Czech heated glass technology VoltGlass® has just achieved another key milestone – a European patent, EP4578248. For the Hradec Králové-based company, this means its unique solution, which turns window panes into a direct source of heat, is now protected beyond the Czech Republic. Here's what it means in practice for architects, investors, and future users of heated glass.
What Is VoltGlass® Heated Glass, and Why Does the Patent Matter
VoltGlass® technology replaces conventional radiators and piping – heat is generated directly in the window pane. The glass surface temperature reaches up to 50°C, the system reaches full power within 30 minutes, and the surface power output ranges from 25–120 W/m². The solution can be deployed in new buildings and renovations alike, in interiors and exteriors, and is compatible with photovoltaics and modern energy standards. You can learn more about how it works in our documentation.
A patent is essential for an innovative technology like heated glass – it confirms the solution is genuinely novel and unique, and it protects the investment the company has put into development. Without strong patent protection, the technology could easily be copied, jeopardizing the return on investment as well as the trust of future partners and investors.
What Exactly Was Granted: Patent EP4578248
The European Patent Office ("EPO") published its decision to grant patent EP4578248, titled "Heating glass and glass filling of a window structure comprising the heating glass," in its bulletin on July 1, 2026. The patent builds on the previously granted Czech patent no. 309675 and extends protection of the same technology to the European level.
- Patent number: EP4578248
- Grant date: decision issued May 29, 2026, published July 1, 2026
- Origin: international application under the PCT regime (WO2023/CZ50028), with priority from Czech patent CZ2022-00228 from May 2022
- Public register: register.epo.org/application?number=EP23738607
What This Means for the Czech Republic and Europe
While Czech patent no. 309675 protects the technology on the domestic market, the European patent opens the way to protecting the same solution across all EPO member states. For VoltGlass®, this is an important step toward building a strong position in the European market for energy-efficient building materials – and for potential partners and licensees, it's a clear signal that the technology is backed by proven, protected intellectual property.
"The grant of the European patent confirms for us that our solution is truly unique – after a thorough examination, the European Patent Office recognized both the novelty and inventive step of our technology on a pan-European scale. This is a crucial step that opens the way for us to further growth in the European market."
— Miroslav Babej-Kmec, VoltGlass s.r.o.
The company is currently discussing the scope of national validation of the patent in individual European countries and will announce details in the coming months.
What's Next
The granted European patent further strengthens VoltGlass's position as a company with substantiated intellectual property and a clear strategy for international growth. Together with the recent entry into the US market and the ongoing preparation of manufacturing in the Czech Republic, the company continues executing its plan – bringing VoltGlass® heated glass to new buildings and renovations across Europe and beyond.
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