How to Amplify Many DNA Targets at Once, Cleanly
This patent describes methods for simultaneously making many copies of different DNA sections in a single test tube, along with ways to choose the right starting pieces (primers) to avoid unwanted byproducts.
Original patent title: “Methods for simultaneous amplification of target loci”
This patent describes methods for simultaneously making many copies of different DNA sections in a single test tube, along with ways to choose the right starting pieces (primers) to avoid unwanted byproducts. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The invention provides techniques for amplifying multiple specific nucleic acid regions of interest at the same time within one reaction volume. This means a scientist can test for many different DNA sequences in a single experiment, rather than running separate tests for each. A key part of the method involves carefully selecting a library of primers, which are short DNA pieces that start the copying process. This selection aims to minimize the creation of unwanted amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons, ensuring that only the desired DNA regions are copied efficiently. For example, a single test could detect several different viral strains in a patient sample simultaneously.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region in a reaction.
- Does not cover methods that amplify multiple regions but require separate reaction volumes for each target.
- Does not cover amplification methods that do not specifically focus on minimizing primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
- Does not cover techniques for detecting nucleic acids without an amplification step.
- Does not cover methods for sequencing nucleic acids without an initial amplification.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is the focus on selecting specific primers that work well together in a single reaction. This careful selection prevents the primers from sticking to each other or to unintended DNA spots, which would create useless copies and make the results harder to read.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Multiplex PCR diagnostic kits for respiratory viruses
Genetic screening panels for inherited diseases
Forensic DNA analysis to identify multiple markers
Pathogen detection in food safety testing
Cancer mutation panels in oncology
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Simultaneously amplifying multiple DNA targets is crucial for efficiency in many fields, from diagnosing diseases to genetic research. It allows scientists to get more information from smaller samples, saving time, money, and precious biological material. This approach is fundamental to high-throughput screening and personalized medicine, where detecting many markers at once can guide treatment decisions.
Filed
July 19, 2022
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illumina, Qiagen, and Bio-Rad are major players in the molecular diagnostics and research tools space. They continuously develop and refine technologies for multiplex amplification, offering kits and instruments that leverage similar principles to enable high-throughput genetic analysis and pathogen detection.
Market impact
This type of technology has significantly impacted the market by enabling more efficient and cost-effective molecular testing. It has driven the development of comprehensive diagnostic panels, reducing the need for multiple individual tests and accelerating results. This efficiency has become a cornerstone for advancements in personalized medicine, infectious disease surveillance, and agricultural biotechnology.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The invention provides techniques for amplifying multiple specific nucleic acid regions of interest at the same time within one reaction volume. This means a scientist can test for many different DNA sequences in a single experiment, rather than running separate tests for each. A key part of the method involves carefully selecting a library of primers, which are short DNA pieces that start the copying process. This selection aims to minimize the creation of unwanted amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons, ensuring that only the desired DNA regions are copied efficiently. For example, a single test could detect several different viral strains in a patient sample simultaneously.
The clever bit
The clever part is the focus on selecting specific primers that work well together in a single reaction. This careful selection prevents the primers from sticking to each other or to unintended DNA spots, which would create useless copies and make the results harder to read.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region in a reaction.
- Does not cover methods that amplify multiple regions but require separate reaction volumes for each target.
- Does not cover amplification methods that do not specifically focus on minimizing primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
- Does not cover techniques for detecting nucleic acids without an amplification step.
- Does not cover methods for sequencing nucleic acids without an initial amplification.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$36K – $115K
Midpoint $72K · 15.8 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How to Amplify Many DNA Targets at Once, Cleanly (U.S. Patent No. 12,735,746). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12735746/methods-for-simultaneous-amplification-of-target-loci
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Amplify Many DNA Targets at Once, Cleanly cover?
This patent describes methods for simultaneously making many copies of different DNA sections in a single test tube, along with ways to choose the right starting pieces (primers) to avoid unwanted byproducts.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Simultaneously amplifying multiple DNA targets is crucial for efficiency in many fields, from diagnosing diseases to genetic research. It allows scientists to get more information from smaller samples, saving time, money, and precious biological material. This approach is fundamental to high-throughput screening and personalized medicine, where detecting many markers at once can guide treatment decisions.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region in a reaction.
Patent monitoring