Hideo Kojima Alters Death Stranding 2s Plot Following Overwhelming Positive Feedback, Apple Enhances Aerial Photography, and Huaweis Groundbreaking Battery Patent: Tech Digest

Novo Nordisk may face the loss of its Ozempic patent in Canada, Huawei is working on next-generation batteries, and Death Stranding 2 will undergo changes due to overwhelmingly positive feedback from initial players. Here’s a look at these and other important updates in the realm of intellectual property.

Rapid Charging Technology

Huawei has secured a patent for a solid-state battery utilizing sulfide, capable of delivering a range of 3000 kilometers and charging in just five minutes. While this development could revolutionize the industry, experts caution that achieving these performance metrics will necessitate charging infrastructure that is currently lacking. Nevertheless, Japanese and South Korean media have raised concerns regarding China’s growing dominance in the next-generation battery sector.

Potential Patent Loss for Ozempic

Next year, Novo Nordisk may lose patent protection for Ozempic and Wegovy (used for weight loss) in Canada, primarily due to a failure to pay a maintenance fee of $450. This could pave the way for generic competition. In 2024, Ozempic generated $2.5 billion in sales in Canada. The company holds patents for this drug until 2032 in the US and until 2031 in Japan and Europe.

Aerial Photography Advancements

Apple has been granted a patent that enhances autofocus functionality in digital cameras. This technology allows for improved photography through windows of buildings or aircraft. The tech giant has consistently aimed to enhance the iPhone’s camera capabilities, and this patent represents another step in that direction. It involves LIDAR-based autofocus, distance sensors, photodetectors, and other advanced features.

Electric Vehicle Innovations

A new patent from the parent company of Jeep pertains to a three-speed transmission linked to an electric drive module. This innovation will facilitate smoother off-road driving experiences. While multi-speed transmissions in electric vehicles are gaining traction—Porsche, for example, employs them in its Taycan models—current designs often fall short in providing adequate range, road performance, and comfort in off-road conditions.

Apple Wins Patent Appeal

The company successfully persuaded a U.S. appellate court to overturn a jury’s ruling regarding a $300 million patent infringement judgment. Apple faced allegations of violating LTE wireless communication patents held by Optis Wireless Technology. The appellate court has sent the case back for reconsideration. This marks the second time a significant ruling has been overturned in a patent lawsuit involving Optis.

Microsoft has filed for another patent concerning a foldable device featuring a single display. The application outlines mechanisms designed to address gaps that occur when the device is folded. Microsoft nearly outpaced Apple in the development of a foldable smartphone and tablet under the Surface Duo and Surface Neo brands. However, the former head of Microsoft’s hardware division, Panos Panay, chose an inappropriate technology by opting for two separate displays connected by a hinge, leading to a gap. The company has now decided to abandon this concept.

Game Modifications After Positive Feedback

Game director Hideo Kojima has decided to implement substantial changes to Death Stranding 2, as initial testing yielded overly positive reactions. He has adjusted the narrative and key moments to enhance emotional complexity. “If everyone likes it, then it’s something standard. I don’t want things to be interpreted easily. It’s essential that players initially struggle with certain aspects and then come to appreciate them,” Kojima stated. Death Stranding 2 is set for release on June 26, 2025, for PS5.

Protection of the Russian Language

The State Duma has adopted a law in its second and third readings, requiring that consumer information be provided in Russian. This mandate covers signs, advertisements, and pointers. Translations into other languages are permissible only if the content is fully compliant and equivalently presented. Amendments also prohibit the assignment of foreign-sounding names to residential complexes and districts, with exceptions made for branded names, trademarks, and service marks.

Trump Considers Launching Phones

Filings for trademarks «TRUMP» and «T1» have been submitted by DTTM Operations LLC, which manages the president’s brands. The applications mention products such as mobile phones, protective cases, battery chargers, and wireless telecommunication services, along with plans for retail stores under the Trump brand. The applications were filed based on an intent to use. A lawyer from the Trump Organization even signed the document under oath, confirming these plans. Since the beginning of the year, the Trump team has filed for the registration of 27 brands.

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