Medical Devices

Protecting Your Breakthroughs

Innovators in the medical device field are solving some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges, from improving diagnostics to enhancing patient outcomes with smart, connected tools. But bringing these innovations to market isn’t just a technical journey, It’s a legal one.

At Johnston IP Law, we help you secure the intellectual property (IP) protection needed to advance confidently from prototype to patient-ready product.

What Medical Devices Can Be Patented?

Many medical device innovations can be protected under U.S. and international patent law. To qualify, in general terms, your invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious. We work with clients across a wide range of device categories, including:
Diagnostic Devices

Imaging tools, testing platforms, and diagnostics

Therapeutic Devices

Drug delivery systems, neurostimulation tools, wound care technologies

Wearables & Monitoring Tools

Glucose monitors, ECG patches, sleep and fitness trackers

Surgical Tools & Systems

Robotic systems, minimally invasive instruments, custom surgical guides

Implantable Devices

Stents, pacemakers, orthopedic implants, neural interfaces

Respiratory & Anesthesia

Inhalers, ventilators, closed-loop drug delivery systems

Digital Health & Telemedicine

Virtual care platforms, AI triage assistants, remote diagnostics

Rehabilitation & Assistive Tech

Prosthetics, exoskeletons, mobility devices

Sterilization & Infection Control

Antimicrobial surfaces, UV/ozone systems, smart disinfection

The Patent Process

A Guided Path to Protection

We work side-by-side with inventors, engineers, and product leaders to lead them through a clear, strategic patenting process

Initial Consultation

Understanding your device, goals, and timeline

Patent Search

Evaluating prior art and patentability (optional)

Drafting & Claim Strategy

Articulating your innovation and its differentiators

Filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
USPTO Examination

Responding to office actions, refining claims

Patent Grant

Official protection begins

Ongoing Strategy

Support with licensing and global filings

Types of Patent Protection

Utility Patents

Cover how your device functions; valid for 20 years from filing

Design Patents

Protect the visual or ergonomic design; valid for 15 years from issuance

Many successful medical device innovators pursue both types of protection to secure both form and function.
Why Partner with Johnston IP Law?
Protecting medical innovations requires more than a basic patent filing; it takes a strategic understanding of both IP law and medical innovations. Our team works closely with medical startups, research institutions, and R&D departments to craft IP strategies that align with their goals and plans.

Considerations for Medical Device Innovators

File early—before clinical trials, disclosures, or public presentations

Consider international protection from the beginning

Even incremental improvements may be patentable

A strong patent portfolio can attract investors, strategic partners, and acquirers

Ready to Protect Your Innovation?
Connect with us for a complimentary discovery consultation.