How to Copy Many DNA Sections at the Same Time
This patent describes methods for simultaneously copying multiple specific DNA or RNA segments in a single test tube, along with strategies for selecting the short DNA starter pieces (primers) to ensure accurate and efficient amplification.
Original patent title: “Methods for simultaneous amplification of target loci”
This patent describes methods for simultaneously copying multiple specific DNA or RNA segments in a single test tube, along with strategies for selecting the short DNA starter pieces (primers) to ensure accurate and efficient amplification. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes ways to copy many different DNA or RNA sections, called "nucleic acid regions of interest," all at once within a single container, like a test tube. It also covers how to choose the short DNA pieces, called "primers," that start this copying process. The goal is to pick primers that work well together, minimizing the creation of unwanted side products, such as "primer dimers" (where primers stick to each other instead of the target DNA) or other "non-target amplicons" (copied DNA that isn't from the desired regions). For example, a single test could simultaneously check for multiple different viral infections by copying specific DNA markers from each virus in one go.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region, rather than multiple regions simultaneously.
- Amplification processes where different nucleic acid regions are copied in separate reaction containers.
- Techniques that do not involve a specific method for selecting primers to improve amplification quality.
- Amplification methods that do not aim to minimize the formation of primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
- Methods for detecting or analyzing the amplified products, focusing only on the amplification process itself.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The core innovation lies in the systematic approach to selecting primers for multiplex reactions. By focusing on methods that ensure "minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons," the patent addresses a major challenge in copying many DNA segments at once, leading to more reliable and accurate results.
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 (e.g., flu, COVID-19)
Genetic screening panels for inherited diseases
Forensic DNA profiling (STR analysis)
Food safety testing for multiple pathogens
Cancer gene panel testing
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Simultaneously copying multiple DNA or RNA targets in one reaction is crucial for efficiency in many fields. It saves time, reduces the amount of sample needed, and lowers costs compared to running separate reactions for each target. This technology is vital for rapid disease diagnosis, genetic screening, and forensic analysis, allowing scientists to gather more information from a single biological sample.
Filed
August 22, 2024
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major biotechnology and diagnostics companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Qiagen, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and Roche Diagnostics are continuously developing and refining multiplex amplification technologies. These companies produce kits and instruments that rely on efficient primer design and reaction optimization for various applications, from infectious disease detection to genetic research.
Market impact
Multiplex nucleic acid amplification has transformed molecular diagnostics by enabling faster, more comprehensive, and cost-effective testing. This patent, by focusing on reducing non-target amplification, contributes to improving the reliability and accuracy of such assays. It supports the development of advanced diagnostic panels that can screen for multiple conditions simultaneously, thereby impacting patient care and research efficiency.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes ways to copy many different DNA or RNA sections, called "nucleic acid regions of interest," all at once within a single container, like a test tube. It also covers how to choose the short DNA pieces, called "primers," that start this copying process. The goal is to pick primers that work well together, minimizing the creation of unwanted side products, such as "primer dimers" (where primers stick to each other instead of the target DNA) or other "non-target amplicons" (copied DNA that isn't from the desired regions). For example, a single test could simultaneously check for multiple different viral infections by copying specific DNA markers from each virus in one go.
The clever bit
The core innovation lies in the systematic approach to selecting primers for multiplex reactions. By focusing on methods that ensure "minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons," the patent addresses a major challenge in copying many DNA segments at once, leading to more reliable and accurate results.
What it does not cover
- Methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region, rather than multiple regions simultaneously.
- Amplification processes where different nucleic acid regions are copied in separate reaction containers.
- Techniques that do not involve a specific method for selecting primers to improve amplification quality.
- Amplification methods that do not aim to minimize the formation of primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
- Methods for detecting or analyzing the amplified products, focusing only on the amplification process itself.
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 · 17.9 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 Copy Many DNA Sections at the Same Time (U.S. Patent No. 12,735,748). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12735748/methods-for-simultaneous-amplification-of-target-loci-12735748
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 Copy Many DNA Sections at the Same Time cover?
This patent describes methods for simultaneously copying multiple specific DNA or RNA segments in a single test tube, along with strategies for selecting the short DNA starter pieces (primers) to ensure accurate and efficient amplification.
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 copying multiple DNA or RNA targets in one reaction is crucial for efficiency in many fields. It saves time, reduces the amount of sample needed, and lowers costs compared to running separate reactions for each target. This technology is vital for rapid disease diagnosis, genetic screening, and forensic analysis, allowing scientists to gather more information from a single biological sample.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Methods that amplify only a single nucleic acid region, rather than multiple regions simultaneously.
Patent monitoring