Detecting Bacteria Using Special Antibodies in Medical Tests
This patent describes a way to test for certain bacteria, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, by using a special antibody that can recognize two different parts of the bacteria at once.
Original patent title: “Test object detection method, and immunoassay instrument and monoclonal antibody for same”
This patent describes a way to test for certain bacteria, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, by using a special antibody that can recognize two different parts of the bacteria at once. Owned by Denka Seiken Co with 13 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2036.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent explains a method for medical testing, specifically an immunoassay, to find a 'test subject' that has at least two different types of antigens. The key is using a single monoclonal antibody, or a piece of it that can bind to antigens, which is designed to recognize *both* of these antigen types. This is useful in tests like the sandwich method or immunochromatography, where the antibody might be attached to a label or a solid surface. For example, it can detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing its P1 protein and P30 protein simultaneously.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Methods using multiple different antibodies, each recognizing only one antigen type
- Tests for subjects with only one type of antigen
- Immunoassays that do not use a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment
- Detection methods that are not immunoassays
- Detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing only the P1 protein or only the P30 protein
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 designing a single antibody that can bind to two distinct antigens on the same target. This overcomes the typical limitation where a single monoclonal antibody might only recognize one antigen, potentially leading to false negatives if that specific antigen is not present or accessible.
The Patent Drawing
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
Diagnostic test kits for Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Immunochromatographic strips for rapid pathogen detection
Laboratory instruments for immunoassay analysis
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent addresses a challenge in medical diagnostics: improving the sensitivity of tests that rely on monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are precise but can sometimes be too specific, missing variations. This invention offers a way to get better detection results, even when using a single type of antibody, which can lead to more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
Filed
May 27, 2016
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Denka Seiken Co Ltd, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is likely the primary entity developing and utilizing this technology. Other companies in the diagnostic field may also be exploring similar dual-antigen recognition strategies for their immunoassay products, particularly for infectious disease detection.
Market impact
This patent aims to improve the performance of diagnostic tests, potentially leading to more accurate and faster detection of specific pathogens. By enhancing the sensitivity of immunoassay methods using monoclonal antibodies, it could influence the development of next-generation diagnostic kits and instruments, making them more reliable for clinical use.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent explains a method for medical testing, specifically an immunoassay, to find a 'test subject' that has at least two different types of antigens. The key is using a single monoclonal antibody, or a piece of it that can bind to antigens, which is designed to recognize *both* of these antigen types. This is useful in tests like the sandwich method or immunochromatography, where the antibody might be attached to a label or a solid surface. For example, it can detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing its P1 protein and P30 protein simultaneously.
The clever bit
The clever part is designing a single antibody that can bind to two distinct antigens on the same target. This overcomes the typical limitation where a single monoclonal antibody might only recognize one antigen, potentially leading to false negatives if that specific antigen is not present or accessible.
What it does not cover
- Methods using multiple different antibodies, each recognizing only one antigen type
- Tests for subjects with only one type of antigen
- Immunoassays that do not use a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment
- Detection methods that are not immunoassays
- Detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing only the P1 protein or only the P30 protein
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Limited data
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
9/20
Moderate scope
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 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
$19K – $60K
Midpoint $38K · 9.6 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
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
The original legal language
Original claims
13 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Kohiyama, R., & Miyazawa, T. Detecting Bacteria Using Special Antibodies in Medical Tests (U.S. Patent No. 20,180,164,316). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180164316/test-object-detection-method-and-immunoassay-instrument-and-monoclonal-antibody-
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 Detecting Bacteria Using Special Antibodies in Medical Tests cover?
This patent describes a way to test for certain bacteria, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, by using a special antibody that can recognize two different parts of the bacteria at once.
Who owns patent US 20180164316?
This patent is owned by Denka Seiken Co.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on May 27, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent addresses a challenge in medical diagnostics: improving the sensitivity of tests that rely on monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are precise but can sometimes be too specific, missing variations. This invention offers a way to get better detection results, even when using a single type of antibody, which can lead to more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Methods using multiple different antibodies, each recognizing only one antigen type
Patent monitoring