuation application filed, extending patent family with additional claim scope.
Additional US continuation application filed, further broadening the protected claim landscape.
Portfolio Depth
Beyond the core issued patent, the Surnetics portfolio includes issued patents and continuation applications that extend and expand the scope of protection.
Continuation applications preserve priority dates while allowing claim refinement — a deliberate IP strategy that strengthens the portfolio and increases the difficulty of designing around the protected technology.
The portfolio has been developed and is maintained by Brian Babcock, a Registered US Patent Agent with direct expertise in patent portfolio development, analysis, and commercial valuation.
US 9,968,930 B2 — issued and actively maintained. Full prosecution history available under NDA.
Multiple US continuation applications extending claim scope beyond the core patent.
PCT filing establishes worldwide priority date from 2014.
We are actively pursuing licensing partnerships, co-development agreements, and strategic partnerships across our six target markets. Patent protection active through 2034 provides a long runway for partners to build on this technology.