Mist-OnTM Tan Patent Qualified for Worldwide Coverage.
June 25,2001

Laughlin Products, Inc. (LPI), parent company for Mist-On Systems, Inc. (MSI), recently received notice from the International Bureau of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) that US patent 6,199,557 has been qualified for issuance in 99 countries.

PCT's International Preliminary Examining Authority released a statement that "Claims 1-4 meet the criteria set out by PCT Article 33(2)-(4), because the prior art does not teach or fairly suggest an apparatus for coating substantially the entire human body comprising a structure defining a coating chamber, a reservoir for receiving a predetermined human skin tanning, at lease one nozzle positioned with the coating chamber, an apparatus for continuously moving the nozzle in a horizontal plane relative to the body, an apparatus for circulating air independently of the liquid discharged from the nozzle and around the body and an apparatus for disposing of the contained spray."

The US patent office, which is a participating member of PCT, states of this review, "The high quality of the search is assured by the international standards prescribed in the PCT for the documentation to be consulted, and qualified staff and effective search methods of the International Searching Authorities, which are experienced Patent Offices that have been specially appointed to carry out international searches."

The 99 countries notified of the Examining Authority's position include:

Issuance of a patent for this invention in any of the 99 countries requires 1) notification to the appropriate patent officials in each respective country of LPI's intent to enter the "national phase" (at least 30 months prior to the priority date), 2) payment of any national fees, and 3), if required, a translation of the patent in the official language of that country.

According to Dr. Tom Laughlin, president of LPI and inventor of this new technology, "PCT provides us with a quick, efficient, and relatively cost-effective method of extending the patent coverage we currently enjoy in the US to the rest of the world. This expanded coverage, along with several US patents pending or recently allowed, will significantly strengthen our patent protection." Dr. Laughlin further states, "We are committed to maintaining our position as technology-leader in Mist-On tanning, and anticipate a steady stream of patent applications for a long time."

Click here to see figures from the patent application.