All articles tagged with #patents
Strava is suing Garmin over alleged patent infringements related to features like segments and heat maps, causing concern among runners and cyclists who rely on these apps for tracking and sharing their workouts. The case has sparked debate about data sharing, app features, and user loyalty, with some fearing the potential impact on their fitness routines and online communities.
Strava has sued Garmin for patent infringement related to GPS segments and heatmaps, demanding Garmin cease sales of many devices that feature these functionalities, citing patent violations and alleging Garmin expanded beyond a previous cooperation agreement. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction and claims damages for lost revenue and harm to competitive position.
The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with Harvard University over patents and federally funded research, initiating a review and the 'march-in' process under the Bayh-Dole Act, which could lead to federal ownership of Harvard's patents, amid ongoing lawsuits and funding disputes.
The U.S. Commerce Department is reviewing Harvard's compliance with federal rules regarding patents from federally funded research, threatening to seize patents worth hundreds of millions if Harvard fails to provide required disclosures by September 5, citing concerns over non-compliance with the Bayh-Dole Act.
Apple has been granted a patent for embedding sensors into stretchable fabric bands, potentially enhancing future Apple Watch models with capabilities like blood pressure and ECG monitoring. The patent suggests these sensor bands could wirelessly communicate with other Apple devices and might even include charging circuitry. This innovation could extend to other wearable items, hinting at a broader range of Apple-connected clothing or gear. While the patent indicates ongoing development, it may take time before these features are integrated into consumer products.
Roku has filed a patent suggesting the possibility of displaying ads on HDMI inputs of its TVs when paused or idle, potentially extending its advertising reach to devices like gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. This move aligns with a trend of streaming device makers testing the limits of consumer tolerance for ads, as seen with Amazon's autoplaying trailers on Fire TV. While ads help subsidize the cost of these devices, the prospect of pervasive advertising may deter consumers from premium options and prompt them to seek ad-free alternatives like Apple TV.
Nippon Steel's new chief, Tadashi Imai, is committed to the $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel, emphasizing the technology and patents his company can bring to enhance U.S. Steel's competitiveness. Despite President Biden's preference for U.S. Steel to be domestically owned, Imai remains focused on negotiations with the United Steelworkers union and asserts that any potential changes to the deal would be up to the American firm.
A sketchy report claims that Apple is accelerating the development of a smart ring, following Samsung's teaser of its upcoming Galaxy Ring. The report is based on an unnamed source and lacks substantial details. While Apple has been filing patents related to smart rings, the timing of any potential launch is uncertain, and it's unlikely to be influenced by Samsung's plans. The concept of an Apple smart ring has been circulating for years, but this report doesn't provide any significant new information.
After years of research and numerous patent filings, rumors suggest that Apple may be close to launching its own smart ring, spurred on by Samsung's tease of the Galaxy Ring. The global smart ring market is expected to grow significantly, and Apple's interest in healthcare and wellness could make the smart ring a valuable addition to its ecosystem. While there are no credible leaks or rumors about the supposed smart ring, Apple's extensive history of researching wearable accessories suggests that the company has been considering this for a long time.
Apple has been granted a patent for "Wearable Devices with Perspiration Measurement Capabilities," which would incorporate a perspiration sensor into future Apple Watch models to track sweat loss during workouts. The sensor would measure sweat rate, total fluid loss, body temperature, and local humidity, providing users with real-time and average sweat rate data. This innovation could potentially benefit both casual and serious athletes, offering more accurate metrics for fluid replenishment and fitness assessment.
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued guidelines stating that only a real person can be named as an inventor on a patent, not AI. The guidelines aim to reassure innovators that their AI-assisted inventions can be patented while upholding human creativity. The decision reflects the Biden administration's focus on artificial intelligence issues and aims to provide clarity on patent protections as AI becomes more prevalent in the inventive process. However, concerns have been raised about potential abuse of the guidelines leading to an increase in low-quality patents and unproductive litigation.
The US Patent and Trademark Office has confirmed that artificial intelligence systems cannot be listed as inventors in patent applications, but humans can use AI tools in the invention process and must disclose if they do. The person using the AI must have significantly contributed to the invention's conception to be able to register a patent, and simply overseeing or owning an AI that creates things doesn't qualify for patent filing. This decision follows public consultations and a court ruling upholding the patent office's decision that only "natural humans" can apply for patents.
The psychedelic medicine industry is attracting significant investment, with startups racing to patent key ingredients found in magic mushrooms and other substances. However, this has led to concerns that these drugs, once seen as a low-cost solution for mental health, may become expensive specialty medications controlled by a few biotech companies. While promising results have sparked popular interest, the industry faces challenges in converting illegal drugs into profitable medicines, leading to layoffs and stock declines. The rush to patent and innovate psychedelics has also raised concerns about the potential impact on research and the risk of another backlash like the 1970 federal ban on psychedelic research.
Apple's new mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, comes with a hefty $3,500 price tag, justified by the inclusion of 5,000 patents and a multitude of advanced technologies, including two Apple Silicon chips and 600 new apps and games. Despite concerns about the steep cost and the somewhat cumbersome weight of the device, die-hard fans didn't hesitate to preorder, leading to immediate sellouts. The headset's potential applications for companies like Walmart and Nike are already being explored, with CEO Tim Cook emphasizing the extensive technological innovations packed into the product.
Samsung teased the release of a smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, during its recent Unpacked event, sparking speculation about Apple's potential entry into the smart ring market. Apple has been exploring the concept for nearly a decade, with numerous patents hinting at its potential features, including heart rate monitoring, gesture controls, and pressure-sensitive input. While the possibility of an Apple smart ring is plausible, it's not a certainty, and the company will need to consider market readiness and lessons from previous smart ring ventures, such as Amazon's failed Echo Loop.