With the news of Avigilon purchasing millions of dollars worth of patents this year, the question that comes to mind is how do manufacturers prepare to protect themselves against possible Avigilon patent disputes? When reviewing many of the patents they have purchased, the patents are very generalized with regards to their technology. Many patents give a very broad concept and there are multiple patents that seem to be very similar to each other.
Just this last year, Mobotix was successful in their patent dispute against Texas based E-Watch Corporation. They were able to get four patents declared un-patentable. However, is this the only way competitor's will be able to protect themselves against possible Avigilon threats?
There are so many companies developing products that provide similar technology. How is everybody not being sued?
Axis, Mobotix, etc.. all are now claiming they have on-board analytics. As a manufacturer, how are they able to determine if they are infringing on a patent? There are literally hundreds of patents involving IP, surveillance networking, video analytics, etc.
Does a manufacturer simply roll the dice and develop their software in hopes that they do not step on anyone's patents? Or, do they immediately reach out to Avigilon and request permission to utilize the patents through royalties? Then, what is to say there won't be additional companies other than Avigilon stating they are also using technology in patents they own?