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Sonos Wins Court Ruling to Revive U.S. Patent Case Against Google

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The legal battle between Sonos and Google has taken a new turn. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on August 28, 2025, that one of Sonos’ patents is valid. This decision revives the company’s long-running lawsuit against Google. Source: Reuters

Appeals Court Reverses Earlier Decision

The Federal Circuit overturned a 2023 ruling by U.S. District Judge William Alsup. The judge had previously invalidated the patent due to Sonos’ 13-year delay in filing. He ruled that the delay made the patent unenforceable. The appeals court disagreed. It found that Google did not suffer harm because of the delay.

A Case That Started in 2020

Sonos first sued Google in 2020. The company alleged that Google copied its wireless audio technology in products such as Google Home speakers and Chromecast Audio. In May 2023, a jury awarded Sonos $32.5 million in damages. That verdict was later overturned when Judge Alsup ruled the patents invalid.

Sonos Welcomes the Decision

A Sonos spokesperson praised the latest ruling. The company expressed hope that Google will now enter fair licensing negotiations. Sonos has argued that Google’s products rely heavily on its patented audio technology.

Google’s Position

Google has denied the allegations. The company has also redesigned its devices in recent years to avoid infringement. In April 2024, the Federal Circuit allowed the import of those redesigned products, stating they did not violate Sonos’ patents. Read more here.

What the Ruling Means

The latest decision gives Sonos another chance to fight for compensation and enforce its patents. The case will now return to the San Francisco federal court for further proceedings. Legal experts believe the ruling could strengthen Sonos’ hand in future licensing talks and shape the wider smart speaker market.

Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson File “Gold Digger” Trademark

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Former NFL coach Bill Belichick and his partner Jordon Hudson have filed for a trademark on the phrase “Gold Digger”, aiming to launch a jewelry and keychain line. The move, made through Hudson’s company Trouble Cub Enterprises, has raised eyebrows for its cheeky play on public perception.

A Pattern of Bold Trademarks

This is not Hudson’s first attempt at creative branding. Earlier, she applied for phrases tied to Belichick’s coaching career, adding the suffix “(Bill’s Version)” to slogans such as “Do Your Job” and “No Days Off”. The approach mirrors singer Taylor Swift’s re-recording strategy, but trademark experts note that many of these filings may face opposition from the New England Patriots, who already own rights to those phrases.

The “Gold Digger” filing, however, takes a different route. It leans less on sports legacy and more on irony, aiming to turn a controversial label into a profitable business identity.

Similar Trademark Gambits in India

India has witnessed several unconventional and controversial trademark filings, where personal branding, cultural sensitivity, and commercial ambition collided:

  • Reliance’s “Operation Sindoor”: Reliance Jio Studios filed a trademark referencing India’s military strikes. The move was met with backlash for commercializing a sensitive event, forcing the company to withdraw the application.
  • Dhoni’s “Captain Cool”: Former cricket captain MS Dhoni reportedly filed for his nickname as a trademark, sparking buzz and jokes about potential merchandise.
  • Odisha’s Jagannath Temple Terms: The Odisha government sought to trademark phrases linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, to prevent misuse of religious and cultural heritage.
  • “Chutiyaram” Rejection: A provocative slang-based application was revoked by the Trademark Office for obscenity.

The Bigger Picture

These cases, in the U.S. and India alike, reveal how trademarks are no longer just about products. They have become tools of personal identity, pop culture, and public relations. From Dhoni protecting his cricketing aura to Hudson reclaiming a controversial label, each filing pushes the boundaries of what can be owned and monetized.

Trademark experts caution that while such applications grab attention, they often face legal hurdles and public backlash. Yet, they highlight a clear trend: branding today is as much about narrative as it is about law.

Bombay High Court Restores Ban on Cognizant’s Logo Use in India

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The Bombay High Court has reinstated an injunction that bars Cognizant Technology Solutions from using its logo in India. The decision, issued on 26 August 2025, marks a setback for the U.S.-based IT services giant as it battles an ongoing trademark dispute with Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Division Bench Overturns Earlier Relief

A division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne revived a March 2024 interim injunction that had originally restrained Cognizant from displaying or using the contested logo. The bench set aside a June 2024 single-judge order which had temporarily allowed Cognizant to continue using its brand mark while the case was pending.

With the latest ruling, Cognizant must immediately stop using its logo across operations in India until the trademark infringement lawsuit reaches final resolution.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute began when Atyati Technologies, a Bengaluru-based technology solutions provider, alleged that Cognizant’s logo closely resembled its registered device mark. Atyati argued that the similarity could mislead customers and erode its brand identity.

On 19 March 2024, a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court granted an ex-parte injunction in Atyati’s favour, stopping Cognizant from using the disputed design. However, in June 2024, the same bench withdrew the order after finding that Atyati had not disclosed certain material facts. As a result, Cognizant was allowed to resume using its logo.

The 13 June 2024 order further granted Cognizant interim relief, permitting continued use of the logo during litigation. This relief has now been nullified by the division bench.

Cognizant’s Response

In a statement following the ruling, Cognizant said it would review the court’s order and explore all available legal remedies. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting its brand reputation while ensuring compliance with Indian laws.

What Lies Ahead

The case highlights the increasing importance of trademark protection in India’s IT sector, where global corporations and domestic companies frequently clash over brand identity and intellectual property. The ban could force Cognizant to temporarily rebrand its operations in India, one of its largest markets outside the United States.

The matter will now proceed to a full hearing, where the court will decide whether Cognizant’s logo indeed infringes on Atyati’s registered mark. Until then, the restored injunction will remain in effect.

Indian-Pioneered Smart Mirror Aims to Revolutionize Global Healthcare

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An Indian inventor has patented a Smart Mirror system that could reshape healthcare globally. The innovation turns ordinary mirrors into AI-driven health monitors.

The system embeds AI-based image analytics. Once fully developed, it could spot early signs of strokes, heart ailments, and respiratory issues.

It uses federated learning to keep health data private while learning from multiple sources.

Key benefits include:

  • Boosting independent living among the elderly.
  • Reducing caregiver demands and hospital readmissions.
  • Extending healthcare to underserved communities.
  • Providing real-time, 24/7 monitoring.

“Invention goes beyond concept. It offers a blueprint to tackle global healthcare issues—from aging populations to doctor shortages,” said Kunwar Siddharth Tiwary, the inventor. He holds dual Master’s degrees in Information Systems and Industrial Engineering. He is pursuing a PhD in Information Technology and has over a decade of healthcare analytics experience.

What Could Follow

The Smart Mirror could aid in chronic disease management, such as diabetes and heart disease, when paired with proper sensors and AI.

It can also support elderly care, with features like fall detection, medication reminders, and emergency alerts.

The system could act as an early warning tool in health crises like pandemics, while keeping individual privacy intact.

And in rural areas, it could bring diagnostic support where medical infrastructure is limited.

Explore More

Delhi High Court Rules Common Words Cannot Be Monopolised in Yatra Trademark Dispute

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The Delhi High Court has ruled that businesses cannot monopolise everyday words as trademarks. The decision came in a trademark dispute between Yatra Online Limited and Mach Conferences and Events Limited, the company behind the brand BookMyYatra.

Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Yatra’s plea to stop BookMyYatra from using the term. The court observed that “Yatra”, a Hindi word meaning travel, is generic and descriptive in the travel industry. Therefore, it cannot be granted exclusive protection as a trademark.

Court’s Reasoning

The court pointed out that Yatra Online had registered trademarks such as “Yatra with device” and “Yatra Freight.” However, these registrations carried explicit disclaimers stating that no exclusive rights were claimed over the standalone word “Yatra.”

Because of these disclaimers, the court ruled that Yatra Online could not expand its rights to claim monopoly over the word. The judgment reaffirmed that generic or descriptive words do not indicate the origin of goods or services, and thus lack distinctiveness.

Wider Legal Context

This ruling is consistent with earlier judgments. In 2023, the Delhi High Court held that words of common English usage cannot be registered as trademarks under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The law prevents the registration of marks that are descriptive or devoid of distinctive character.

Legal experts note that only terms that gain secondary meaning through long and exclusive use can qualify for trademark protection. Descriptive and generic words, on the other hand, remain free for all businesses to use.

Industry Impact

The ruling is a significant reminder for businesses in travel and other industries. Companies are encouraged to adopt distinctive brand names instead of relying on common words. Using descriptive terms may create recognition, but they cannot guarantee exclusivity.

DAVV Secures Patent for AI-Powered Face Recognition Attendance System

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Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) has achieved a major milestone in educational technology. The university has secured a patent for an AI-powered face recognition attendance system. The innovation promises to make attendance management faster, more reliable, and more eco-friendly.

The patent, titled “A System and Method for Taking Attendance in Educational or Professional Settings”, has been granted under the Indian Patents Act, 1970. Read more on the Patents Act here.

Developed by Faculty and Students

The project was developed over two years by Dr. Vaibhav Neema, professor at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), DAVV. He worked with a team of young graduates including Sumiran Jaiswal, Shubh Laad, Pranshu Jain, Utkarsh Gupte, Antriksh Tyagi, Divyanshu Parwal, and Anjali Phadke.

“This innovation will save time and reduce manual effort. It is a scalable and eco-friendly solution,” Dr. Neema said.

How the System Works

The system functions on a web-based interface. Teachers or administrators can upload classroom images. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to detect and identify faces. It then cross-verifies them with a stored database and generates an Excel attendance sheet in real time.

Unlike biometric systems, it does not require physical contact or specialized hardware. A single photograph is enough to register attendance. Once a face is recorded, the system can recognize it for up to 10 years without frequent updates.

Wide Range of Applications

Although designed for educational settings, the AI system has broader applications. Hospitals could use it to verify patient presence. Corporates could implement it for employee attendance. Public transport authorities might also adopt it to detect ticketless travelers.

The developers highlight that the technology is cost-effective and easy to use. Institutions can deploy it without investing in expensive infrastructure.

Why It Matters

The innovation reflects DAVV’s growing role in promoting AI-driven solutions in India’s education sector. With rising student numbers, such technology can cut down administrative load and improve efficiency.

India has seen a surge in AI-powered applications across industries, from healthcare to banking. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also been pushing for wider adoption of AI tools in governance and services.

Ultrahuman Sues Oura in Delhi High Court Over Smart Ring Patents

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Indian health-tech startup Ultrahuman has filed a lawsuit against Finnish wearable maker Oura in the Delhi High Court, escalating the global dispute over smart ring patents. The move comes months after Oura pursued legal action against Ultrahuman in the United States.

Counterattack After US Setback

Oura first sued Ultrahuman in Texas in late 2023, alleging patent infringement and unfair competition. The Finnish company claimed that Ultrahuman copied the design and internal architecture of its Oura Ring, including sensors, battery placement, and overall housing structure.

In April 2025, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) delivered an initial ruling in Oura’s favor, finding that Ultrahuman and Chinese rival RingConn had violated several Oura patents. This raised the possibility of an import ban on Ultrahuman’s smart rings in the US market (Economic Times, Wareable).

Ultrahuman, however, rejected the ruling and pointed out that the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) had already questioned the validity of at least one Oura patent.

Delhi High Court Battle

On August 22, 2025, Ultrahuman struck back by filing its own patent infringement case against Oura in Delhi. The company argued that Oura is misusing patents—particularly those acquired from Motiv, a US wearable company—to suppress competition in India.

Ultrahuman accused Oura of attempting to “weaponize” intellectual property rights in order to restrict fair competition in the fast-growing smart ring market.

Growing Market, Rising Conflicts

Smart rings are emerging as a major segment in wearable technology, offering health tracking, sleep monitoring, and fitness insights in compact form factors. With the market expected to expand rapidly, companies are fiercely defending their intellectual property portfolios.

Oura, which popularized the category with its Oura Ring, has been aggressively protecting its patents against rivals. Ultrahuman, on the other hand, has positioned itself as an Indian challenger brand with a growing global presence.

What Lies Ahead

The Delhi High Court case adds a new front to the ongoing global battle. If the court sides with Ultrahuman, it could limit Oura’s ability to enforce its patents in India—one of the fastest-growing markets for wearables.

Meanwhile, the ITC’s final ruling in the US, expected later this year, could determine whether Ultrahuman faces restrictions in exporting its smart rings to America.

The legal fight highlights how intellectual property disputes are shaping the future of wearable tech and could determine which brands dominate the global smart ring industry.

Align Technology Sues Angelalign Technology Over Patent Infringement

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Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign clear aligners, has launched a series of patent infringement lawsuits against Shanghai-based Angelalign Technology. The cases have been filed in the United States, Europe, and China, targeting Angelalign’s aligner products and digital orthodontic software.

According to Align Technology, the lawsuits accuse Angelalign of infringing patents related to multilayer aligner materials, advanced treatment planning systems, and proprietary aligner designs. The company is seeking both injunctions to block sales and monetary damages.

Align Defends Innovation

Align emphasized its long-term commitment to research and development. The company invests more than $300 million annually and has spent nearly $2 billion since 2001 on new technologies. Executives said these lawsuits are necessary to protect Align’s intellectual property portfolio and ensure “fair competition” in the global clear-aligner market.

“Intellectual property is the foundation of our leadership in digital orthodontics,” Align stated in its announcement.

Global Enforcement Strategy

The decision to file cases across three major markets signals a broad legal strategy. The U.S. and Europe remain Align’s largest commercial regions, while China is a fast-growing market where Angelalign has a strong presence. By pursuing parallel lawsuits, Align is increasing the legal and commercial pressure on its rival.

Industry observers believe the outcome could reshape competition in the clear-aligner sector. If courts issue injunctions, Angelalign may face restrictions on selling its aligners in critical markets.

Legal Battles in Context

This is not the first time Align has turned to litigation. In 2019, the company reached a $35 million settlement with ClearCorrect after years of disputes (Straumann). In 2022, it settled patent and antitrust claims with 3Shape, a leading scanner manufacturer (Dentistry Today).

More recently, Align prevailed in antitrust lawsuits in the U.S. and secured preliminary approval of a $31.75 million settlement tied to SmileDirectClub-related claims (ClassAction.org).

What’s Next

The litigation against Angelalign is expected to proceed over the coming months. Patent cases in multiple jurisdictions can be lengthy and complex, often involving parallel hearings and appeals.

For Align, the lawsuits reinforce its aggressive stance on protecting innovation. For Angelalign, they represent a significant challenge that could limit expansion in key global markets.

As the legal process unfolds, orthodontists, patients, and investors will closely watch whether courts uphold Align’s claims or allow Angelalign to continue its international growth.

Huawei Secures Patent to Boost Smartphone Battery Life with Composite Electrode Technology

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Huawei has received approval for a new battery technology patent that could significantly improve the performance and lifespan of future smartphones. The patent, titled “Composite Electrode Material and Preparation Method, Lithium Battery, and Electronic Device,” was originally filed in September 2021 and was officially granted this week.

A Smarter Electrode Design

At the heart of this innovation is a composite electrode material wrapped with an organic fiber structure. This design tackles a common challenge in lithium batteries: plastic deformation that occurs when the battery undergoes repeated charging and discharging cycles.

By introducing organic fibers, Huawei’s method enhances the structural stability of the electrode. This not only minimizes deformation but also improves adhesion within the material through a chemical interaction known as the CONH group. In simple terms, the battery becomes more resistant to wear and tear, allowing it to last longer without losing efficiency.

Extending Smartphone Battery Life

Battery performance remains one of the top concerns for smartphone users. While hardware and software optimizations have helped in recent years, physical degradation of battery materials still limits overall lifespan.

Huawei’s new approach aims to directly strengthen the electrode layer, meaning future smartphones could enjoy:

  • Longer battery lifespan with reduced capacity loss over time.
  • Higher reliability during extended usage.
  • Better performance retention, even after hundreds of charging cycles.

This patent builds on Huawei’s ongoing research into next-generation energy storage. The company has previously explored advanced graphene batteries and fast-charging technologies, signaling a broader strategy to lead in smartphone power solutions.

Industry Implications

Huawei’s development comes at a time when global smartphone makers are racing to deliver safer, longer-lasting batteries. With Apple and Samsung investing heavily in solid-state battery research, Huawei’s focus on composite electrode materials provides another possible path toward breakthroughs in energy storage.

If commercialized, this technology could reduce the frequency with which consumers replace their smartphones due to degraded batteries. It also aligns with global trends in sustainable technology, where improving efficiency helps lower electronic waste.

What’s Next

Although the patent has been approved, Huawei has not yet confirmed when this battery technology will appear in commercial products. Given the increasing competition in the premium smartphone market, industry watchers believe Huawei could integrate it into upcoming flagship models to gain a performance edge.

For now, the approval highlights Huawei’s strategic investments in core hardware innovation—an area the company continues to prioritize despite challenges in global markets.

🔗 External References:

Google Patent Hints at AI-Powered Dynamic Watch Faces for Future Pixel Watch

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Google may soon transform how users personalize their smartwatches. A newly surfaced patent filing suggests that a future Pixel Watch could use generative AI to create dynamic and unique watch faces for each user.

AI-Generated Customization

The patent, first reported by Patently Apple, describes technology that enables Pixel Watch owners to design watch faces through AI prompts. Instead of relying only on preset templates, users could type or speak a description, and the AI would instantly generate a clock design that matches their preferences.

For example, someone might request a minimalist analog face with warm sunset colors, while another could ask for a dynamic theme that changes with the weather. The AI system would then produce a one-of-a-kind visual experience directly on the smartwatch.

Wear OS and Gemini AI Integration

This patent aligns with Google’s larger plans for Wear OS 6, which is expected to roll out later this year. The update will introduce dynamic theming, improved Tiles, and tighter integration with Gemini AI, Google’s next-generation assistant.

Reports from Forbes indicate that early signs of Gemini have already appeared on Pixel Watches, including AI-powered Quick Reply suggestions for notifications.

Beyond Static Designs

Google has already invested in expressive watch faces with adaptive colors and animations. However, the new patent hints at a leap forward—one where every Pixel Watch could feature a completely different look, designed in real time by AI.

This could open possibilities such as:

  • Personal mood-based faces that shift colors during the day.
  • Fitness-aware faces that adjust visuals after a workout.
  • Seasonal or event-driven themes, auto-generated by AI.

Not Guaranteed Yet

While the patent reveals exciting potential, it does not confirm an official product. Tech companies often patent innovations that never reach consumers. Still, the timing suggests Google may be preparing to bring more AI-driven personalization to its wearable ecosystem.

Conclusion

If realized, this feature would make the Pixel Watch a showcase for on-device AI creativity. With Wear OS 6 and Gemini on the horizon, the smartwatch may soon become as much about personal expression as it is about fitness tracking and notifications.