Automotive Technology Convergence Reminiscent of Smartphone Patent War Era
January 11, 2016 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Here are the intellectual property trends that patent owners in technology-related fields need to consider for the coming year:
Patent rights strong in realm of 'software controlling hardware'
In 2016 as the post-Alice patent quality clean-up continues expect many patents will be struck down by the eligibility tests of Section 101. However, there are still strong opportunities for creating and enforcing patents in the software realm – specifically software controlling hardware. We have seen - and expect there to continue to be - significant technical analysis activity in support of licensing activity in this area. These analyses often demand an interdisciplinary approach combining software and hardware reverse engineering, however, the efforts continue to be worthwhile for licensors.
Patent market begins cautious recovery
Optimism that the patent marketplace is at or close to bottom is in the air. This doesn't mean all is rosy, the market has evolved and is more conservative than in years past. "We're seeing a lot of extreme caution in the patent deals market," said Mike McLean, SVP IP Services, TechInsights. "Patent assets undergo thorough testing before any deal is struck." In the era of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, portfolios containing patents that have survived validity testing will stand out. Validity, evidence of use, family coverage of desired jurisdictions, and potential for continuations will all contribute to a successful sale.
Europe now a primary litigation venue but diligence key to success
The US is a less attractive environment for patent assertion and we will continue to see a shift of litigation efforts to Europe. The advantages of using Europe come at the expense of lower damages settlements and a high burden of preparation. Parties using Europe need to be exceedingly well prepared, with thorough evidence gathering up front, or risk failure.
Are the smartphone wars coming to automotive?
The technology convergence that we saw with the smartphone is happening in automotive, with consequences ecosystem-wide. The connected car, a stepping stone towards autonomous vehicles, has the potential to replicate the IP and market disruption we last saw in a significant way with the smartphone wars. Non-traditional automotive suppliers are rushing to secure a piece of a connected car ecosystem forecast to exceed $40Bn by 2020 whilst firms already well established in parts of the automotive value chain are branching out into less traditional areas. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a key area of collaboration and innovation. Expect the patent activity in this space to heat up.
Page 1 of 2
Suggested Items
Technica USA Presents Inaugural Supplier Alliance Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/24/2024 | Technica USADuring IPC APEX EXPO 2024, Technica USA took the opportunity to thank all of their supply partners that made the effort to join them for the exhibition in their booth, as well to all of our SMT partners that had their own booths, with the latest in automation and process technology.
IDTechEx Report Unveils 3D Electronics Status and Opportunities
04/22/2024 | PRNewswire3D electronics is an emerging manufacturing approach that enables electronics to be integrated within or onto the surface of objects. 3D electronic manufacturing techniques empower new features, including mass customizability, greater integration, and improved sustainability in the electronics industry.
IDTechEx Examines the Opportunities for Wearables in Digital Health
04/19/2024 | IDTechExIDTechEx’s report, “Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence 2024-2034: Trends, Opportunities, and Outlook”, covers this ongoing trend in the consumer health wearables market and includes analysis of the opportunities and roadmap for biometric monitoring.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Pluritec's Expansion and Growth in the North American Market
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPONicola Doria, president of Pluritec, discusses the company's strategic focus on the North American market, their investment in a new sales organization, service expansion, and a new process integration line. The conversation also covers market response and future installations, as well as Pluritec's new partnership with IEC.
Mycronic Releases Interim Report January–March 2024
04/18/2024 | MycronicNet sales increased 39 percent to SEK 1,692 (1,219) million. Based on constant exchange rates, net sales increased 42 percent.