Tag: patent

Perplexity recently released a new AI patent research tool called "Perplexity Patents," which is currently in beta testing and available for free trial to all users. Positioned as an "AI patent research agent," this tool aims to allow the general public to quickly find complex patent information using natural language commands, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for traditional patent searches. Addressing the pain points of high barriers in traditional patent searches, Perplexity points out that for decades, professional patent searches have heavily relied on systems requiring extensive training and familiarity with precise keyword combinations and complex syntax. General public search tools have limited functionality, while professional platforms are expensive; these limitations have resulted in patent information being almost exclusively in the hands of experts. Adopting a "Citation-First" Model and Supporting Conceptual Searches The core feature of Perplexity Patents is its "Citation-first" operating model. Unlike most AIs that directly generate answers based on model predictions, Perplexity Patents first finds the sources of citations (patent documents) before providing answers, thereby ensuring the transparency and credibility of the results. Users simply need to ask questions in natural language (e.g., "Are there any patents for language learning AI?", or "Since 2024...").

Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung, was recently granted a design patent (D1066344) by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The patent describes a simplified camera system for mobile devices such as smartphones, utilizing a special display panel that allows the camera module to change its position. The patent describes a camera system that can "move" between the front and back of the display panel, enabling a single camera system for selfies or recording images. This patent can be applied not only to smartphones but also to tablets and other small mobile devices. Samsung previously filed a similar design patent in May 2019, and this patent was granted on January 10, 2022. ▲ (Image/Taken from mysmartprice website) However, this Samsung design patent does not explicitly explain how the camera system's position can be changed; it only describes the design concept and has been registered as a design patent. Therefore, it is currently unclear whether Samsung plans to release products using this design patent in the future. However, given that Samsung has previously filed multiple patents for foldable screen phone designs, as well as patents for phone and other device designs that can be rolled up or presented in a composite form, it is possible that Samsung may use different design patents simultaneously in products that are expected to be launched in the future.

Huawei recently signed a cross-licensing agreement with OPPO for 5G technology patents, aiming to meet broader global market development needs. While neither party disclosed the amount involved in the agreement, Huawei recently stated it will charge a reasonable licensing fee per phone, making 5G network technology licenses more accessible to mobile phone manufacturers. Given OPPO's global sales of approximately 1.38 million units (Gartner data from last year), this licensing agreement will generate significant revenue for Huawei. Huawei currently holds nearly 18.3% of the essential 5G network standard patents. Compared to the patents held by large network infrastructure companies like Nokia and Ericsson, and the relatively high licensing fees charged by companies like Qualcomm and Samsung, Huawei's lower licensing prices are clearly more attractive to mobile phone manufacturers. However, whether using Huawei's 5G network technology licenses will be subject to US government restrictions depends on the US government's assessment. If the target market is outside the US, the impact might be less significant.

Samsung has previously applied for numerous patents related to mobile phone screen design, and its recent design patent obtained from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reveals its plan to combine a transparent screen with a foldable screen phone to create a different mobile phone user experience. ▲ (Image/Taken from LetsGoDigital website) While transparent displays are not a novelty, Samsung seems to be aiming to combine them with foldable phones. This would allow the transparent screen to be used as part of the display area, and its unique characteristics would also allow users to interact with the real world through a semi-transparent display, such as taking photos and using maps. In normal display mode, the transparent screen can also be used as an extended display area. When not in use, it can be folded back into the back of the phone or stood upright for different display needs. Furthermore, Samsung has incorporated an S Pen into this design patent, allowing for more precise operation through a stylus or providing a laptop-like user experience. Samsung applied for this patent in July 2021, and it was not approved until March 10 this year. However, it is not yet possible to confirm whether this patent will be applied to the design of future mobile phone products.