Japan’s Intellectual Property High Court has made a significant ruling that could impact the scope of patent protection for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The court rejected infringement claims over a massage chair patent that centered around downloadable, encrypted control programs. This decision aligns with the patent office’s stance that core software-driven features may not be sufficient to support patentability.
The ruling highlights the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of intellectual property law, especially in relation to technology-driven inventions. Companies investing in IoT innovations need to be aware of the potential limitations on patent protection for software-related features.
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