Vermont Patent of the Month – July 2025
Vermont Wildwoods has developed a new method and system for creating spalted wood, a highly sought-after material in design and carpentry. U.S. Patent Application No. 20250222620, titled ‘Method and system for producing spalted wood products using an aging chamber,’ details a process that significantly speeds up production and improves wood quality. The invention addresses the current market’s unmet demand for spalted wood, which previously relied on slow, unreliable natural processes.
Revolutionizing Spalted Wood Production
The patent describes a controlled process to reliably produce spalted wood on a commercial scale. Naturally, spalting takes between 3 and 20 years in a forest. This new method cuts the timeline to just 12-18 months. The invention uses a specialized “aging chamber” that is moisture and temperature-controlled. This chamber creates an optimal environment for spalting fungi to develop.
How the System Works
The process starts with preparing a wood chip inoculum containing a mature fungal component. This mixture is applied to hardwood logs or lumber inside the aging chamber. The chamber’s climate control system maintains a temperature below 15°C and a moisture content around 40%. This controlled environment prevents unwanted mold growth and aggressive decay. Sensors monitor humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels. This allows technicians to adjust conditions as needed. The result is a spalted wood product with superior structural integrity compared to wood spalted in the wild.
Wider Market Impact
This invention overcomes the scarcity and time limitations of traditional spalting methods. It promises a steady, reliable supply of high-quality spalted wood. This improved production efficiency makes spalted wood more economically viable. It opens new opportunities for carpenters, designers, and other applications. The technology makes a once-rare aesthetic feature accessible to a broader market.
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 Vermont office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre, and Montpelier.
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.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
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.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
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.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
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/
Choose your state
