Laboratory-grown diamond producer Scio Diamond Technology Corporation reports that it was issued its first Canadian patent (number 2511670), titled Tunable CVD Diamond Structures.

The patent, issued on November 29, 2011, relates to single crystal diamond grown in layers, wherein the layers of diamond are manipulated to create desired properties. The finished product of multiple layers is called a "structure."

Diamond grown in this manner can be adapted for use in applications such as semiconductor devices, optical waveguides and industrial applications - and can have mechanical, tribological, and electronic properties comparable to, or exceeding those, of natural diamond, notes the South Carolina-based company.

Scio's portfolio contains pioneering and robust intellectual property rights directed to and associated with growing high-quality single-crystal diamonds via chemical vapor deposition. The portfolio currently includes protection in five countries -- U.S., India, China, Australia and Canada. The portfolio also contains 18 issued patents and over 40 pending patents applications in the U.S, Europe, India, Japan and South Africa.

"This notable development is an important step to ensure we remain at the forefront of cultivated diamond technology. We are very pleased with accomplishing this milestone," says Joseph Lancia, company President and Chief Executive Officer.