Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, announced on Thursday that it has achieved a record-breaking milestone in intellectual property filings, with 250 patents and 148 design applications submitted during FY2024-25, the highest in the company’s history for a single financial year.
In a statement highlighting its innovation-driven strategy, Tata Motors emphasized that these filings span a wide array of product and process innovations that align with key global automotive megatrends — Connectivity, Electrification, Sustainability, and Safety (CESS) — along with next-generation technologies such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel cell systems.
Innovations Driving the Future of Mobility
The patents and design applications represent advancements across core automotive systems, including:
Battery technology
Powertrain systems
Vehicle body and trim
Suspension and braking systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Emission control technologies
These innovations are part of Tata Motors’ broader commitment to creating sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions, reinforcing its position at the forefront of India’s transition to green and connected transportation.
Strengthening IP Portfolio
In addition to the patent and design filings, Tata Motors also submitted 81 copyright applications and secured 68 patent grants in the fiscal year, bringing the company’s total granted patents to 918 — a substantial number underscoring its deep focus on research and development.
“Our growing portfolio of pioneering technologies demonstrates our steadfast commitment to nation-building through cutting-edge automotive solutions,” said Rajendra Petkar, President and Chief Technology Officer, Tata Motors. “We continue to invest in future-ready technologies that not only meet customer needs but also support environmental goals.”
Commitment to R&D and Innovation
The company’s FY25 filings reflect its ongoing investment in R&D and advanced engineering, with a strong emphasis on decarbonization, intelligent vehicle architecture, and alternative fuels.
Tata Motors has been a key contributor to India’s electric mobility revolution, with its EV offerings gaining substantial traction in both passenger and commercial segments. The company is also actively exploring hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technologies, in line with the government’s push for a diversified clean mobility strategy.
Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Tata Motors reiterated its long-term vision to shape the future of mobility, catering to the evolving expectations of modern consumers and contributing to sustainable community development.
“Our efforts are rooted in anticipating the future and delivering innovations that transform the way India moves,” added Petkar.
With this significant leap in intellectual property filings, Tata Motors not only reinforces its innovation leadership in the Indian automotive sector but also demonstrates its growing influence on the global stage, where technological IP is becoming a key differentiator in the race toward next-gen mobility.
AI
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Could Feature Touch-Sensitive Back Panel for Gesture Controls
A newly published patent hints at a bold innovation that could define the Pixel 10 Pro: a touch-sensitive rear panel that recognizes gestures, expanding how users interact with their smartphones beyond the traditional touchscreen.
Filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the patent, titled “Leveraging Inactive Touchpoints For Gesture Recognition and User Interface Configuration,” outlines a system that transforms the typically dormant backside of a smartphone into a dynamic, gesture-sensitive surface.
Turning the Back of the Phone Into a Control Panel
Unlike current Pixel models, where interaction is limited to the display or frame buttons, the Pixel 10 Pro could allow users to perform actions simply by swiping or tapping on the back of the device. Suggested functions include:
Volume adjustment
Media controls (play, pause, skip)
Zoom level changes in the camera app
UI navigation or customization triggers
While some of these features may sound familiar — Google’s Quick Tap already allows double-tapping the back of the phone to activate specific actions — the newly patented system goes far beyond. Instead of a basic on/off gesture, this technology would recognize more nuanced and customizable gestures, likely powered by machine learning to personalize the experience per user.
For instance, the system would distinguish between someone simply holding their phone versus intentionally swiping across the back. This type of input detection could enhance accessibility and streamline how users multitask on their devices — a natural evolution as phones become more reliant on AI-powered assistance and minimal UI design.
Why Now?
With expectations growing around the Pixel 10 Pro, likely to debut in 2025, Google appears to be aiming for a blend of form, function, and futuristic user interaction.
In a smartphone market saturated with similar-looking devices and iterative updates, a touch-sensitive rear panel could give Google a competitive edge. The tech would also complement the company’s continued AI focus, allowing gesture models to adapt to each user’s patterns, habits, and preferences over time.
The Rear of the Phone: A New Frontier?
The back of smartphones remains an underutilized canvas. Some brands have experimented with mini displays, notification strips, or thermal cooling systems for gamers — but none have made rear touch interaction a mainstream feature.
However, as with any patent filing, there’s no guarantee the technology will appear in the final retail model. Some features described in patents never make it past the prototype stage, while others appear years later in refined forms. Still, this gesture system feels like a logical next step, especially as mobile UIs continue to prioritize fluidity and personalization.
A Natural Evolution of Quick Tap?
It’s worth noting that the groundwork is already in place. Google introduced Quick Tap on recent Pixel models, letting users assign a double-tap gesture on the back of the phone to trigger specific functions like screenshots or Google Assistant. A more advanced gesture system would build directly on that foundation — moving from binary tap detection to multi-dimensional gesture recognition.
USPTO Releases New Guidance on Patent Eligibility for AI-Based Inventions
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued updated guidance to help innovators, examiners, and stakeholders better understand how AI-related inventions can meet the standards for patent eligibility under U.S. law.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and reshape industries, the USPTO has provided detailed insights into how patent claims involving AI technology are assessed—particularly those involving neural networks and machine learning algorithms.
Three Key Takeaways from the USPTO’s Hypothetical Scenarios
To clarify its approach, the USPTO introduced a set of hypothetical AI inventions, including one focused on data anomaly detection using artificial neural networks. The invention is claimed in three different formats to illustrate various outcomes in the patent eligibility process:
Hardware-Based Implementation Supports Eligibility
When an AI system is described as running on specific hardware or integrated with a technical apparatus, it is more likely to be viewed as patent eligible. This approach grounds the invention in a concrete technological framework.
Abstract Model Training Alone May Be Ineligible
Claims that focus only on the high-level process of training and using a model—without grounding it in a technical application—are likely to be considered abstract ideas and therefore patent ineligible under current legal standards.
System Behavior Based on AI Output Boosts Eligibility
The most nuanced insight reveals that how a system reacts to the AI’s output can be crucial. If the invention includes specific actions triggered by the AI’s decision or analysis, this interaction may constitute a patent-eligible technological improvement.
Why This Matters
These insights reflect a growing effort by the USPTO to balance innovation with legal clarity in the rapidly advancing field of AI. The guidance helps applicants craft claims that are more likely to survive scrutiny, especially during examination, appeals, and post-grant reviews.
The update also introduces a new set of AI-specific examples to guide both patent examiners and inventors in determining what constitutes eligible subject matter under existing laws.
Looking Ahead
As AI technologies become more sophisticated and embedded in everyday systems, the USPTO’s 2024 guidance serves as a critical roadmap for innovators seeking robust intellectual property protection. Those developing AI-driven solutions should consider these factors carefully to enhance their chances of securing a valid, enforceable patent.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and reshape industries, the USPTO has provided detailed insights into how patent claims involving AI technology are assessed—particularly those involving neural networks and machine learning algorithms.
Three Key Takeaways from the USPTO’s Hypothetical Scenarios
To clarify its approach, the USPTO introduced a set of hypothetical AI inventions, including one focused on data anomaly detection using artificial neural networks. The invention is claimed in three different formats to illustrate various outcomes in the patent eligibility process:
Hardware-Based Implementation Supports Eligibility
When an AI system is described as running on specific hardware or integrated with a technical apparatus, it is more likely to be viewed as patent eligible. This approach grounds the invention in a concrete technological framework.
Abstract Model Training Alone May Be Ineligible
Claims that focus only on the high-level process of training and using a model—without grounding it in a technical application—are likely to be considered abstract ideas and therefore patent ineligible under current legal standards.
System Behavior Based on AI Output Boosts Eligibility
The most nuanced insight reveals that how a system reacts to the AI’s output can be crucial. If the invention includes specific actions triggered by the AI’s decision or analysis, this interaction may constitute a patent-eligible technological improvement.
Why This Matters
These insights reflect a growing effort by the USPTO to balance innovation with legal clarity in the rapidly advancing field of AI. The guidance helps applicants craft claims that are more likely to survive scrutiny, especially during examination, appeals, and post-grant reviews.
The update also introduces a new set of AI-specific examples to guide both patent examiners and inventors in determining what constitutes eligible subject matter under existing laws.
Looking Ahead
As AI technologies become more sophisticated and embedded in everyday systems, the USPTO’s 2024 guidance serves as a critical roadmap for innovators seeking robust intellectual property protection. Those developing AI-driven solutions should consider these factors carefully to enhance their chances of securing a valid, enforceable patent.
💡 Why VCs Are Betting Big on Patent-Led Startups in India
In India’s ever-evolving startup landscape, one thing is becoming crystal clear: ideas alone aren’t enough. Investors are now looking for proof of real innovation, and the clearest sign of that? Intellectual Property (IP) — especially patents.
Gone are the days when startups could raise millions based on flashy pitches or vague promises of AI-powered disruption. In 2025, IP is the new currency, and deep-tech startups are leading the charge.
🚀 The Numbers Tell the Story
According to Tracxn, Indian startups focused on deep technology and backed by solid IP portfolios raised a whopping $994 million across 284 deals in 2024. And the momentum is only building — 47 IP-led startups have already attracted $220.5 million this year alone.
Names like Infinite Uptime, Bellatrix Aerospace, SpotDraft, and Attentive AI are drawing serious investor interest — and for good reason.
🛡️ Why Patents Matter More Than Ever
Venture capitalists are becoming increasingly cautious, especially in sectors like AI, where hype often outpaces substance. “We’re looking for proof of technical depth,” says Manu Iyer, Co-founder at Bluehill.vc.
Patents create barriers to entry, signal technical competence, and offer strategic advantages in global markets. They also act as safety nets — providing potential licensing revenues or sale value even if a startup needs to pivot.
🧠 The IP-Driven Startups Drawing Big Checks
Startups with a solid patent strategy are standing out. Think:
Ather Energy – innovating in EV and battery tech
Agnikul & Skyroot – pushing boundaries in space tech
Log9 Materials & Lohum – leading battery and recycling innovation
IdeaForge – soaring with drone technology
Niramai – reimagining health diagnostics with AI
These startups are backed by heavyweights like pi Ventures, Axilor, Temasek, GIC, Tiger Global, and InnoVen Capital — all of whom are putting their faith (and funds) into IP-backed innovation.
🔧 Real Innovation Over Assembly
Take Raptee. HV, a Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup. Unlike many others in the space, Raptee designs everything in-house — including its high-voltage powertrain. The company has filed 156 patents around its tech.
“We’re not just assembling off-the-shelf components,” says Co-founder and CEO Dinesh Arjun. “Our IP is what sets us apart — it proves we’re solving real problems with original engineering.”
🌍 Beyond India: IP Opens Global Doors
Beyond just securing funding, IP helps startups scale globally. It opens up new revenue streams through licensing, enables strategic partnerships, and most importantly, acts as a shield against legal battles or copycat competitors.
As Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, puts it: “Startups with strong technical foundations and proprietary IP stand out in today’s noisy innovation landscape.”
📈 The Bottom Line
India’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and with it, VC expectations are evolving. The message is clear: deeptech, defensibility, and differentiation matter more than ever. In this new era, patents aren’t just paperwork — they’re power.
So, if you’re building the next big thing, don’t just chase the buzz. Build real tech. File those patents. And let your innovation speak for itself.
LPU Tops India in Innovation with Record 1,418 Patent Filings in 2023–24: Government Report
Lovely Professional University (LPU) has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation by filing a total of 1,418 patent applications during the 2023-2024 academic year. This achievement is detailed in the Government of India’s Annual Report of Intellectual Property India for the 2023-2024 period. Notably, this figure surpasses the combined total of 1106 patent applications filed by all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) during the same timeframe.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Rajya Sabha and Founder Chancellor of LPU, expressed pride in the university’s research community, stating that their relentless dedication has significantly contributed to India’s global innovation standing. He emphasized that such accomplishments play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s position as a leading innovative economy worldwide.
Beyond patent filings, LPU’s research credentials are further bolstered by over 22,000 publications, 129,000 Scopus citations, and an H-Index of 118. The university also boasts more than 1,800 granted Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), 9,450+ funded projects, and over 550 global collaborations. Notably, many LPU faculty members are recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University.
The Division of Research and Development (DRD) at LPU plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research across STEM, Humanities, and Management disciplines. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative culture provide a robust ecosystem for innovation, addressing both societal challenges and global technological needs.
LPU’s exceptional performance in patent filings not only highlights its leadership in innovation but also significantly contributes to India’s standing as a top innovative economy globally.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Rajya Sabha and Founder Chancellor of LPU, expressed pride in the university’s research community, stating that their relentless dedication has significantly contributed to India’s global innovation standing. He emphasized that such accomplishments play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s position as a leading innovative economy worldwide.
Beyond patent filings, LPU’s research credentials are further bolstered by over 22,000 publications, 129,000 Scopus citations, and an H-Index of 118. The university also boasts more than 1,800 granted Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), 9,450+ funded projects, and over 550 global collaborations. Notably, many LPU faculty members are recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University.
The Division of Research and Development (DRD) at LPU plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research across STEM, Humanities, and Management disciplines. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative culture provide a robust ecosystem for innovation, addressing both societal challenges and global technological needs.
LPU’s exceptional performance in patent filings not only highlights its leadership in innovation but also significantly contributes to India’s standing as a top innovative economy globally.
Mphasis Secures U.S. Patent for Quantum Machine Learning Breakthrough
In a notable step toward advancing real-world applications of quantum computing, Bengaluru-based IT services company Mphasis announced on Wednesday that it has been granted a U.S. patent titled “System and method for optimized processing of information on quantum systems.” This new intellectual property milestone positions Mphasis at the forefront of innovation in Quantum Machine Learning (QML)—a field rapidly reshaping the future of artificial intelligence and data processing.
🚀 A New Era for Quantum-AI Integration
As quantum computing evolves from theory to practice, one of the major challenges lies in efficiently translating classical data into quantum-compatible formats. Mphasis’ patented solution directly tackles this issue by providing a pipeline for transforming high-dimensional classical data into an optimized quantum feature space. This ensures that data is not only properly prepared for quantum processing, but also that it maximizes performance while minimizing resource usage—a key concern with today’s qubit-limited quantum systems.
The technology is designed to:
Reduce the need for additional qubits when dealing with complex, high-dimensional data
Manage large feature sets and data volumes with efficiency
Improve convergence speed during QML model training, thereby shortening time-to-insight
In simpler terms, this patent paves the way for faster, more scalable, and more cost-effective quantum machine learning models—making QML a more viable tool for businesses and researchers alike.
💬 Industry Perspective
Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer at Mphasis, emphasized the transformative nature of the development:
This sentiment reflects a growing consensus in the tech world that quantum computing—particularly in synergy with AI—holds immense potential to solve complex problems in fields ranging from finance and healthcare to logistics and cybersecurity.
🧩 Why This Patent Matters
While quantum computing remains in its nascent stage, the importance of developing hardware-aware, forward-compatible algorithms and data pipelines cannot be overstated. Most current quantum devices have limited qubit counts and high error rates. By creating methods that optimize data preparation and quantum state loading, Mphasis is future-proofing its QML capabilities for both near-term quantum simulators and more powerful systems to come.
Furthermore, this development is in line with a broader industry trend of investing in hybrid computing solutions—where classical and quantum processors collaborate, each handling tasks they’re best suited for.
🌐 Mphasis: Driving Innovation Beyond Traditional IT
Known for its expertise in cloud, cognitive services, and digital transformation, Mphasis has steadily expanded its footprint in cutting-edge technology domains, including AI, blockchain, and now quantum computing. The new patent is not just a technological feat—it’s a strategic asset that strengthens the firm’s position as a forward-looking technology partner for enterprises navigating the quantum era.
🔮 Looking Ahead
Quantum computing may still be a few years away from widespread enterprise adoption, but milestones like this show that companies like Mphasis are not waiting for the future—they’re building it. By addressing core technical bottlenecks in quantum machine learning today, Mphasis is laying the groundwork for solutions that could redefine what’s possible in data-driven innovation tomorrow.
CERo Therapeutics Expands Patent Portfolio with Two Key Approvals for Cancer-Fighting T Cell Therapy
In a significant step forward for next-generation immunotherapy, CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERO) has announced the allowance of two patent applications by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These approvals further strengthen the company’s intellectual property portfolio and advance its mission to revolutionize cancer treatment through engineered T cell technology.
🧬 What the New Patents Cover
The first allowance, Patent Application No. 17/040,472, titled “Cellular Immunotherapy Compositions and Uses Thereof,” provides coverage for both the composition and methods of use for CERo’s lead therapeutic candidate, CER-1236.
This patent secures protection for a combination of phosphatidylserine-targeting CD4+ CER-T cells alongside either CD8+ CAR-T cells or CD8+ recombinant TCR-T cells — a potentially powerful duo in the fight against cancer. The application was allowed on March 13, 2025, and is expected to formally issue as a U.S. patent pending final administrative steps.
The second allowance, Patent Application No. 17/040,317, focuses on the design elements of CER-1236.
Together, these new additions bring CERo’s total IP protection to 17 issued and allowed patents globally, covering 9 patent families and ensuring exclusivity through at least 2039 in the U.S.
🚀 Why This Matters
According to Chris Ehrlich, CEO of CERo Therapeutics:
This announcement comes on the heels of two major developments for CERo — the opening of its first clinical trial site for a Phase 1 trial in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and the FDA’s clearance of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to begin human trials targeting ovarian and non-small cell lung cancers.
🧪 What Sets CERo Apart
CERo’s platform centers on what it calls Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (CER-T) — a unique blend of adaptive and innate immune functionalities. Unlike traditional CAR-T cells, which rely on antigen recognition and activation, CER-T cells incorporate engulfment pathways that allow them to phagocytose and destroy cancer cells — mimicking a mechanism usually seen in innate immune cells.
This hybrid design could position CER-Ts as a more versatile alternative, with the potential to treat both blood cancers and solid tumors, a key limitation in current CAR-T therapies.
🧭 Looking Ahead
CERo is preparing to initiate clinical trials for CER-1236 in hematologic malignancies in 2025, and with its fortified patent portfolio, the company is well-positioned to push its immunotherapy pipeline forward — both scientifically and commercially.
The additional patent protections will not only support ongoing R&D and commercialization efforts but also provide a competitive moat in an increasingly crowded cell therapy space.
Conclusion:
As CERo advances toward clinical trials, these patent approvals reflect growing validation for its novel T cell engineering approach. With a focus on real innovation and strong IP protection, CERo Therapeutics continues to stake its claim as a leader in the evolving world of cellular immunotherapy.
📱 Apple’s Foldable iPhone Inches Closer to Reality with New Divisional Patent Filing
In a move that further fuels speculation about a foldable iPhone or iPad, the U.S. Patent Office has just published a divisional patent application from Apple—and it’s all about foldable displays supported by a flexible housing design.
But before we dive into what this might mean for the future of Apple devices, let’s quickly unpack what a divisional patent application actually is.
🧠 What’s a Divisional Patent, and Why Does It Matter?
In simple terms, a divisional patent application is a type of follow-up patent that’s spun off from a broader, original “parent” patent. This happens when the original filing includes more than one invention, and Apple decides to focus on just one of them—like in this case, where the foldable display design is being pursued independently, while the previous scrollable/rollable display concept has been removed.
Importantly, divisional applications retain the original filing date and priority, giving Apple a stronger patent position without losing time on the innovation timeline. It’s a clever way to secure IP rights for multiple related ideas without compromising legal protection.
🔍 So What’s in the New Patent?
The newly published patent zeroes in on an electronic device—likely an iPhone or iPad—that features a foldable display housed in a foldable body. Here are some of the key highlights from the filing:
Foldable Housing: The device is made up of two primary sections joined by hinge structures that allow the device to bend smoothly.
Flexible Display: Apple describes the use of an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display that stretches across both halves of the device and even over the hinge area.
Support Layer: A flexible sheet metal layer may be used underneath the screen to provide structural support without restricting movement.
Virtual Pivot Points: The design cleverly incorporates virtual hinge pivots that lie outside the hinge mechanism itself, minimizing stress on fragile display layers and ensuring durability.
Sliding Hinge Mechanism: In some configurations, a sliding hinge pin support plate allows the hinge to dynamically shift during folding, helping the screen wrap around the curve without wrinkling or breaking.
Apple even visualizes the device bending at various angles—including 90° (like a laptop) and 180° (folded shut like a book).
📸 A Peek into the Patent Figures
Though we can’t show the actual images here, Apple’s patent illustrations provide a variety of form factors, including:
A foldable iPhone/iPad with a center fold (FIG. 1)
Side and cross-sectional views showing how the hinge interacts with the flexible display (FIGs. 4, 8)
Multiple folding positions from 90° to 180° (FIGs. 22, 23)
Detailed hinge mechanics and link systems (FIGs. 36, 37)
Each figure reveals how much engineering is going into making sure the fold not only works—but also protects the screen and provides a premium feel.
🔮 What This Means for Apple’s Foldable Future
While this is still a patent filing—not an official product announcement—it’s clear that Apple is actively developing the foundation for a foldable iDevice. From flexible OLED panels to intricate hinge engineering, the company is laying the groundwork for a device that could challenge the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Google’s Pixel Fold.
Apple is known for waiting until a new form factor is just right before launching, and this patent suggests they’re getting close. With years of research and IP filings now focused on foldables, it’s only a matter of time before Cupertino reveals what could be the next evolution of the iPhone or iPad.
📣 Final Thoughts
This latest divisional patent is more than just legal paperwork—it’s a sign of how seriously Apple is taking foldable tech. And with every new filing, the dream of a foldable iPhone becomes a little more tangible.
Would you buy a foldable iPhone or iPad? Or are you still not sold on the bendy screen trend? Let’s chat in the comments 👇
Patents: A Hidden Cost Trap for Startups – How to Navigate Without Overspending
For many startups, patents seem like a necessary but one-time expense. However, the reality is far more complicated. Filing a patent might appear straightforward, but the costs involved are anything but. From legal fees and government charges to international filings and ongoing maintenance costs, the true expense of a U.S. patent can easily exceed $50,000 over its lifetime.
This hefty price tag raises questions for founders: Is patenting worth it? I’ve seen firsthand how many entrepreneurs hesitate to move forward with patent filings, uncertain whether the return on investment justifies the expenditure. However, skipping patents altogether can present even more dire consequences for your business:
A competitor could beat you to the patent office, locking you out of your own market.
Investors may lose interest if they don’t see a clear intellectual property (IP) strategy.
A legal battle might emerge just as your business gains momentum, forcing you into costly litigation.
So, the question isn’t whether you should patent, but rather how you can do so without draining your resources.
Strategies for Smart Patent Filing on a Budget
The key to navigating the patent process effectively is knowing where to focus your budget. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think. Here are some proven strategies to help you patent without overspending.
1. Identify High-Value Innovations for Patent Protection
Startups often make two costly mistakes when it comes to patents: over-patenting or under-patenting. Both can harm your business.
Under-patenting happens when startups fail to document and protect innovations, allowing valuable ideas to slip through the cracks. Without a structured process like Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs), innovations may not be patented in time, especially when funds are limited.
Over-patenting involves filing patents for ideas that don’t significantly strengthen your market position. It’s akin to betting on every horse instead of choosing the one with the best odds of winning. Instead, focus on innovations that have the potential to generate revenue or block competitors.
To avoid these pitfalls, use a structured patentability assessment. This process, which involves input from R&D, legal teams, and business leaders, evaluates the patent’s business value, the likelihood of patenting success, and the associated costs. Only the most valuable ideas should move forward.
As a rule of thumb: If losing an idea wouldn’t hurt your business, don’t patent it.
2. Plan Your IP Budget Wisely
Filing a patent without a clear budget is risky and irresponsible. Many startups rush into patent applications, only to run out of funds midway through the process, leaving their filings incomplete or allowing issued patents to expire.
Patent costs accumulate in phases—drafting fees, prosecution costs, government fees, and maintenance costs after the patent is granted. The total cost can soar, especially when foreign patents are involved. If you only budget for the initial filing, you may be forced to abandon a patent midway as costs balloon.
To prevent this, set a comprehensive patent budget before you file. Ensure you account for all phases of the patenting process, from drafting through maintenance. It’s also crucial to discuss fixed-fee structures or end-to-end budgets with your attorney to avoid any surprise costs. Once the patent is in progress, use cost estimation tools to track your ongoing expenses.
A well-planned budget ensures that your patents work for you, not against you.
3. Use Smart Filing Strategies to Cut Costs
Cutting corners on patent filings can be tempting, but it often leads to rejections, poor strategy, or patents that are ineffective when needed most. Here are some smarter ways to save:
Provisional Patents: Start with a provisional patent. For as little as $140 in USPTO fees (with lower legal fees as well), a provisional patent locks in your filing date and gives you 12 months to refine your invention before committing to a full application.
Government Fee Discounts: If you qualify as a small or micro-entity, you can save 50-75% on USPTO fees. Many startups overlook this, leaving money on the table.
Foreign Filings: Avoid rushing into international filings unless you’re committed to those markets. Foreign patent costs can range from $5,000-$10,000 per country initially, with total costs reaching $25,000-$75,000. Start with U.S. filings, then use the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) system to delay foreign decisions for up to 30 months, giving you more time to assess demand.
Avoid Excessive Prosecution: Don’t waste money on tough examination areas. Use predictor tools to steer clear of technologies where patenting is challenging. You can also analyze examiner statistics and request interviews to improve your chances of success. If your application is unlikely to succeed, consider abandoning it early to avoid sinking more money into a lost cause.
4. Prune Low-Value Patents to Cut Unnecessary Fees
Many startups waste up to 20% of their patent budget on patents that no longer serve their business needs. If a patent is no longer protecting a key technology or providing a competitive edge, there’s no reason to keep paying for it.
Review your patent portfolio annually and study does this patent still align with my business strategy? If not, consider dropping it, selling it, or licensing it to recover costs. If your business has exited a market, stop paying for patents in that market.
5. Use Data, Not Guesswork
Smart patenting isn’t about making intuitive decisions—it’s about using data to guide your moves. The right tools can assess the likelihood of approval, predict overall patenting costs, and reveal cost-saving opportunities. This data-driven approach helps you determine which patents are worth pursuing and maintaining.
Successful innovation managers don’t file patents blindly; they track, analyze, and adjust based on data. If you want to win, adopt the same strategy.
OpenAI and Microsoft to Face Copyright Lawsuits in New York, U.S. Judicial Panel Rules
A series of high-profile copyright lawsuits filed by prominent authors and major news outlets against artificial intelligence developer OpenAI and its key investor Microsoft will now be consolidated and heard in New York, following a significant ruling by a U.S. judicial panel on Thursday.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to combine multiple legal actions, including those filed in California by well-known figures such as author Ta-Nehisi Coates and comedian Sarah Silverman, into a single federal court case in Manhattan. The panel’s decision also includes lawsuits brought by other influential plaintiffs, including The New York Times and renowned authors such as John Grisham, Jonathan Franzen, and George R.R. Martin.
This consolidation marks a crucial step in the ongoing wave of litigation targeting tech companies that utilize large datasets to train generative AI models. Plaintiffs allege that OpenAI and Microsoft used their copyrighted material without permission, infringing intellectual property rights in the process.
OpenAI had advocated for the lawsuits to be consolidated in Northern California, where the company is headquartered. However, most of the plaintiffs opposed this move, citing significant differences among the individual cases. Despite these objections, the panel ruled that centralizing the lawsuits in New York would “serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation.”
The panel’s decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of AI companies’ practices, particularly concerning the training of generative AI models on vast amounts of data, including copyrighted content. As Reuters reports, the plaintiffs argue that OpenAI and Microsoft’s use of their works constitutes an infringement of copyright law, while OpenAI maintains that its models are trained on publicly available data and fall under the “fair use” doctrine.
These lawsuits are part of a broader legal battle involving tech giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms, which are facing increasing scrutiny over the use of proprietary materials in the development of AI models. A central issue in the cases is whether the use of such copyrighted works falls under the “fair use” provision of U.S. copyright law, which permits limited use of protected works without permission under certain circumstances.
OpenAI has argued that the lawsuits share a common foundation: the claim that its large language models were trained using copyrighted works without consent. However, the plaintiffs contend that their individual cases are distinct and should be evaluated independently.
The consolidated lawsuits will now proceed under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, who will oversee pretrial matters and guide the complex litigation moving forward. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for the future of AI development and the legal landscape surrounding copyright protection in the age of generative technology.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to combine multiple legal actions, including those filed in California by well-known figures such as author Ta-Nehisi Coates and comedian Sarah Silverman, into a single federal court case in Manhattan. The panel’s decision also includes lawsuits brought by other influential plaintiffs, including The New York Times and renowned authors such as John Grisham, Jonathan Franzen, and George R.R. Martin.
This consolidation marks a crucial step in the ongoing wave of litigation targeting tech companies that utilize large datasets to train generative AI models. Plaintiffs allege that OpenAI and Microsoft used their copyrighted material without permission, infringing intellectual property rights in the process.
OpenAI had advocated for the lawsuits to be consolidated in Northern California, where the company is headquartered. However, most of the plaintiffs opposed this move, citing significant differences among the individual cases. Despite these objections, the panel ruled that centralizing the lawsuits in New York would “serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation.”
The panel’s decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of AI companies’ practices, particularly concerning the training of generative AI models on vast amounts of data, including copyrighted content. As Reuters reports, the plaintiffs argue that OpenAI and Microsoft’s use of their works constitutes an infringement of copyright law, while OpenAI maintains that its models are trained on publicly available data and fall under the “fair use” doctrine.
These lawsuits are part of a broader legal battle involving tech giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms, which are facing increasing scrutiny over the use of proprietary materials in the development of AI models. A central issue in the cases is whether the use of such copyrighted works falls under the “fair use” provision of U.S. copyright law, which permits limited use of protected works without permission under certain circumstances.
OpenAI has argued that the lawsuits share a common foundation: the claim that its large language models were trained using copyrighted works without consent. However, the plaintiffs contend that their individual cases are distinct and should be evaluated independently.
The consolidated lawsuits will now proceed under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, who will oversee pretrial matters and guide the complex litigation moving forward. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for the future of AI development and the legal landscape surrounding copyright protection in the age of generative technology.