A Cornwall-based lingerie brand has announced the news of its US Patent approval.

Calstock-based design company, Boost Innovations, are celebrating the approval of their US patent application.

With North America accounting for the largest share of the breast prosthesis market, Boost’s CEO Sam Jackman is keen to make plans to attract more US customers and partners.

She said: "It’s really amazing that our innovative breast form has been granted a US patent.

"A patent gives a company a sort of monopoly over their invention.

"It means that nobody else can copy, manufacture, sell or import the product apart from Boost in the location that the patent has been granted.

"For the US market, which has a large number of women that have had breast cancer treatment, this gives our little company a massive advantage.

"Our aim is to make our unique designs available to women across the world to improve wellbeing after breast cancer surgery.

"This patent means that we can now focus on developing relationships with US customers and is a huge step forward in the growth of our business."

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Chris Hawken, Boost’s Design Director, said: "It’s really difficult to invent something novel enough that you can successfully apply for a patent, especially in the US.

"It’s estimated that between 88 and 90% of applications for patent protection do not go through, so we are delighted that our product has been recognised as an innovative design that can be protected in this way."

As a micro business based in Cornwall with a current team of three, plans for international growth could seem quite daunting.

However, Sam says she would encourage other small businesses in the UK to consider applying for international patents as part of their growth strategy.

"I think it's easy to say to yourself that you are only a very small company and that patent protection isn’t for you.

"But if you fully believe in your product and you are ambitious enough, it’s vital that you seek advice and consider whether patent protection could provide added value to your company."

Boost has also been shortlisted as a finalist at the Cornwall Business Awards, securing a top three slot in the ‘Business with a Purpose’ and ‘Business Finance’ categories.

Sam said she is thrilled that Boost has been shortlisted amongst some much larger and established businesses: "I'm really pleased that the hard work we've put into growing and developing our business has been recognised by the panel and the approval of the US patent means we’re looking forward to an exciting time ahead, especially with the Awards coming up soon too!"