Shareholders will be pleased to read that Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has been granted a US patent for their 12CQ quantum computer chip. 

The highly anticipated announcement comes after a media fumble last month that saw a popular Australian financial news masthead report several inaccuracies, prompting the Company to respond with a curt market release. 

The granting of the patent is Archer’s most significant early-stage commercialisation milestone to date, protecting their IP and opening up further opportunities for partnerships in the US. The region is known for its innovative approach to semiconductor and computing technology. 

In an effort to stake their claim as global technology leaders, the US has recently entered into a partnership with Australia and the UK to form AUKUS to focus on quantum technologies in security. The US has also passed key legislation regarding quantum computing through the National Quantum Initiatives Act and the Innovation and Competition Act, a US$250 billion investment in science and technology. The Innovation and Competition Act could inject billions into the US domestic semiconductor industry. 

Archer now holds patents for the 12CQ chip in four jurisdictions including Japan, South Korea, China and now, the US. Patents are pending in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong. 

Dr. Mohammad Choucair welcomed the news, saying: “Archer’s 12CQ quantum computing chip IP is now protected in the US. The Company has achieved a major early stage commercialisation milestone with the granting of the US patent.”

“The 12CQ chip Archer is developing is an entirely new technology in the semiconductor industry that could potentially allow for the future operation of practical quantum computing devices. 

“Most of the investments, R&D, innovation and commercialisation in quantum computing takes place in, or originates from, the US. At the core of this thriving innovation ecosystem are patents and the accompanying IP rights. 

“Archer is one of the few companies with a patent portfolio protecting quantum computing chip technology and one with a unique global competitive advantage.

“We continue to work through the patent application processes related to the 12CQ chip in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.”

Forums and discussion platforms were abuzz yesterday with keen interest in the stock which was reflected over the past week with AXE shares rallying from $1.64 to last close at $2.11.