IP In The Driver’s Seat

A group of German auto companies recently moved to acquire Nokia’s alternative to Google Maps in order to secure dozens of patents that are associated with assisted or automated driving features. BMW, Audi, and Daimler acquired HERE Global, which has issued and pending patents including, “Creating Geometry for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,” and, “Method and Apparatus for Notifying Drivers of Space Required for Other Vehicles.” Paul S. Hunter of Foley & Lardner says moves like this are a boon to sophisticated companies looking to secure IP rights of emerging technologies. “IP landscape studies can help a company understand what companies have rights to different technologies in a particular industry,” Hunter writes.