Apple Indoor Location Mapping Patent

Among 57 patents issued this week to Apple, one involves techniques for creating a location fingerprint within a venue. While GPS is a common feature to any mobile device, when enclosed within a structure, the signal may be outside of the line of sight with GPS satellites, resulting in a greater margin for error. The new technology, known as indoor location mapping, distinguishes itself through its ability to generate a location map inside a building or tunnel. Apple’s iOS 11 harnesses this invention and Apple Maps is now supported at major malls and airports around the world. Through this technology, any app utilizing location will be able to deliver its services indoors. #omnilegalgroup #patent #Apple

Wrigley Trademark

Wrigley, well known for their assortment of chewing gums, has filed suit to enforce their intellectual property rights in the JUICY FRUIT mark. In a trademark infringement action brought in the US District Court of the Northern District of Illinois this past Friday, Wrigley accused the owner of an electronic cigarette company selling Juicy Fruit e-liquids of violating their registered United States Trademarks. Mohammed Ghatala, owner of Dreamecore Enterprise, failed to reply to two cease-and-desist letters from the American gum maker and could now face injunctive action and a recall of the allegedly infringing products. Just last year, Wrigley sued another electronic cigarette company named Chi Town Vapes for infringing their DOUBLEMINT and JUICY FRUIT marks. #omnilegalgroup #trademark #Wrigley

In-N-Out v. Smashburger

In-N-Out v. Smashburger. In a lawsuit filed on August 30th, In-N-Out has accused the fast food chain Smashburger of causing consumer confusion with their latest advertising campaign. In-N-Out has a number of registered marks the most relevant being DOUBLE-DOUBLE, TRIPLE TRIPLE, and 2 X 2. The action, filed in the Central District of California, alleges that these marks are being infringed by Smashburger’s advertisements promoting the SMASHBURGER TRIPLE DOUBLE. Smashburger filed for their own trademark in November of last year. The Examining Attorney approved but that application is currently being opposed by In-N-Out as well. #burgers #trademarks #InNOut #Smashburger #omnilegalgroup

Trademark Fraud

The leader of one of the most notorious trademark scams in recent years has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for sending out thousands of solicitations designed to confuse recipients into thinking they were official government documents.  Artashes Darbinyan, a Glendale resident, defrauded unsuspecting trademark applicant’s out of at least $1.6 million dollars for “trademark monitoring services” that were never rendered. Sadly, this practice is not uncommon. Because trademark applications are so readily accessible online, there are numerous companies, which “troll” the trademark applications database and send solicitation letters for services related to trademarks. These letters should be taken as advertisements and it is not recommended that you use their services.  However, because they are designed to look as though they are from the USPTO, many recipients are tricked into thinking they have no choice but to remit payment.  Hopefully, this verdict will send a message to those seeking to defraud unwitting applicants, and put an end to an unscrupulous practice that has gone unchecked for too long. #omnilegalgroup #trademarklaw #fraud

Motorola Patent

Motorola files patent application for a phone that can repair its own screen. The application details a method and device for detecting fascia damage and repairing it. How it would work is by way of thermal elements imbedded within the screen itself that, when activated, would heat up and repair the cracked surface. Modern electronic devices comprise ever-increasing screen sizes, which are prone to damage when dropped. As part of the repair process, an application within the phone would be used to assess the damage prior to initiating a repair. That patent also discusses a docking station that would charge the device as it is being repaired, because the repair process could take a significant amount of time. A number of recent patent filings have demonstrated that technological advances for mitigating repair costs are gaining popularity. Given the significant reduction in mobile phone subsidies, these innovations will certainly be well received by consumers. #omnilegalgroup #patent #Motorola #mobilephonepatent

A New Tesla Patent

Tesla has patented a device that can improve EV battery safety after a collision. The safety of lithium-ion batteries in the event of a collision is frequently called into question, but Tesla is hoping to quell these concerns with their special “pyrotechnic disconnect” safety device. The patent states that their pyrotechnic disconnect can quickly sever all electrical connections between their battery pack and motors, which will reduce the risk of harm to occupants after an accident. This disconnect would need to interrupt a very large current using a housing with a combustion chamber inside and a pyrotechnic charge within. It’s not clear yet whether this patented technology will be licensed to other automakers, but it’s reassuring to see a carmaker taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians alike. #omnilegalgroup #patent #Tesla

Did You Know…?

Nick Woodman founded the GoPro camera in 2002 as a great way to record footage while on a surfboard. His desire was to create a wearable camera that would allow him to capture himself and friends while out on the water. Initially, the camera company was called Woodman Labs. In 2004, the company sold its first camera, which was a 35mm unit called the Hero. They coined the phrase “GoPro Be A Hero” and later became known as GoPro Inc. Today they have a variety of offerings to satisfy any action seeker and have succeeded in their effort to merge sports &  technology.

Amazon Has Fashion On Its Mind

The king of supply chain logistics has made its way to the way you and came up with a fashionable idea for cutting the cost of making clothes. Amazon was recently awarded a patent for what they call “on-demand-apparel-manufacturing” that will create or make your clothing once it has been ordered. The Patent has the software designed to collect clothing orders internationally and then derives a way to fulfill them.

Also, stated in the patent, “the orders can be organized by the computing environment into one or more groups of orders based on one or more productivity factors like size, shape, fabric type, or delivery location for the textile products.” On-demand or fast fashion is taking over the country and is an affordable way to consume clothing.

If the disclosures in the patent are any indicator of future plans, Amazon intends to expand beyond on-demand manufacturing and dive into other items such as fabric products, accessories, footwear, bedding, curtains, towels, especially in a variety of different materials, but not limited to paper, plastic, leather etc. Just last year, Amazon came out with seven in-house fashion brands and some experts believe it is on its way to becoming the biggest clothing retailer in the U.S. They also debuted a fashion tool namely, Outfit Picker, that even helps its Prime members choose what to wear. The company also launched a TV ad campaign for $15 million that featured fall fashions from Amazon.com.