As we eagerly wait for our world to return to normal, we begin to understand that the “normal” we face will not be the same as we knew it before. For as long as we can foresee, we will still need to keep distance from others (Enter: Apple’s new app for distance group photos.) And we are becoming more aware of racial inequalities that exist throughout our country. (Enter: Apple and other companies halting facial recognition program sales). See what other companies are doing to move our world along.

It’s no surprise that much of the innovation making the news lately revolves around finding cures, treatments, and/or vaccines for the novel coronavirus. However, some of the IP out there is being created to help us get through our time indoors. Toy and electronic companies are still going strong and robotic deliveries are becoming even more a possibility in the near future. But the most promising patents? Artificial intelligence.

The coronavirus outbreak is the only thing on all of our minds these days. It has changed the scene of industry in so many ways: companies that thought they were car manufacturers are now building ventilators, makers of alcoholic beverages now making sanitizer, and even retired homemakers are contributing to the cause by sewing masks for hospital workers. Among all these changes, what new patents have arrived on the scene to help?

Lately there hasn’t been much on the minds of people all across the globe other than keeping germ-free and far away from the Coronavirus. However, the earth still turns each day and scientists are doing what they can to improve the world we’re living in by doing everything from eliminating the virus to cutting toilet paper waste. At the risk of contributing to Coronavirus news fatigue, let’s dive in.

We examine Huawei’s suits against Verizon, some more Apple patents, and dig into a possible treatment for Coronavirus in this month’s patent news, as well as an accidental innovation in the healthcare industry.

With the holidays upon us, what is it most IP owners are wishing for? To be top in their industry? To help encourage progression within the industry? For some, it’s nothing more than getting their patent accepted. Of course, there are ways around that, so keep reading.

In today’s world, it is becoming harder and harder to continue without being connected, so companies are doing what they can to make technology work in your favor, whether for business or leisure. This month’s patents show us new ways to stay safe and also give us a look at how Sony will be changing the game with their next console and headset.

It’s important to remember that patents can be issued not just for life-saving medical equipment – and hopefully diagnostic methods – but also on board games, like Monopoly. And these patents can be developed by anyone, male or female. However, even if your patented game says you will earn 15% more for your endeavors if you are female, this doesn’t always translate to the real world. Sometimes the best you can hope for is a little credit on the box. For now, anyway.

Ford has introduced an idea to bring the entertainment with you in the car while projecting it outside. Some previously patented technology is back for another round, and a Federal Circuit case shows that courts are willing to show flexibility in interpreting the law as it relates to “substantial equivalents.”