Amazon Files Patent Application for Non-Contact Biometric Identification System
The US Patent & Trademark Office recently published Amazon’s patent application for a non-contact biometric identification system that uses a hand scanner to generate infrared images of a user’s palm. The scanner is so precise that it can detect surface characteristics such as wrinkles and even deeper characteristics such as veins.
While filing an application does not mean Amazon will definitely develop such technology, if the biometric identification system is released, it will likely first be used in the company’s “Amazon Go” stores. Currently, shoppers visiting Amazon Go cashless stores must use an app to enter the store. This new biometric technology would require shoppers to simply scan their hands to enter, and the technology could be used for future applications in libraries, hospitals, offices, and other retail stores.
This futuristic way of identifying users would be an improvement over more traditional systems of identifying users which, according to the patent, are vulnerable to fraud, speed, accuracy, and operational limitations. The system also avoids physical contact between a user’s hand and a scanning device, which can be unsanitary and pose a public health risk in heavy-use environments.
However, this new method of identifying people using biometrics raises data privacy concerns, an issue currently causing legal troubles for the company.
Author: Megan Brooks
Authors
Expertise
Insights
-
Intellectual Property
Goodmans Wins Leading IP Law Firm – IP Patents at the Lexology Awards: North America 2024
We are proud to share Goodmans has won Leading IP Law Firm - IP Patents at the Lexology Awards: North America 2024. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements and world class client… -
Intellectual Property
Protecting Heads and the Ideas Inside: Yamaha’s Augmented Reality Helmet
A Yamaha patent application has been published for a new design of an augmented reality (AR) motorcycle helmet. The design introduces transparent lenses, which aim to combine the power of the AR… -
Intellectual Property
Bad Bunny Hops into Legal Battle Over Concert Clips
Bad Bunny has reportedly sued a concertgoer for uploading extensive footage of his Utah concert to YouTube. The legal action, filed in California, marks a rare escalation in disputes typically… -
Intellectual Property
Food for Thought: IP Battle Over Butter Chicken
The Delhi High Court reportedly had its initial hearing of Rupa Gujral and Ors v. Daryaganj Hospitality Private Limited and Ors in early 2024. The plaintiff, a famous restaurant chain, Moti Mahal… -
Intellectual Property
Keeping Up With Counterfeits: Kim Kardashian Sued For Knock-Off Dining Tables
Kim Kardashian and her interior design firm, Clements Design, are reportedly being sued by the Judd Foundation for promoting “cheap knockoffs” of one of Judd’s most renowned designs, a dining table… -
Intellectual Property
Mbappé Attempts to Trademark Soccer Celebration Pose
French soccer star, Kylian Mbappé, has sought trademark protection over a logo depicting his iconic goal celebration. The logo is a black and white image of Mbappé standing with his hands tucked…