Mechanical Technologies

O&R patent lawyers have extensive experience patenting both simple and complex mechanical technologies in a variety of industries. Even the most seemingly simple mechanical technologies can embody important nuances requiring experience and creativity to achieve the patent scope to which a client is entitled. To protect complex mechanical systems, we identify the essence of its commercial advantages to claim the breadth of intellectual property protection needed to secure a competitive advantage. 

It is often said that “it’s not the difference; it’s the difference the difference makes.” This is especially important in the world of mechanical inventions. Like all inventions, mechanical ones are combinations of known parts. However, because mechanical inventions were among the earliest of inventions, the list of known parts is extensive. It is thus important to highlight how seemingly trivial differences in their structure can result in patentable technology. Obtaining patents for such mechanical inventions will often require drawing attention to the subtleties of how that structure operates and interacts with the other components.

Increasingly, mechanical systems have complex algorithmic components, often implemented in computers or special-purpose processors or circuitry. We can apply our expertise in control systems, machine learning, and other disciplines to identify situations where the innovation lies in the synergy between a mechanical arrangement and an algorithmic component and find a path to patentability. We can also help navigate the complexities that can occur when the algorithmic component and underlying system are patented by different parties.

Our mechanical experience includes work in the following areas:

Simple mechanical technologies

  • clamping rings for heating pipes

  • soles for work boots

  • parking lot bollards

Complex mechanical technologies

  • micro-fluidic devices

  • unicycle motorcycles

  • needleless medical injectors

  • industrial packaging systems

  • unmanned aerial aircrafts

  • satellite components

Mechanical systems with algorithmic components

  • robotic localization and mapping

  • three-dimensional imaging

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