Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created certain needs in the marketplace relating to the production of products in high demand by consumers, governments, hospitals and businesses alike. The current players in the marketplace for these products have quickly found themselves at full production capacity, unable to meet the desperately increasing demands of the market. In accordance with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), an estimated 53.1% of manufacturers anticipate a major change in their operations related to COVID-19 within the next several months. As a result, companies adversely impacted by the coronavirus and its widespread reach have begun to shift their focus from their typical operations to the production of essential personal protective products including facemasks, ventilators, consumer-grade hand sanitizers, and other personal protective equipment. The shift not only addresses the market need for certain products, but also the need to maintain key levels of employment and keep money circulating in the economy.
Manufacturing
As the need for personal protective equipment manufacturing grows within the United States and around the world, two of the largest manufacturers in the United States, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co., are leading the way by committing to modifying existing plants that produce small automobile parts in order to address the shortage of ventilators thousands of hospitals are experiencing worldwide. Collectively, Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Co. estimate that their production facilities will be able to produce about 10,000 ventilators a month. In a similar fashion, companies outside of the automobile market have stepped in to address other problem areas. CEO of Nike, John Donahoe, recently informed investors and analysts that the company is working on producing protective face shields for medical professionals treating those infected with COVID-19 around the world. Distilleries like Anheuser-Busch and high-end perfume makers like Givenchy, Kylie Cosmetics and Dior have all begun to produce hand-sanitizers in place of the previously produced alcohol for perfumes. Clothing retailers such as Gap, Eddie Bauer, and Hanes have started productions N95 Masks, gowns, scrubs and other protective clothing articles for healthcare workers and hospitals across the country. The swift production of personal protective equipment by large companies has greatly benefitted the healthcare workers during this pandemic, but still leaves plenty of opportunity for individual inventors and innovators to bring their products to market in order to further alleviate the burden and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Hospitals and Clinics
While hospitals and clinics are seeing more patients than ever before in light of COVID-19, their response has been limited in terms of the staff and resources that they have available. Unfortunately, many have found themselves understaffed and exposed to the virus without the technology, machinery, and products necessary to effectively handle the dramatic spike in suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. To alleviate the burden on hospitals and clinics, the federal government of the United States and other countries have turned to their citizens to avoid purchasing certain protective products, such as N95 masks, made for or in high use by hospitals, and instead invent their own versions of those products.
Experienced Patent Attorneys
Innovating in manufacturing processes and healthcare can be both extremely beneficial and challenging unless done appropriately. Having the right lawyers on your side to guide you through the process can make all the difference. The Plus IP Firm’s experienced patent lawyers represent inventors of all types seeking to prevent, treat and eliminate the coronavirus disease. We will fight to win your case, so you can profit from your inventions. Learn more during a free case evaluation.
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Coronavirus related inventions
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