Legal Research

RGMA Binding Protein and Use Thereof - Tanabe Pharma, EP3584260A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3584260A1 on April 15, 2026, covering RGMA (Glass-like Rolling Membrane Protein A) binding proteins and their therapeutic uses. The patent names Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Osaka University, and National University Corporation Chiba University as applicants, with inventors HASHIMOTO Motonori and YAMASHITA Toshihide. The invention is classified under A61P 25/00 (nervous system diseases) and A61P 37/02 (immunological disorders), covering therapeutic applications in neurological and immunological disease treatment.

Cladribine Regimen for Treating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Merck Patent GmbH, EP3713582A1

Merck Patent GmbH has been granted patent protection for a cladribine-based regimen for treating progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. The patent application EP3713582A1 was published on April 15, 2026, designating 32 states including major European markets. Inventors include DOTZAUER, Matthias and DANGOND, Fernando. The patent claims cover pharmaceutical compositions and methods using cladribine (A61K 31/7076) for neurological applications (A61P 25/00).

Cell Penetrating Peptides and Uses Thereof, Entrada Therapeutics, EP3613426A1

Entrada Therapeutics, Inc. filed European patent application EP3613426A1 for cell penetrating peptides on April 15, 2026, covering therapeutic uses including treatments for cancer (A61P35/00), diabetes (A61P3/10), and kidney disease (A61P13/00). The application is classified under multiple IPC codes including C07K7/06, A61K38/00, A61K38/05, A61K38/12, A61K38/46, and A61K47/64, with inventors named as PEI, Dehua and QIAN, Ziqing. The application designates multiple European states including AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

CD20 Inhibitors and Bisfluoroalkyl-1,4-Benzodiazepinone Compounds - EP3790553A1

EPO published patent application EP3790553A1 for compositions comprising CD20 inhibitors and bisfluoroalkyl-1,4-benzodiazepinone compounds and methods of use, filed by Ayala Pharmaceuticals Inc. The application names Roni MAMLUK as inventor and covers pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic use, with A61P 35/00 classification indicating oncology applications. The designated states include all EPC contracting states (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR).

MMP-1 Antisense Oligonucleotides, Olipass, Published Apr 15

Olipass Corporation has obtained publication of European patent application EP3794124A1 for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) antisense oligonucleotides, a therapeutic compound class for dermatological applications. The application was published April 15, 2026 under IPC classification C12N 15/113 with priority filing established. The patent names six inventors and designates 31 contracting states across the European patent system.

TQ Delta v. CommScope Holding Company - Patent Dispute

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a nonprecedential opinion in appeal 24-1587, TQ Delta LLC v. CommScope Holding Company Inc., on April 24, 2026. The appeal originated from the US District Court (DCT) and was decided as a nonprecedential opinion, meaning it does not establish binding precedent for future cases. The opinion is available as PDF from the court's opinions and orders page.

Jones v. US, Case 24-2053, Nonprecedential Opinion

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a nonprecedential opinion in Jones v. US, Case 24-2053, an appeal originating from the Court of Federal Claims. The opinion was posted on April 24, 2026. Nonprecedential opinions do not constitute binding precedent but resolve the specific dispute between the parties. The full opinion is available via the linked PDF.

Fujishima Family Trust Appeal - Probate Court Trustee Removal and Surcharge Rulings Affirmed

The Intermediate Court of Appeals of the State of Hawai'i affirmed two orders and judgments from the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Probate Court) in trust proceeding no. 1CTR-22-0000164. In the first matter (CAAP-23-0000537), the court affirmed the August 16, 2023 judgment adopting the Master's recommendations and imposing a $422,522.22 surcharge against former co-trustee Eadean M. Buffington. In the consolidated appeal (CAAP-24-0000807), the court affirmed the October 31, 2024 judgment voiding the Fujishima Family Trust dated September 1, 2005, based on findings of undue influence over grantor Evelyn Fujishima. The appellate court rejected Buffington's arguments that the Probate Court erred in procedure, evidentiary standards, and the scope of relief granted.

Csizmazia v. Brady Appeal Dismissal Affirmed

The Intermediate Court of Appeals of the State of Hawai'i affirmed the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit's dismissal of claims against Shelagh Brady, a Canadian citizen, holding that Hawai'i courts lacked personal jurisdiction over her under the state's long-arm statute. The court applied the Yamashita v. LG Chem due process framework, finding that Brady's contacts with Hawai'i—facilitating the sale of her brother's 51% interest in a Maui rental property yielding $264,768—did not establish sufficient purposeful availment and that exercising jurisdiction would not comport with fair play and substantial justice given the burden on a foreign defendant and alternative fora available.

Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Valve Maintenance Schedule

PHMSA has published a proposed rule that would establish requirements for hazardous liquid pipeline valve maintenance schedules under 49 CFR 195. The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2026, is open for public comment for 60 days, with comments due by June 23, 2026. Pipeline operators should review the proposal and submit comments via Regulations.gov or the Federal Register eRulemaking portal.

PHMSA Proposes Rule on Pipeline RMV Operational Timelines

PHMSA published a proposed rule on April 24, 2026, seeking to establish or modify timeframes for pipeline operators to make Remote Manual Valves (RMVs) operational. The rule affects operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines regulated under 49 CFR 192 and 49 CFR 195. The agency is accepting public comments for 60 days, with the comment period closing on June 23, 2026, via Regulations.gov under Docket No. PHMSA-2026-1553.

Tax Guidance Centers Open Across Israel, May–Jul 2026

The Israel Tax Authority is establishing free guidance centers in 24 cities and towns across Israel to assist individuals with completing and filing Annual Returns (Form 1301), micro-business owners who opted for annual filing, and recipients of 'Green Envelopes' seeking tax refunds. Centers will operate from May 17 to July 8, 2026, on Sundays and Wednesdays from 13:00–18:00, with special schedules for Umm al-Fahm (Sundays only) and Eilat (Mondays and Wednesdays). Services are provided without identification requirements and free of charge.

Notice 030/2026: Barge ETD OXYRINCHUS Towing Haifa to Ashdod Apr 23

Israel's Ministry of Justice has issued Notice to Mariners No. 030/2026 advising that a towing operation for Barge ETD OXYRINCHUS assisted by Tug Bardive1 will take place from Haifa Port on 23 April 2026 with an estimated arrival at Ashdod Marina on 24 April 2026 early morning. The vessel will sail 3–5 nautical miles from the shoreline with a 200-meter towing cable. All mariners are requested to maintain a minimum safe distance of 1 nautical mile from the towing tugboats and the barge, which will display standard towing lights and shapes for vessels over 200 meters.

Weekly Restricted Report, Anti-Israel Protest Forecast, April 23-30

The Israel Ministry of Justice published its weekly restricted intelligence report providing an anti-Israel protest forecast for the period April 23-30, 2026. The document is classified as a J-soc (Joint Security Operations Center) report. The document appears to serve as a file attachment page with no substantive regulatory content or compliance obligations detailed in the visible metadata.

CIPO Consults on Expedited Patent Examination Programs and Grace Period

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) launched a public consultation on April 23, 2026, seeking views on two patent-related topics: expedited patent examination programs (including feedback on 4 existing programs and 2 potential new options) and the patent grace period with pre-filing disclosures. The consultation will remain open for at least 2 months, with the closing date to be announced. CIPO specifically notes this consultation will inform Canada's participation in international patent discussions on grace period harmonization, indicating potential policy alignment with global IP standards.

Commonwealth v. Ushon: SJC Adopts Counterman Standard for Juvenile Threat Prosecutions Under G.L. c. 269, § 14(b)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court adopted the Counterman mens rea standard for prosecutions under G.L. c. 269, § 14(b) (threats against places), holding the Commonwealth must prove the defendant 'consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence.' The ruling aligns Massachusetts threat prosecutions with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 Counterman decision and the SJC's own 2024 Cruz decision. The juvenile defendant reposted a school shooting image on TikTok; the case was remanded for further proceedings consistent with the new standard.

Morales v Commonwealth — SJC Affirms Judgment on Competency and Due Process

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the denial of a G. L. c. 211, § 3 petition seeking immediate dismissal of criminal charges against a defendant found incompetent to stand trial. The defendant argued that G. L. c. 123, § 16 (f) violated due process because it is undisputed he will never regain competency. The SJC held that the motion judge made no finding as to the defendant's likelihood of regaining competency and that one forensic psychologist's opinion did not indisputably prove this. The single justice did not abuse her discretion in declining to reach the merits absent exceptional circumstances warranting extraordinary relief.

Israel Postpones 2025 Income Tax Return Deadlines for Individuals, Corporations, and Non-Profits

The Director of the Israel Tax Authority, Mr. Shay Aharonovich, has postponed the filing deadlines for 2025 annual tax returns to ease the burden on clients and due to the security situation. The new deadlines are: Sunday, May 31, 2026 for individuals filing non-online returns; Tuesday, June 30, 2026 for individuals filing online returns; and Thursday, July 30, 2026 for corporations, non-profit organizations, and controlling shareholders. Tax representatives may obtain further deadline extensions under a separate announcement.

Truist Bank ATM QR Mode Switching, Apr 21

The USPTO granted Truist Bank Patent US12609004B2 on April 21, 2026, covering a computer-implemented method for switching ATM operating modes via QR code. The patent enables users to toggle between a default text-based interface and a basic graphical mode. Filed February 21, 2025 as Application No. 19059931 with 20 claims, assigned to inventors Karie Padgett and Mandy Zahl. Banks and financial institutions may face increased competitive pressure to develop similar accessible ATM interfaces, potentially creating licensing opportunities for QR-based accessibility features.

POSIFLEX Point of Sale Casing Opening Device

USPTO granted Patent US12609009B2 to POSIFLEX TECHNOLOGY, INC. on April 21, 2026, covering a casing opening device for point-of-sale terminals. The device uses two hinges with positioning rods and position releasing mechanisms that allow the front and rear casings of a POS terminal to flatten when compressed together. Tsung-Kan Cheng is listed as the inventor. The patent application (18352261) was filed on July 14, 2023, and includes 3 claims.

ADEIA GUIDES INC. Package Monitoring System Using Sensors for Shipment Tracking

USPTO granted Patent US12609011B2 to ADEIA GUIDES INC. on April 21, 2026. The patent covers systems and methods for monitoring packages from warehouse shipment through post-delivery events using camera platforms at delivery addresses. The system detects package delivery, monitors designated drop-off areas for movement, distinguishes authorized from unauthorized users, and performs actions when unauthorized movement is detected.

NEXITE Granted Patent for Mobile Payment Transactions

USPTO granted US Patent 12,609,014 B2 to NEXITE LTD. on April 21, 2026, covering systems and methods for wireless purchase transactions using mobile communications devices. The patent (22 claims) describes a system enabling users to receive product-related information based on location and display-area identification, including lookup functionality for retrieving data associated with nearby product displays. Inventors include Guillermo Rotstein, Lior Shakedd, and Anat Shakedd, with filing date March 3, 2022.

US12608974B2 - User Awareness Device with Sensor-Based User Presence Detection

The USPTO granted patent US12608974B2 titled 'User awareness device, user awareness system, and user awareness method' to the named assignee (Company) on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a device with a processor that receives user information from devices, compares it against pre-registration data to identify users, and transmits service data accordingly. The patent contains 20 claims and was filed on October 25, 2022 (Application No. 18049308).

Method for Producing an Orthopaedic Support Element, Patent EP4188288A1

The European Patent Office has granted patent EP4188288A1 titled 'Method for Producing an Orthopaedic Support Element' to inventor-applicant David Hahlbrock. The patent covers production methods for orthopaedic support elements classified under IPC A61F 5/01 (orthopaedic apparatus) and A61F 5/02 (orthopaedic devices), with additional classification under B29C 33/38 (moulding processes). The granted patent is valid in 32 designated contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and other EPO member states.

Knee Prosthetic Planning System, EP4153044A1, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4153044A1 for a knee prosthetic planning system filed by Little Engine, LLC. The application names five inventors and covers IPC classifications related to prosthetic devices, including A61B 5/103, A61F 2/08, and A61F 2/38. The designated states cover all major European patent validation countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Balloon-Expandable Heart Valve System - EP4149394A1, Vitae LLC

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4149394A1 for a balloon-expandable heart valve system and method of implantation filed by Vitae LLC. The application names TIAN, Bin as the sole inventor and falls under IPC classification A61F 2/24 (heart valve prostheses). The publication designates 32 European states where patent protection may eventually be sought. This is an A1 publication — the application has been made publicly available but has not yet been granted.

Medtronic Balloon-Expandable Cardiac Valve Prosthesis Stent Patent EP4114311A1

The European Patent Office published EP4114311A1, a patent application filed by Medtronic, Inc. covering balloon-expandable stents with lengthened commissure posts designed for transcatheter implantation of cardiac valve prostheses. The patent names 17 inventors including Peterson, Kari, Javani, Farrar, Askari, and others, and was published under IPC classification A61F 2/24 on April 15, 2026. The application designates all European member states covered by the EPO.

JIJ Inc. EP4167151A1 AI Patent Published Apr 15, 2026

European patent application EP4167151A1 by JIJ Inc. has been published by the EPO on April 15, 2026. The patent covers methods, data structures, and programs, classified under IPC G06N (AI/machine learning). The application names JIJ Inc. as applicant and YAMASHIRO Yu as inventor, with 32 designated contracting states.

Neural Network Logic Explanation, SRI International, April 15, 2026

The EPO published patent application EP4158550A1 titled 'Neural Network Explanation Using Logic' filed by SRI International on April 15, 2026. The application covers methods and systems for explaining neural network decisions using logical reasoning techniques, classified under multiple G06N (AI/neural networks) and H04L (digital communications) IPC categories. Designated states include AT, BE, DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, and other EPC contracting states.

Google LLC Voice Bot Patent, EP4147153A1, G06N

Google LLC obtained publication of European patent application EP4147153A1, titled 'Updating Trained Voice Bot(s) Utilizing Example Based Voice Bot Development Techniques', covering AI-based methods for training and updating voice bots. The patent application, published April 15, 2026, lists eight inventors and is classified under G06F 40/35 and G06N 20/00. The application designates all EU/EEA member states, granting Google exclusive rights to the disclosed voice bot technology across the European market upon grant.

Certificate Authenticity Identification Method and Apparatus, EP4109332A1, Tencent

European Patent Office published patent EP4109332A1 for Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited covering a certificate authenticity identification method using neural networks and computer vision. The patent names inventors ZHENG, Yan, WU, Lei, CAO, Haoyu, LIU, Bing, and HU, Yiqing, with IPC classifications spanning G06V and G06N (artificial intelligence/computing). The patent is designated across 44 European member states including AL, AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, GB, IT, NL, PL, and SE.

Huawei Driving Decision AI Patent EP4160478A1 Published

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. received patent publication EP4160478A1 for a driving decision-making AI method, device, and chip. The patent covers AI-based autonomous vehicle decision systems across multiple IPC classifications including G06N 5/01 (neural networks), G06N 3/047 (deep learning), G06N 3/092 (reinforcement learning), and B60W 60/00 (autonomous vehicle control). The patent is designated for all 31 EPC contracting states including EU member states, CH, GB, NO, TR, and others.

Google LLC Self-Adaptive Distillation Patent EP4311405A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4311405A1 for Google LLC on April 15, 2026, covering Self-Adaptive Distillation technology in the AI/machine learning classification G06N. The patent names nine inventors and covers techniques related to neural network knowledge distillation methods. Designated states include all EU member states plus Switzerland, Norway, and other EPC contracting states.

Quantum Analog Computing at Room Temperature Using Conventional Electronic Circuitry

EPO published patent application EP4158553A1 filed by Technologies Infinityq Inc. on April 15, 2026, covering quantum analog computing at room temperature using conventional electronic circuitry. The application names Jean-michel Sellier and Kristina Kapanova as inventors and classifies the invention under IPC categories including G06N 10/40 (quantum computing). Designated states cover all current EPO member states and extension countries. Parties seeking to license or challenge this technology should monitor the EPO Register for further prosecution history and any subsequent publication of the granted patent.

Microsoft Majorana Qubit Calibration Patent EP4189611A2

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4189611A2 on April 15, 2026, titled 'Calibrating Majorana Qubits by Probing Topological Degeneracy.' The application was filed by Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC with four named inventors: KARZIG, Torsten; LUTCHYN, Roman Mykolayovych; VAYRYNEN, Jukka Ilmari; and BAUER, Roman Bela. The invention relates to quantum computing calibration techniques under IPC classifications G06N 10/40 and G06N 10/20, covering all designated European states and additional jurisdictions.

Sony AI Patent - Cell Clustering, EP4229606A1, Published April 15, 2026

Sony Group Corporation and Sony Corporation of America have obtained European Patent EP4229606A1, published April 15, 2026, for an AI-based framework enabling unsupervised cell clustering and sorting through image analysis. The patent covers machine learning methods under IPC classifications G06N 3/045, G06N 3/08, G06N 20/00, and G06N 3/0464, with applications in biological sample processing and medical diagnostics. The patent is designated across 33 EPO member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Caterpillar Undercarriage Wear Prediction Machine Learning Model Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4237815A1, filed by Caterpillar Inc., covering a machine learning model for predicting undercarriage wear in heavy equipment. The patent application names five inventors and includes IPC classifications spanning mechanical testing (G01M), neural networks (G06N), and control systems (G05B). The application designates 33 European contracting states and was published on April 15, 2026.

Intel Corp, Federated Learning Optimizations, EP4158558A1

The European Patent Office published Intel Corporation's patent application EP4158558A1 titled 'Federated Learning Optimizations' on April 15, 2026. The application covers machine learning techniques enabling model training across distributed datasets without exchanging raw data. The publication establishes priority date and opens the standard nine-month opposition window.

Systems and Methods for Generating Images for Training AI Systems (EP4179508A1)

European Patent Application EP4179508A1 was published by the EPO on April 15, 2026, titled 'Systems and Methods for Generating Images for Training Artificial Intelligence Systems.' The application lists Omni Consumer Products, LLC as applicant and Marc A. Gilpin as inventor, with IPC classifications spanning G06N (AI), G06V (image recognition), and G06T (computer graphics). Designated states include all EU member states plus additional European Economic Area countries. This publication makes the technical details of the AI training image generation system publicly available as prior art.

Edwards Lifesciences EP3860503A1 Stabilizer for Cardiac Valve Delivery Systems

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation filed EP3860503A1 with the European Patent Office for a stabilizer for a delivery system, published on 15 April 2026. The patent application covers IPC classifications A61B 90/57, A61F 2/24, and A61B 90/11, with designated states spanning the EPO member states. Named inventors include JAMAL, Deena; LUONG, Hieu; JOHNSON, Garrett; GUTIERREZ, Tarannum; BECERRA, Matthew; and NESBITT, Karen.

Shape Memory Element for Straightening Malleable Device

The European Patent Office published international patent application EP3975819A1, filed by Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd., covering a shape memory element designed to straighten malleable medical devices. The application was published on April 15, 2026 and entered the European phase with designations covering all major EU contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Medical device manufacturers developing catheter-based or other malleable instruments with shape-memory components should review the published claims to assess potential freedom-to-operate implications.

Canon Image Processing Device, Published 15th Apr

Canon Kabushiki Kaisha obtained a European patent publication (EP3903681A1) for an image processing device and method covering medical imaging applications. The patent, published April 15, 2026, includes IPC classifications A61B 6/03 (CT scanners) and multiple G06T classifications for image segmentation and analysis. Designated states cover 31 European countries including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Nova Biomedical Liver Enzyme Blood Measurement Device EP3823530A1

Nova Biomedical Corporation filed EPO patent application EP3823530A1 for systems and methods measuring liver enzyme levels in blood, covering ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT biomarkers. The application was published on 15 April 2026 with designations extending across 32 EU/EEA states including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The patent protects point-of-care diagnostic methods and devices for liver enzyme quantification from blood samples.

Biopsy System with Tissue Impedance Measurement, EP4031014A1

European Patent Office published EP4031014A1 on April 15, 2026, disclosing a biopsy system with tissue sample impedance measurement capability. The patent application was filed by Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc., with inventors Brian Boyle, Ranjani Sampath Kumaran, and Bryon Pelzek. The invention falls under IPC classifications A61B 10/02, A61B 10/00, A61B 5/0538, and A61B 5/00. The designated states cover the full European patent territory including AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Economical, Environmentally Friendly, Disposable Blood Pressure Cuff Patent EP3818928A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3818928A1 for Welch Allyn, Inc. covering economical, environmentally friendly, disposable blood pressure cuffs and methods of manufacturing. Inventors Raymond A. Lia and Robert L. Vivenzio are listed. The patent was published April 15, 2026 and designates multiple European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others.

Masimo Patient Monitoring Systems, EP3955809A1, A61B

The European Patent Office published European patent application EP3955809A1 for Masimo Corporation's patient monitoring systems and devices on April 15, 2026. The patent application covers multiple IPC classifications including A61B 5/01, A61B 5/1455, A61B 5/021, and A61B 5/024, among others, with inventors including AL-ALI, DEJONG, TELFORT, FULLERTON, and PEREA. The designated states include all major European Patent Convention member states including AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Intuitive Surgical EP3813720A1 Stereoscopic Endoscope Distance Measurement

EPO published European patent application EP3813720A1 for Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. on April 15, 2026. The application titled 'SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING A DISTANCE USING A STEREOSCOPIC ENDOSCOPE' covers image-guided surgical systems incorporating stereoscopic endoscopy and computer vision for intraoperative distance measurement. Designated states include all EU member states plus associated European Patent Convention countries, covering a major global market for the disclosed medical device technology.

Roche Diabetes Care Patent for Analyte Sensor Electrode Manufacturing

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4000517A1, filed by Roche Diabetes Care GmbH and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, covering a method for manufacturing a working electrode of an analyte sensor. The inventors are listed as Branislav Babic and Alexander Steck. The patent application was published on April 15, 2026 and designates multiple European states. This is a routine patent publication event and does not create compliance obligations for third parties.

Oblong Endoscope Sheath, A61B, 15th Apr

European patent application EP3821786A1 titled "Oblong Endoscope Sheath" was published by the EPO on April 15, 2026, with applicants Gyrus ACMI, Inc. d/b/a Olympus Surgical Technologies America and inventors KONOSTRUM, Gregory S., CHENG, Ming J., and GOLDBERG, Daniel R. The application is classified under IPC A61B 1/00, A61B 1/015, and A61B 1/12, covering diagnostic and surgical instruments. The patent is validated in 31 designated contracting and extension states across Europe.

Electronic Payment Confirmation System and Method

US Patent Application US20260111899A1 for a system and method to facilitate electronic payment confirmation was published on April 23, 2026. The application, originally filed on October 2, 2023, discloses a bridging system that generates a second confirmation page (SCP) of a second service provider distinct from the first confirmation page (FCP) of a first service provider in a bridging transaction. The invention enables the payer of the first service provider to generate the SCP for presentation to a receiver of the second service provider for confirmation purposes.