Texas Patent of the Month – June 2025
U.S. Patent No. 12318604, titled ‘Controlling or reducing stress using auricular neurostimulation’, introduces a new way to manage stress using gentle electrical stimulation. Spark Biomedical Inc. has developed a wearable device that targets nerves in the outer ear to reduce stress safely and without drugs.
Drug-Free Stress Relief
The system sends low-level pulses to auricular nerves. This triggers a calming response in the brain. The goal is to restore balance in the autonomic nervous system, which controls our reaction to stress.
Designed for Daily Use
Unlike medication, this approach is non-invasive and portable. The wearable design allows users to benefit while working, resting, or commuting. It offers consistent, easy-to-use stress management.
Wider Mental Health Impact
This patent supports broader efforts to create drug-free solutions for mental wellness. It could improve mood, sleep, and focus. The technology may also reduce burnout in high-stress professions.
Texas Innovation
This invention highlights the growing role of Texas in health technology R&D. Spark Biomedical’s work positions the state as a center for science-driven wellness solutions.
Learn More:
Are you developing new or improved products, or thinking of applying for a patent? Did you know your research work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please check out our free online eligibility test.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of R&D Tax specialists if you would like to learn more about R&D Tax Credit opportunities.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the largest Specialist R&D Tax Credit advisory firm in the United States. With offices nationwide, we are one of the only firms globally to exclusively provide R&D Tax Credit consulting services to our clients. We have been exclusively providing R&D Tax Credit claim preparation and audit compliance solutions for over 30 years.
Swanson Reed’s Texas office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Brownsville, McKinney, Frisco, Pasadena, and Mesquite.
Swanson Reed hosts daily free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please click here or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
