invention

Apple Explores Gesture Recognition with Antenna-Based Object Detection in New Patent Application

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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a new patent application from Apple Inc. that unveils a potential leap in gesture recognition and object interaction technology for future electronic devices. The patent, titled “Electronic Devices with Antennas and VSWR Sensors for Object Detection,” outlines a system that utilizes wireless circuitry, multiple antennas, and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) sensors to detect the position and movement of external objects such as a user’s finger or an Apple Pencil.

The technology, according to the patent documentation, could enable Apple devices to sense the angular location and distance of objects in their vicinity, paving the way for advanced gesture control, adaptive signal direction, and more responsive device interactions — all without requiring traditional cameras or touchscreens.

The Role of VSWR Sensors in Object Detection

VSWR is a measurement typically used in antenna systems to determine impedance mismatches. In Apple’s proposed design, however, VSWR readings are repurposed for spatial sensing. The system measures how signals reflect off nearby objects, with changes in the reflected wave patterns offering clues about the object’s distance and angle relative to the device’s antennas.

By deploying multiple antennas at strategic locations on a device, each equipped with VSWR sensors, the device’s onboard processors can triangulate the position of external elements. For instance, if a user’s finger approaches the side of a tablet or an Apple Pencil hovers above a display, the system can detect this and respond appropriately.

Enhanced Communication and Gesture Recognition

One of the key innovations described in the patent is the device’s ability to adapt its wireless communication dynamically based on the location of nearby objects. If a user’s hand is found to be obstructing the optimal path for signal transmission, the device can automatically adjust beamforming directions or signal power to maintain performance.

More notably, the system opens new possibilities for gesture-based controls. Without relying on cameras or external sensors, a device could recognize finger movements or stylus gestures in the air, offering new ways to navigate interfaces, trigger shortcuts, or interact with content.

Apple suggests that this technology could be integrated into a range of future products, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and even smart glasses or other head-mounted displays.

Potential Use Cases

The application hints at a number of forward-looking applications for the technology, including:

  • Air-based gestures: Users could control volume, scroll through documents, or launch applications with mid-air swipes or circular motions near the device.
  • Smart Pencil tracking: Apple Pencil movements could be detected even when not in contact with a screen, improving handwriting and drawing precision or enabling 3D input.
  • Adaptive signal optimization: Devices could identify hand positions during use and redirect antennas for better network or accessory connections.

Future Implications

This patent aligns with Apple’s growing interest in spatial computing and non-contact interaction technologies. With products like the Vision Pro and advancements in LiDAR and ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors, Apple continues to push the envelope in how users interact with digital content and hardware.

While not all patents lead directly to commercial products, this filing reinforces Apple’s direction toward intuitive, touch-free user interfaces. It could ultimately influence the next generation of iPads, iPhones, and wearables, further blurring the line between the physical and digital worlds.

As with many of Apple’s patent applications, the timing and implementation of this technology remain uncertain. However, its publication offers a clear glimpse into the company’s ambitions for smarter, more context-aware devices that respond seamlessly to their users’ presence and intent.

ABVC BioPharma Secures Japanese Patent for Botanical Depression Drug ABV-1504, Strengthens Global IP Portfolio

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In a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio, U.S.-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company ABVC BioPharma has received a key patent grant in Japan for its novel antidepressant candidate, ABV-1504. The newly issued patent secures exclusive rights in Japan for the innovative botanical-based treatment through 2040, reinforcing the company’s commitment to addressing global mental health challenges with plant-derived therapies.

ABV-1504, currently under clinical development for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is formulated from PDC-1421, a proprietary compound extracted from the traditional medicinal herb Polygala tenuifolia. This active ingredient acts as a Norepinephrine Transporter (NET) inhibitor and has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in Phase II clinical trials, offering a potentially safer and non-addictive alternative to conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

The Japanese patent adds to ABVC’s existing IP protections in the United States, Australia, and Taiwan, ensuring broad international coverage for PDC-1421. With depression affecting more than 280 million people globally, and the antidepressant market projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, ABV-1504 positions itself as a differentiated and promising therapy in a growing global landscape.

“Securing patent protection in Japan is a critical achievement for ABV-1504 and reflects our broader strategy to provide innovative, plant-based solutions for central nervous system disorders,” said a company representative. “Japan’s healthcare system, which has long embraced botanical therapies, represents an ideal market for introducing this novel treatment.”

Japan presents strong commercial potential for ABV-1504. With over 5 million people suffering from depression and the country’s antidepressant market expected to surpass $1.25 billion by 2025, ABVC sees the region as a vital part of its global expansion strategy. The integration of herbal medicine into Japan’s modern healthcare practices further enhances market readiness for scientifically validated botanical alternatives.

To accelerate market access and local engagement, ABVC established BioLite Japan K.K., a joint venture led by a former Pfizer executive with deep experience in the Asia-Pacific pharmaceutical industry. Through this entity, ABVC is actively collaborating with regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and local industry leaders to prepare for future clinical and commercial developments in the region.

In a parallel development, ABVC signed a global licensing deal in November 2023 with AiBtl BioPharma Inc., valued at $667 million. The agreement includes milestone payments and royalties based on future commercialization success, underscoring investor confidence in the compound’s potential.

The issuance of the Japanese patent represents a major milestone for ABVC BioPharma as it continues its mission to redefine the treatment landscape for mental health disorders. By advancing a botanical-based solution with proven clinical promise, ABVC aims to offer patients a new path toward safer and more sustainable depression management.

China Strengthens IP Protection with New Fast-Track Service Center in Shenzhen’s Futian District

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In a significant move to bolster the nation’s innovation ecosystem, China has approved the establishment of a new national-level fast-track intellectual property rights (IPR) protection service center in Shenzhen’s Futian district. The announcement was made by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), marking another milestone in the country’s expanding IP protection infrastructure.

Futian, located in the core of Shenzhen’s central business area, is widely recognized for its vibrant fashion industry. The new IPR center is expected to provide significant support to these businesses by offering streamlined services for securing design patents.

According to CNIPA, the new facility will be focused on expediting the design patent application process. Typically, it takes around six months for a design patent to be approved in China. However, with the assistance of the new service center, this duration can be reduced to within three months, enabling companies to protect their innovations more quickly and effectively.

“Fast-track services like those offered by the Futian center are essential for industries where product design changes rapidly and time-to-market is critical,” said a CNIPA spokesperson. “By accelerating the IP protection process, we aim to enhance innovation capabilities and create a more favorable environment for creative industries.”

Design patents represent a substantial portion of China’s intellectual property filings. In 2023 alone, China granted 638,000 design patents, and in 2024, the country maintained its position as the global leader in international design patent filings. The introduction of fast-track services in innovation-driven zones like Futian is seen as a strategic step toward sustaining this momentum.

The center will also contribute to the local economy by attracting more fashion designers and creative talent to the district. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, are expected to benefit, as they often face resource constraints when navigating traditional IP processes. By offering efficient services, the new center aims to reduce barriers for these businesses and empower them to compete on a larger scale.

This initiative is part of a broader national effort to create a comprehensive IP protection

Catheter Precision Secures First U.S. Patent for Surgical Closure Device, LockeT

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Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE American: VTAK), a leading U.S.-based developer of advanced medical devices in the cardiac electrophysiology field, has received a significant boost to its intellectual property portfolio. The company announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for its first U.S. patent for LockeT, a specialized surgical closure device designed for orthoscopic entry wounds. The patent application was originally filed in December 2022.

LockeT, a Class 1 device registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a suture retention product aimed at facilitating wound closure following percutaneous venous procedures. This latest patent strengthens Catheter Precision’s competitive position in the U.S. market and builds upon its growing foundation of international intellectual property protections.

“This first U.S. patent for LockeT complements our portfolio of international patents already granted in China, Europe, and the United Kingdom,” said David Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Catheter Precision. “Securing IP protection in the U.S. is particularly meaningful as we continue discussions for product distribution in key global markets, including China and Europe.”

The company is also anticipating regulatory clearance in the form of a CE mark within the current quarter, which would authorize LockeT’s commercial use across European markets. According to Jenkins, this approval is expected to open new revenue opportunities and accelerate market entry efforts abroad.

“We’re encouraged by the reception LockeT has received since its limited rollout in the U.S. late last year,” Jenkins added. “Healthcare systems globally are increasingly looking for devices that can improve clinical outcomes while also reducing overall procedural costs. LockeT is well-positioned to meet these dual objectives.”

LockeT represents a key addition to the company’s product lineup, especially as hospitals and surgical centers seek more effective wound management solutions that minimize complications and enhance recovery.

About Catheter Precision
Based in the United States, Catheter Precision, Inc. is a medical technology company dedicated to improving the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The company collaborates closely with clinicians to design and deliver innovative electrophysiology devices that raise the standard of care in cardiac procedures.

Forward-Looking Information
This news article contains statements that may be considered forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those related to product approvals, market adoption, and commercial success. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including those detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

USPTO Releases New Guidance on Patent Eligibility for AI-Based Inventions

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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.