Google’s Geofencing Stance: an Ode to Apple in 2016

On July 15, 2024

Google’s Geofencing Stance: an Ode to Apple in 2016

By Michael Mellon

In 2016 Apple faced off with the federal government, who had obtained an order to compel Apple to create software which would allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) to unlock a cellphone used by a suspected terrorist.^[1] The software was needed because Apple had recently redesigned its operating system, making it impossible for anyone to access information stored on one of their devices.^[2] The government maintained that the All Writs Act justified the compulsion because it “empower[s] judges to order that something be done, even if the legislative body (here, Congress) hasn’t officially said that it should be.”^[3] It further relied on a test established in United States v. New York Telephone Co. concerning the same.^[4] Apple was prepared to challenge this, but the issue became moot when the United States Attorney’s Office indicated it had found another means of entry into the phone.^[5] This situation may very well have been the inspiration for Google’s recent stance related to mobile devices.

Can AI-Generated Output Be Protected Under Intellectual Property Law?

By JOLT

On May 17, 2024

In Blog Posts

Can AI-Generated Output Be Protected Under Intellectual Property Law?

By Audrey Zhang Yang

Introduction

AI-generated output represents a groundbreaking integration of technology and creativity that increasingly challenges established norms in the legal world. Inevitably, it raises the question on whether law and policy on intellectual property protection should evolve and adapt to recognize this changing innovation trend. The Progress Clause of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “promote the Progress of Science…by securing for limited Times to Authors…the exclusive Right to their…Writing.”[i] Pursuant to this authorization, the Copyright Act extends copyright protection for “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.”[ii] The Copyright Act neither defined “authorship” not “works of authorship.”[iii] Traditionally, courts assigns authorship to individuals who create original works. However, determining authorship is more challenging in the case of artificial intelligence (AI). Some believe that since AI systems are tools programmed by humans, the programmers are entitled to authorship rights.[iv] Also, when someone instructs AI to solve a problem, that person might qualify as an investor if she formulates a problem in a manner that requires inventive skill.[v] However, laws on intellectual property, patent, and copyright were not originally passed with AI in mind. Therefore, there is no law specifically addressing AI-generated invention in any jurisdiction.

Speed Machine

By JOLT

On December 8, 2023

In Blog Posts

Speed Machine

By: Ashlyn Hilburn

It is now possible to get a speeding ticket in Richmond City school zones without ever getting pulled over by a police officer.[1] This initiative is designed to improve the safety of people who walk, roll, and bike across streets within school zones.[2]

Watch Your Step: The Potential Use of Smart Concrete in Law Enforcement

By JOLT

On November 15, 2023

In Blog Posts

Watch Your Step: The Potential Use of Smart Concrete in Law Enforcement

By Kathryn Threatt

In his podcast, The Justice Tech Download, Jason Tashea envisions a new and smart use for concrete: to collect data to identify perpetrators via gait analysis.[1]

Imagine. As you walk along your city’s sidewalks the sensors within its concrete track your steps and your gait. You pause just before someone bumps into you. That someone just rushed out of a convenience store. You notice a few characteristics about them as they pass by: hair color, height in comparison to your own, shade of clothing, and race/ethnicity. Your attention then turns to the convenience store owner who runs out of the store screaming, “Thief!” The alleged thief then sprints down the street and disappears before anyone stops them. The police take your statement and gather data from this smart sidewalk when they arrive.

Apple Vision Pro: Can it See China?

By JOLT

On November 13, 2023

In Blog Posts

Apple Vision Pro: Can it See China?

By Jarrid Outlaw

Apple is slated to release their next big market product the “Apple Vision Pro” early next year.[1] The vision pro is an augmented reality (AR) headset that also acts as a standalone computer.[2] Apple proclaims this product to be the first “spatial computer.”[3] It combines everyday apps we use on our phones and computers and projects them as an interactive canvas, while still allowing the user freedom to see the environment around them.[4] It also connects with MacBooks, allows you to make the canvas as big and small as you want, has state of the art resolution, and works as a standalone computer.[5] Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, had this to say, “Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing. Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before — with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.”[6] Though Apple has come up with numerous new and exciting technological innovations, they will have a hard time in the global market due to China’s trademark law.[7]

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