Internet-connected technologies are driving a technological revolution; blurring the boundaries between the physical world and the digital world. The IoT refers to the billions of internet-connected devices or “things” around the world which collect and share data. These devices often include sensors which capture a range of different data types, such as motion, images, light, heat, and proximity, and then transfer this data via the internet or other networks automatically, without the need for human interaction.
The “things” vary from everyday household appliances, such as washing machines, fridges, or thermostats, to the more state of the art technology, such as the latest smartphones, self-driving cars, smart speakers, or home security systems. Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computer services, including storage, software, analytics, intelligence and networks, over the Internet. Cloud Computing and IoT technologies are closely related; the IoT is the source of data, whilst Cloud Computing can enable storage, scalability and improved computing efficiency. Cloud Computing can be seen as providing the IoT with a platform for success.
These technologies are fundamentally changing the world we live in at an unprecedented pace. Self-driving cars, using facial recognition to unlock your phone, and smart light bulbs which turn on at spoken command would have seemed extraordinary only a few years ago. But these and other technologies are now used all over the world – who knows what will be next.
At Mewburn Ellis, we are passionate about developments in these technologies, and have vast experience in securing broad and useful patent protection for computer-implemented inventions for our clients. We understand the challenges in patenting IoT and cloud computing technology, including ensuring that patents for technology spread over a distributed network can be enforced against infringers, thus avoiding issues associated with divided infringement across different jurisdictions or infringing parties. We also have the legal expertise in navigating the complicated patent law surrounding software inventions. Combined with our excitement for these rapidly evolving technologies, our technical and legal knowledge and experience allow us to provide our clients with clear, creative and commercially relevant advice for protecting their IoT and Cloud Computing innovations.
