North Dakota Patent of the Month – March 2025
While North Dakota didn’t produce any newly granted patents this month, innovation continues to thrive through ongoing research, prototyping, and product development across the state. Local inventors and startups are increasingly turning to AI, renewable energy, and precision agriculture as they shape the next generation of technologies designed for rural and global impact.
Several companies in Fargo and Grand Forks are advancing machine learning tools that optimize farm management and boost crop yields while reducing environmental strain. These tools use real-time data from drones, sensors, and weather systems to help farmers make faster, smarter decisions. Although not yet patented, many of these systems are in late-stage development and could soon shift how the agricultural sector manages land and resources.
Elsewhere, energy startups are investing in modular clean energy solutions tailored to North Dakota’s cold climate. Engineers are testing mobile solar and wind hybrid units that can power off-grid communities and reduce reliance on diesel. Though still pre-commercial, such designs aim to bring dependable, renewable energy to remote areas where infrastructure is limited.
North Dakota’s absence from this month’s patent list doesn’t mean innovation is slowing down. Rather, it’s a reminder that invention happens long before legal paperwork is filed. Behind the scenes, labs and workshops across the state are pushing boundaries and laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
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What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
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Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
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