WEST VIRGINIA INVENTIONINDEX | MAY 2025

West Virginia saw no new utility patents filed or published in May 2025, continuing the pause that began in April. While back-to-back months without filings are not typical, they do occur from time to time. Patent activity often fluctuates depending on factors like project timelines, funding availability, and seasonal research cycles.

Why the Absence Doesn’t Mean Inactivity

Periods with no published patents do not necessarily signal a slowdown in innovation. In fact, they often reflect activity happening behind the scenes. Inventors may be building prototypes, finalizing legal documentation, or waiting for the right moment to file. These steps take time, but they are essential to strong patent applications.

Innovation Takes Many Forms

Historically, West Virginia has contributed significantly to fields such as energy, medical devices, and manufacturing. A temporary dip in patent filings doesn’t change that. Instead, it reminds us that innovation is a long-term process. Even when results aren’t visible month to month, progress is still being made.

Looking Ahead

Swanson Reed will continue tracking and reporting on intellectual property trends throughout the state. We’re optimistic that new filings will emerge in the coming months. In the meantime, we encourage inventors and businesses to stay focused on R&D and to take full advantage of the resources available for protecting their innovations.

Learn More:

Are you thinking of patenting any of your bright ideas? 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 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 hosts daily free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/free-webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.