Patents

What is a patent?

A patent confirms the ownership of intellectual property and provides the owner with an exclusive right to use the same for a period of 20 years.

Are ThinPrint AG patents disputed software patents?

No; ThinPrint AG only makes applications for undisputed, so-called process patents.

What do I need to think of as an end customer?

As a commercial end customer you must ensure that the software you use is properly licensed. If you are using software that breaches the rights of ThinPrint AG, ThinPrint AG is entitled to claim for compensation or a cease-and-desist order.

What do I need to think of as a distributor/retailer?

If you are selling hardware or software that breaches ThinPrint AG patents, you will also be liable for damages vis-à-vis ThinPrint AG, regardless of the manufacturer of the hardware of software that breaches the patents. ThinPrint AG is also entitled to injunctive relief, i.e. you will no longer be permitted to sell hardware or software that breaches the patents. For this reason please ensure that the corresponding manufacturer possesses the respective licensing rights.

What do I need to think of as a manufacturer?

With the exception of direct competitors, ThinPrint AG will grant licenses according to the FRAND principle (fair, reasonably and non-discriminatory), so that authentication can generally be ensured within a short time period.

How do I read a patent?

The claims form the core portion of a patent, whereby a differentiation is made between the main claim and subordinate claims. The main claim is the main factor when it comes to patent breaches. Breaches of subordinate claims only serve to demonstrate the extent to which the technology was assumed, and "stabilise" the main claim, but in effect only have procedural impacts.

ThinPrint patents