Cerence AI Sues Apple Over Patent Infringement Claims

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Cerence AI has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of using its innovations without permission. The case was submitted on September 4, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, a frequent venue for intellectual property disputes.


Cerence’s Allegations
Cerence alleges that Apple misused its patented technologies. These patents focus on text input and recognition and voice command monitoring. The company claims Apple embedded these technologies in the iPhone and iPad without securing a license.
The dispute traces back to 2021 when Cerence approached Apple with an acquisition proposal. At that time, it presented detailed patent documentation and claim charts showing potential infringement. However, no agreement was reached.


Official Statement
Jennifer Salinas, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Cerence, stressed the importance of protecting innovation. She said the lawsuit aims to defend years of research and development. The company is seeking both damages and licensing fees.


Apple’s Response
Apple has yet to issue a detailed statement. Historically, the company has defended itself vigorously in patent cases. Analysts expect this lawsuit may become a drawn-out legal battle.
Industry Impact
Cerence is a leading player in automotive AI, powering voice assistants in over 525 million vehicles worldwide. The lawsuit underlines the growing conflicts between smaller innovators and global tech leaders over patented technologies.
Apple, already familiar with patent disputes, faces renewed scrutiny as courts decide whether its use of Cerence’s inventions violated intellectual property laws.
What’s Next?
The outcome of this case could force Apple to pay licensing fees or modify features in its products. For Cerence, a favorable ruling would strengthen its position as a pioneer in AI-driven communication technologies.

GenBio Files Provisional Patent for Next-Gen Anti-Inflammatory Therapy

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Biotechnology company GenBio Inc. has announced that it has filed a provisional patent application for Inflamoxil, a next-generation anti-inflammatory therapy. The company said the therapy aims to target chronic inflammation and could also play a role in tackling antibiotic resistance.

GenBio explained that Inflamoxil works by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are key drivers of inflammation. Researchers believe that the therapy could provide relief to patients suffering from chronic conditions where traditional medicines show limited success.

The company also highlighted that Inflamoxil might boost the effectiveness of antibiotics. By reducing resistance mechanisms, the therapy could extend the usefulness of existing drugs, which are under global threat from rising antimicrobial resistance.

A provisional patent allows inventors to secure an early filing date while continuing to refine their product. GenBio now has 12 months to file a full application to convert this into a nonprovisional patent.

The move reflects the growing urgency in the medical community to address both chronic inflammatory disorders and the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. Industry experts note that if Inflamoxil progresses successfully through trials, it could serve multiple therapeutic areas.

GenBio stated that its research team is committed to advancing the therapy and will continue laboratory and pre-clinical studies in the coming months.

Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief to Castrol Over ‘3X’ Mark on Engine Oil Packaging

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The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Castrol Limited in a trademark dispute concerning its ‘3X PROTECTION’ mark used on engine oil packaging. The ruling shields the company from alleged groundless threats and ensures business continuity until the next hearing.

Court Proceedings

A single judge delivered the order on September 4, 2025, after hearing Castrol’s plea. The lubricant manufacturer complained that the Nashik police, allegedly influenced by the defendant, Sanjay Sonavane, had seized its products bearing the ‘3X’ mark from an authorized distributor.

Castrol argued that the action was unwarranted and based on a false claim of similarity between its ‘3X’ marks and Sonavane’s registered ‘3P’ marks in Class 4, which cover oils, lubricants, and greases.

Court’s Findings

The High Court observed that the only common element between the two sets of marks was the numeral “3.” It held that exclusive rights cannot be claimed over a single digit, particularly when the overall trade dress, wording, and design were distinct.

The Court concluded that Castrol had made out a prima facie case of harassment through unjustified threats. It also ruled that such actions could not be allowed to disrupt legitimate business operations.

Interim Relief Granted

Accordingly, the Court restrained Sanjay Sonavane from issuing or pursuing groundless threats of trademark or copyright infringement against Castrol. The interim protection will continue until the next date of hearing, scheduled for December 9, 2025.

Broader Implications

This ruling reinforces the principle that numerical elements alone do not establish trademark exclusivity. It also highlights judicial support for companies facing misuse of enforcement mechanisms in intellectual property disputes.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, the Delhi High Court had awarded Castrol ₹20 lakh in damages and issued a permanent injunction in another case involving its ‘ACTIV’ and ‘ACTIBOND’ marks. The latest relief further strengthens the company’s position in protecting its distinctive branding and trade dress.

Supreme Court Rejects CCI Plea in Patent Investigation Case

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The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) plea seeking permission to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices in a patents dispute. The decision came on September 5, 2025, and upheld the Delhi High Court’s earlier order.

Background of the Case

The case involved Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Monsanto Holding Private Limited. Both companies faced allegations of imposing unfair licensing terms for their standard-essential patents. The informants had earlier approached the CCI, claiming violations of Section 3 and Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002.

The Delhi High Court, however, quashed the investigation. It held that once the informants reached a settlement with the companies, there was no reason for the CCI to continue the probe. The court also stressed that the Patents Act provided the legal framework for addressing licensing disputes.

CCI’s Argument

The CCI challenged the High Court’s decision through a Special Leave Petition (SLP). It argued that it retained authority to examine whether patent holders abused their dominant position in the market. The regulator claimed that restricting its jurisdiction would weaken competition law enforcement.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Sandeep Mehta dismissed the CCI’s appeal. The judges said the High Court’s order required no interference, as the informants had settled their grievances. They also noted that the inquiry overlapped with the statutory role of the Controller of Patents.

The Court clarified that its decision was limited to this case. It left open the possibility of re-examining the issue of overlap between competition law and patent law in future disputes.

Implications

The ruling reinforces the primacy of the Patents Act when disputes involve licensing terms and royalty payments. It also highlights the limits of the CCI’s role when cases fall within the domain of intellectual property law.

Legal experts believe the decision could influence future disputes involving technology licensing, biotech patents, and pharmaceutical patents. The judgment sends a clear message that patent law takes precedence, but it does not entirely close the door for competition scrutiny in other contexts.

Vizag Researcher Patents Eco-Friendly Bioplastic from Dairy Waste

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A researcher from GITAM (Deemed to be) University, Visakhapatnam, has received a patent for developing an eco-friendly bioplastic made from dairy industry waste. The innovation promises a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.

Dr. Rasheeda Khanam, a faculty member at the university, used ghee residue to create the new material. The residue, often discarded as waste, became the main raw material in her experiment. She combined it with natural additives like glycerol, beeswax, chitin, and zein protein to strengthen the product and improve water resistance.

The resulting bioplastic is biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for food contact. It dissolves in water within 24 hours and decomposes in soil in just 20 to 30 days. Unlike conventional plastics, it leaves no harmful traces in the environment.

The product also resembles hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in structure. Once discarded, it can be converted into compost and used as fertilizer. The absence of synthetic chemicals makes it safer for both consumers and the environment. Interestingly, it contains phenolic compounds that act as natural preservatives for food items.

Dr. Rasheeda is currently testing the bioplastic for packaging dry foods like grains. She also plans to expand its applications to seafood and other commercial goods. Scaling up production is the next step to bring the innovation into the market.

Experts say the development marks a significant step in India’s fight against plastic pollution. By converting dairy waste into useful material, the project also supports waste management and circular economy initiatives.

The patent adds to India’s growing list of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Other research groups in the country have explored cow dung, agricultural waste, fungi, and seafood waste to produce biodegradable plastics. The Vizag project adds dairy waste to this list, offering yet another path toward sustainability.

With large-scale adoption, such innovations could reduce the dependency on petroleum-based plastics and pave the way for greener alternatives.

Modi Urges India to Lead Semiconductor Patents and Global Chip Market

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India to dominate the semiconductor industry through innovation and strong patent portfolios. He spoke at Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, where he unveiled the country’s first indigenous 32-bit chip.

Modi described semiconductors as the “digital diamonds of the 21st century”. He stressed that India should not only design chips but also secure patents to strengthen its global position. He said, “We must aim for chips designed and patented in India, trusted by the world.”

Chips to Enter Market by 2025 End

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his Independence Day announcement that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of 2025. This marks a key step towards India’s goal of becoming a full-stack semiconductor hub.

Global Market Opportunity

Modi noted that the global semiconductor market is projected to touch $1 trillion in the coming years. He asserted that India is positioned to command a major share of this market by combining design strength, manufacturing capacity, and patent protection.

Semicon 2.0 Vision

Under the Semicon 2.0 program, India is targeting at least 5% of global semiconductor production by 2030. Multiple chip fabrication and assembly units are under development with strong government incentives. Industry projects worth billions of dollars are already under evaluation.

Partnerships and Innovation

India is also forging partnerships with global technology leaders, including IBM, AMD, Micron, and Lam Research. These collaborations focus on research, design, and training. Academic institutions like IITs and IISc are playing a key role in nurturing talent for this sector.

The Road Ahead

The launch of the indigenous Vikram 32-bit processor signals the start of a new era in India’s technology journey. Modi’s call to “patent chips, not just produce them” highlights a strategy that combines intellectual property leadership with manufacturing strength.

Experts believe this approach can help India reduce import dependence, attract foreign investment, and build trust as a global semiconductor hub.

First Solar Accuses Waaree of Infringing TOPCon Patents

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The solar industry faces another patent clash. U.S. solar giant First Solar has accused Waaree Energies, India’s biggest module exporter, of infringing patents linked to TOPCon technology.

The American firm issued a warning letter to Waaree. It claims that Waaree’s TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cells violate two of its U.S. patents. First Solar asked Waaree to stop production or obtain a license. If not, it may file a lawsuit in the United States.

Why TOPCon is Critical

TOPCon is the fastest-growing solar cell technology. It reduces power loss and increases panel efficiency. Many manufacturers, including LONGi, JinkoSolar, and Trina, are scaling production.

First Solar entered the high-efficiency segment in 2013 after acquiring TetraSun. That deal gave it a strong patent base. The company is now using those rights to challenge rivals.

Waaree’s Stakes

Waaree has export orders worth about ₹30,000 crore. A majority of these shipments are headed for the U.S. Any restriction could hurt deliveries and margins.

The company also faces a separate case. In February 2025, JinkoSolar filed a lawsuit in Texas. The case alleges Waaree copied its n-type TOPCon design, protected under U.S. Patent No. 11,824,136 B2.

Industry-Wide Disputes

Patent fights around TOPCon are spreading fast. First Solar has already sued JinkoSolar in Delaware over a different patent.

Other players, such as Canadian Solar and LONGi, have also been drawn into disputes. Analysts say the trend shows how critical intellectual property has become for solar growth.

What’s Next

Waaree has not issued an official response to First Solar’s claims. Industry watchers expect talks on licensing before a court battle begins.

The outcome could reshape how Indian firms compete in the U.S. solar market. It may also decide how patents influence the next wave of renewable energy expansion.

Intel Files Patent for “Software Defined Supercore” to Boost CPU Performance

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Intel has filed a new patent that outlines a Software Defined Supercore (SDC), a concept designed to improve CPU performance without increasing frequency or voltage. The idea focuses on enhancing single-threaded workloads, an area still critical for many applications.

How the Technology Works

The patent describes a method to fuse two or more CPU cores into a virtual supercore. Instead of running a program on one core, the processor can break a single thread into smaller instruction blocks. Each block is then executed in parallel across adjacent cores.

To ensure accuracy, instructions are retired in the original program order. This design keeps the output consistent while boosting instructions per clock (IPC). You can read the full details of the filing on Justia Patents.

Benefits of the Approach

The Software Defined Supercore offers several advantages:

  • Higher single-thread performance without pushing clock speeds.
  • Better performance per watt, since it avoids power-hungry boosts.
  • Dynamic adaptability, allowing CPUs to switch between standard and fused modes based on workload.

This approach could help Intel compete in workloads where raw single-thread power is still crucial, such as gaming, engineering tools, and some AI tasks.

Challenges and Overhead

The method is not without trade-offs. The patent notes that some instructions, especially memory operations, must be replicated across cores. This replication creates an overhead of about 25–40%, reducing the net efficiency gains. However, Intel suggests that the parallel boost can outweigh this cost in most cases.

Broader Context

This patent aligns with Intel’s recent push toward software-defined silicon (SDSi). In its Xeon lineup, Intel has already introduced features that allow customers to unlock additional capabilities through software licensing. More on SDSi can be found on Phoronix.

The move also follows Intel’s trend of integrating on-demand accelerators into processors for AI and networking. By combining traditional cores in a software-defined way, Intel expands this strategy into general-purpose computing.

Why It Matters

The Software Defined Supercore represents a major step in CPU design philosophy. Instead of relying solely on hardware improvements, Intel aims to use software orchestration to maximize existing silicon.

If successful, this approach could redefine how processors handle demanding workloads and improve efficiency for industries that still depend on strong single-thread performance.

Next-Gen Watch Band Patent Promises Precision Fit and Enhanced Wearable Comfort

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Apple

Apple has taken a significant step toward improving the Apple Watch experience with a newly published patent revealing a next-generation watch band designed to deliver a precision fit. This innovation targets better comfort, improved sensor accuracy, and enhanced user experience, particularly for active users.

Dynamic Fit Adjustment Technology

The patent, titled *“Dynamic Fit Adjustment for Wearable Electronic Devices,”* describes a watch band capable of automatically adjusting its size in response to the wearer’s wrist movements and changing conditions. Unlike traditional bands that rely on fixed holes or manual tightening, this design incorporates internal components that adapt in real time.

This means the band can tighten or loosen itself subtly to maintain an optimal fit throughout the day, whether the wearer is exercising, resting, or performing daily activities. The system may use miniaturized motors, shape-memory materials, or mechanical adjustments to achieve this dynamic fitting.

Why a Precision Fit Matters

A snug and consistent fit is critical for the Apple Watch’s health monitoring features. Sensors such as heart rate monitors, ECG, and blood oxygen meters require good skin contact to collect accurate data. Loose or ill-fitting bands can cause erratic readings, frustrating users who rely on these metrics for fitness tracking or health monitoring.

Apple’s invention aims to solve this by preventing band slippage and ensuring the sensors maintain continuous, firm contact with the skin. This could significantly improve the reliability of biometric data, especially during vigorous workouts or outdoor activities.

Comfort and Wearability

Comfort is another key focus of the new band design. Apple recognizes that many users experience discomfort or skin irritation from watch bands that don’t adjust throughout the day. The patent suggests that the dynamic adjustment mechanism will also help reduce pressure points and allow for better airflow, making the watch more pleasant to wear for long periods.

Potential Materials and Mechanisms

While the patent doesn’t disclose specific materials, it hints at the use of advanced flexible materials, shape-memory alloys, or smart textiles that can respond to electrical or thermal stimuli. These materials could enable smooth and silent size changes without bulky motors.

Apple may also incorporate sensors within the band itself to monitor fit and trigger adjustments automatically, creating a seamless user experience.

Future Implications for Wearable Technology

This innovation aligns with Apple’s broader vision of creating smart wearables that are not only technologically advanced but also highly user-friendly. A watch band that adjusts itself dynamically could set a new industry standard for wearables, pushing competitors to explore similar adaptive designs.

It may also open doors for additional features, such as biometric data collection directly from the band or advanced haptic feedback systems.

What’s Next?

While this patent is still in the conceptual phase, Apple’s track record suggests it could become a reality in the near future. The next iterations of the Apple Watch, possibly the Series 10 or beyond, may debut this technology.

Consumers eager for better comfort and more accurate health tracking should keep an eye on upcoming Apple Watch announcements.

Samsung Patent Reveals Plans to Store S Pen in Foldable Hinge

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samsung
Samsung has filed a new patent that shows an innovative way to store the S Pen inside the hinge of a future foldable smartphone. The concept could solve a key challenge the company faces in integrating stylus support into its Z Fold series.

Hinge-Based Stylus Housing

The patent details a hinge mechanism that includes a slot to securely house the S Pen. The stylus would sit within the central fold of the device, possibly allowing it to be stored and charged discreetly.

According to the filing, the design aims to balance convenience and durability. The hinge not only supports the device’s foldable action but also protects the S Pen from external damage when not in use.

This idea marks a shift from Samsung’s previous designs, where the S Pen was either not included or had to be carried separately.

Z Fold 7 Dropped S Pen Support

At its July 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7. While the device introduced a slimmer, lighter profile, it dropped S Pen support altogether.

Samsung cited design limitations for the decision. The company said the new ultra-thin build couldn’t accommodate the necessary digitizer layer or a stylus slot.

“We’re prioritizing design and portability,” said Samsung Mobile President TM Roh during the event.

Could the S Pen Return?

Despite the Fold 7’s omission, Samsung executives have hinted that S Pen support may return in future models.

A spokesperson stated that the company is “re-evaluating S Pen inclusion” for upcoming devices and is working on slimmer stylus technology.

This new patent suggests one direction that effort could take. By integrating the S Pen into the hinge, Samsung may bypass the need to thicken the display or chassis.

Competitive Pressure Rising

Samsung faces growing competition in the foldable space. Brands like Honor, Huawei, and Motorola have launched foldables with sleeker designs and new features.

Some of these models include stylus support, increasing pressure on Samsung to deliver both design and functionality.

Meanwhile, rumors continue to circulate about a tri-fold Galaxy device that might debut in 2026. That form factor could provide extra internal space for components like the S Pen.

What’s Next?

The hinge-based S Pen slot is still a concept on paper. It may never make it to production. However, the patent underscores Samsung’s continued interest in enhancing its foldables with stylus features.

Consumers and tech watchers will be looking to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected in mid-2026, for any signs of the S Pen’s return.

Until then, Samsung’s foldable strategy appears to favor thinness and portability—though stylus fans are still holding out hope.