Electronics, Software, Audio Visual (AV), Telecomms

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, these domains stand as crucibles of creativity, driving the evolution of how we communicate, experience media, and interact with the digital world.

These are the core enabling technologies behind social mobility, changing how we live and work across a host of industries – including the legal profession, with remote working increasingly the norm.

From groundbreaking hardware and software solutions to immersive audiovisual experiences and the backbone of global connectivity, intellectual property plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and propelling the transformative ideas that shape our interconnected future.

Driving this are some key technologies that transcend these areas, that are having a profound impact on research and development and producing significant Intellectual Property opportunities.

Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and MachineLearning (ML) algorithms, models, and applications, including natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and predictive analytics, are having a great influence on software used in the Intellectual Property profession.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field of Intellectual Property. With malware and ransomware attacks not only increasing but ever more sophisticated, these are driving developments in threat detection and prevention, encryption techniques, and identity management solutions. Similarly, advances in Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, particularly in the areas of smart contracts, decentralised applications (DApps), and secure transaction protocols, are also on the rise, supporting secure e-commerce and finance.

Enabling technologies, such as communication technologies, area driving force behind IoT, creating new products, services, and ways of experiencing content in and out of the home. The seamless connected experience is unlocking a world of innovation from mobile devices to wearables, with new and expansive applications in automotive, rail, and aviation.

Audio-visual experiences are not only increasingly connected but becoming ever richer and deeper. Innovations in technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), the advancement of immersive audio technologies, spatial audio, binaural recording, and 3D audio are creating sound experiences like never before.

Next-generation display technologies, such as OLED, QLED, MicroLED, Quantum Dot, and flexible displays, are stimulating the development of new consumer products, applications, and markets such as automotive and connected vehicles. Projection and laser-based technologies are also in the ascendency.

The proliferation of IoT, powered by 5G, is having a large impact on consumer electronics, covering everything from mobile, tablet, computers, smart TVs, entertainment systems, digital appliances, and household security devices. This digital transformation is impacting a significant range of industries, which in turn is generating a host of innovation potential.

By way of example, we are very familiar with Edge delivered services and Quantum computing, especially within telecommunications, including quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum-resistant cryptographic methods.

In telecommunications, the path to 6G is already underway, with substantial research and development contributing towards the next industry technological standards. However, current 5G technology continues to generate a wealth of Intellectual Property, with far-reaching applications.

Telecommunications has been a specialism for us here at Openshaw & Co. since we were founded, it’s in our DNA, and we are very proud to represent notable clients in this space.

Members of our team have worked within the industry, client-side, and have a first-hand understanding of the challenges clients face on a day-to-day basis. We understand their needs and add value by acting as an extension of their in-house teams, helping guide our clients with their patent and IP portfolios, securing the greatest level of protection available.

Our ongoing work, especially in the telecommunications space, means our Patent Attorneys are regularly representing our clients' Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) as we move towards 6G. Our understanding of the very latest technology trends in this sector brings enormous value to other clients impacted by the convergence of wireless technology.

We are experts in patenting all aspects of software, AV, electronics, and electrical engineering, giving us an enviable knowledge base to help guide, support, and nurture our clients' Intellectual Property.