Patentable Inventions: Pet Products

5. Pet Products

Pet products have evolved far beyond traditional toys and accessories, now encompassing advanced healthcare solutions, smart feeding devices, and wearable technology for pets. Patented inventions in the pet supplies industry aim to improve the well-being and quality of life for companion animals. As pets become increasingly integral to family life, there is a greater demand for products that address their physical health, safety, and well-being.

The pet supplies industry is highly interdisciplinary, involving research and development across various fields. This includes veterinary science, which ensures the health and safety of pet supplies; wildlife biology, which studies animals in their natural habitats to inform captive care for exotic pets; agricultural biotechnology, which develops advanced, pet-friendly ingredients; materials science, which creates durable and functional products; and AI technology, which enhances smart features in devices and applications for pet care. For instance, developing next-generation dog kibble involves both veterinary science and agricultural biotechnology to ensure optimal nutrition. Additionally, understanding exotic pets requires insights from veterinary science, wildlife biology, and materials science to replicate their natural environments safely and accurately in captivity.

As these advanced pet supplies emerge, protecting intellectual property becomes crucial. Patents protect the unique features and technological innovations of these products, helping developers prevent imitation and maintain a competitive edge. This protection encourages ongoing innovation and investment in pet care technology, benefiting both pets and their owners.

Considerations for Patenting Pet Products

Pet products must meet the four basic patentability criteria to be eligible for patent protection:

1. The pet product must consist of patent eligible subject matter, meaning that the invention must be a machine, process, product, or composition of matter (combination of two or more substances or composites). Notably, natural phenomena and abstract ideas are not patent eligible subject matter.
2. The pet product must be novel or new, meaning it has not been previously published or disclosed. Conducting a prior art search can reveal whether an invention is novel.
3. The pet product must be useful, meaning that it must have a practical application. Fulfilling this criterion is not normally an issue for pet product innovations.
4. The pet product must be non-obvious, or not readily apparent to someone skilled in the relevant field.

Depending on the nature of the invention, utility patents, design patents, and even plant patents can be used to protect inventions in the pet care industry. Utility patents, which protect how an invention works, can protect a wide variety of inventions, including new pet food ingredients or formulations, healthcare solutions, habitats and other accessories, wearable devices, and applications that support optimal pet care. Read more about what to expect in the utility patent application process. Design patents, which protect the appearance of an invention, can protect the design of a pet care invention such as a harness, habitat, wearable device, or feeding device. Read more about the benefits of design patents and what to expect in the design patent application process. Additionally, if you develop a new plant variety that is safe for pets to consume or interact with, it can be protected by a plant patent. Read more about the patentability of plants.

Given the global market for pet care products, securing patent protection in various countries is essential. Using an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application can streamline the process of obtaining patents in multiple jurisdictions.

Examples of Patented Pet Products

Several inventions have been developed for dogs, cats, and their owners. One example is Sure Petcare’s SureFlap microchip pet door, which allows only pets with a recognized microchip to enter specific spaces, ensuring controlled access and enhancing security. There are several patents associated with the SureFlap pet door and related devices, including “RFID pet door” (US Patent No. 8,539,715) and “RFID reader” (US Patent No. 9,412,213). Another innovation is Furbo, a pet camera with two-way audio and a treat dispenser, enabling pet owners to monitor and interact with their pets remotely via an app. Tomofun, the company behind Furbo, holds several patents. Their patent portfolio includes “interactive device for animals” (US Patent No. 10,028,488) and “Apparatuses and methods for smart pet alert, and storage medium thereof” (US Patent No. 10,231,442).

The exotic pet industry is also driven by patented innovations. For example, Zoo Med Laboratories, a company specializing in pet care products for reptiles and amphibians, holds several patents for their products. Their patent portfolio includes a "floating aquatic structure” that aquatic or amphibious animals can swim through or climb on (US Patent No. 7,918,187). More inventions from their portfolio include a design patent for a “dual-lamp light fixture” (US Patent No. D616,142S) and a misting system for plants and animals (US Patent No. 7,021,555). Rolf C. Hagen Inc., another prominent pet supplies company, has patented various innovations for birds, fish, and reptiles. One example is their patent for a “Composition with plant additives and treatment method for reducing stress levels in fish,” which is now expired (US Patent No. 5,942,232).

Patent Attorney Help Available Online

Are you an inventor seeking patent protection for your pet care invention? At Carson Patents, we specialize in helping inventors secure patent protection for their inventions. Contact us to schedule a free patent consult with our team, led by Gregory Carson, a USPTO-registered patent attorney, engineer, and inventor.

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