Is The Internet Of Things (IoT) Really New Or Simply Recycled?

By Julia Elvidge, President, Chipworks, Nov. 23, 2015 – 

There is a lot of hype around the Internet of Things (IoT) yet many, if not most, are confused by what IoT really is and what it means for their IP and their business. In fact, some people claim that the IoT is simply a matter of applying existing technology to new applications. Many companies new to the IoT market may have strong and expansive portfolio positions for assertion. This makes it difficult at best to discern whether or not IoT inventions are really new or just recycled technology. If you are a new player in the IoT market, you most likely will be filing patent applications for new innovations; however, since IoT is being built on established technology, you need to be aware that there are hundreds of technology companies that may already own the seminal foundation patents.

First, let's review, what is the IoT' Basically, the IoT connects any device with an on/off switch to the Internet or to other devices. By adding sensors and employing analytics, new levels of efficiency and business refinement are achieved. This is fuelling applications across virtually every part of life, from medical applications that sense the walking cadence and heart rate of an elderly loved one through their slippers, to the remote wireless control of high voltage electric power grids. Virtually everything can be sensed and all at ultra-low costs. Today, the medical, fitness wearables, industrial, automotive, and smart homes markets are driving billions of shipments each year in both silicon and devices.

Click here to read more ...

 Back