Welcome to this edition of IP Five in 5 – where we cover the top five IP news stories in 5 minutes or less. This week’s edition includes Apple’s invalidation of Fintiv’s QR payment patent, the UK’s AI inventorship ruling, and the end of Disney’s 95-year copyright protection.
Patent Spotlight
Partial Invalidation of Fintiv QR Payment Patent Secured by Apple
Apple successfully invalidated most of Fintiv Inc.’s QR payment patent in a recent decision by the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board, citing obviousness. While 18 claims were canceled, three claims related to the timing of payment initiation were deemed patentable.
Source: Bloomberg Law
UK Supreme Court Decides AI Cannot Qualify as ‘Inventor’ in Landmark Case
A US computer scientist’s attempt to secure UK patents for inventions generated by his AI system, DABUS, was denied by the UK Intellectual Property Office. The refusal was based on the argument that patent rights should be attributed to humans or companies, not machines, marking a significant case on AI ownership of patents.
Source: Reuters
Pulse Oximeter Functionality Removed from Apple Watches As a Result of Patent Dispute
The US International Trade Commission found Apple guilty of patent infringement of Masimo’s pulse oximeter technology, leading to a temporary halt in sales for Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. Although the ban had been temporarily lifted by an appeals court, Apple has now received approval from Masimo to change the way its watches function so that the company can sell their watches without restriction.
Source: MedTechDive, CNN
Trademark Spotlight
Controversy Arises as Cambridge University Trademarks Clash with Companies
Cambridge University’s trademark disputes, including one with Cambridge NeuroTech, highlight clashes over using the city’s name. Costly legal battles have ensued, with some companies succeeding in registering trademarks. The university has defended its actions as crucial to preventing confusion and safeguarding its global mission in education, research, and innovation.
Source: BBC News
Copyright Spotlight
Mickey Mouse Enters Public Domain as Disney’s 95-Year-Old Copyright Expires
Mickey Mouse, the beloved American cartoon character, became part of the public domain on January 1, 2024, marking the end of Disney’s 95-year copyright. The iconic version of Mickey appearing in ‘Steamboat Willie’ which was released in 1928, is no longer protected.
Source: Business Standard
