PATENT APPRAISAL
Review V.1.
Overview
This comprehensive patent plan outlines the steps Atmosphere90 will take to protect its innovative technologies and ideas—such as the Fan Atmosphere Index (FAI) scoring system, geo-location validation, and audio processing methods—through intellectual property (IP) rights. The focus is on securing patents in three key regions: the United Kingdom, Europe, and globally. The purpose of this plan is to ensure that the core technologies and unique features developed by Atmosphere90 are well protected, preventing unauthorized use by competitors and providing a competitive edge in the fan engagement industry by leveraging a robust patent portfolio to safeguard innovations such as the Fan Atmosphere Index (FAI), geo-location technologies, and audio analysis methods.
1. Patent Strategy Scope
Atmosphere90 will focus on patenting key innovations related to the Fan Atmosphere Index (FAI) and the technologies used in developing the app. These include proprietary software algorithms, audio analysis methodologies, and geo-location systems that collectively power the app's core functionality. The patent plan will be divided into three regions:
United Kingdom (UK)
European Union (EU)
International (Worldwide)
Note: Atmosphere90 should prioritise regions with the highest market adoption rates for fan engagement apps and align its filing efforts with business expansion strategies.
2. Technologies and Innovations to Patent
2.1. Fan Atmosphere Index (FAI) Scoring System
Description: The FAI system calculates the atmosphere score during football matches based on multiple factors, such as sound intensity, chant frequency, crowd synchronization, geolocation, and fan engagement duration.
Patent Scope:
Algorithm: The specific algorithms used to combine and weigh different factors to generate the FAI score.
Normalizing Mechanism: The formula used to normalize scores based on crowd size differences to ensure fair comparisons.
Note: Consider developing a detailed whitepaper outlining the FAI system's uniqueness to strengthen its patent application and future licensing potential.
2.2. Geo-Location Validation Technology
Description: Use of geofencing and seat-level verification to ensure fans are within specific areas of the stadium to contribute to the FAI score.
Patent Scope:
Location Verification Method: The methodology to validate fan locations using GPS/geofencing data.
Weighting System for Location: This unique system assigns weights based on seat locations, with the central position of the away stand having a higher influence.
Note: Ensure alignment with privacy regulations, such as GDPR, when designing and filing patents for geolocation technologies.
2.3. Audio Processing Technology
Description: The method of capturing and analyzing sound levels, chant frequency, and synchronization using mobile phone microphones.
Patent Scope:
Sound Analysis Algorithm: The technology used to analyze sound inputs in real time, including chant identification and synchronization detection.
Crowd Synchronization Measurement: The process used to measure the synchronization of crowd chants and rhythmic patterns.
Note: Validate the technology’s real-time processing capabilities in high-density areas to ensure its robustness for patent claims.
2.4. Fan Engagement Duration Measurement
Description: Technology that measures the duration and consistency of individual fan engagement during a match.
Patent Scope:
Active Time Monitoring: The system that calculates fan participation throughout the match.
Engagement Score Generation: Methods used to generate individual scores based on active time.
Note: Implement pilot testing in different stadiums to collect real-world data that can support the uniqueness of this technology.
2.5. Reward System and Gamification
Description: The system that rewards fans based on their contribution to the atmosphere score and participation.
Patent Scope:
Reward Allocation Mechanism: The specific criteria and process used to allocate rewards, such as exclusive content, merchandise, or VIP experiences.
Fan Leaderboard: The technology used to rank fans based on their contribution, combining multiple engagement metrics.
Note: Highlight the gamification's ability to drive fan retention and loyalty in the patent narrative to appeal to broader markets.
2.6. Chant Creation and Voting System
Description: The feature allows fans to create, share, and vote on chants to be used during matches.
Patent Scope:
Chant Creation Tool: The technology used to enable fans to create chants, including audio and text capabilities.
Voting and Sharing Mechanism: The system that allows for voting on chants and sharing them within the community.
Note: Include data on user engagement and behavioural insights to reinforce the patent uniqueness.
2.7. Betting Features Based on Atmosphere Score
Description: Allowing users to place bets on atmosphere scores, adding gamification to matchdays.
Patent Scope:
Betting Outcome Based on Atmosphere: The system that calculates the winning bets based on live atmosphere scores.
Payout Mechanism: The specific mechanism that manages payouts for betting outcomes.
Note: Ensure compliance with regional betting regulations during both patent filing and implementation phases.
3. Patent Filing Plan
3.1. United Kingdom (UK) Patent
Filing Agency: UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
Steps:
Preliminary Search: Conduct a detailed patent search to ensure no existing patents overlap with Atmosphere90’s core technologies. Consider leveraging AI-based patent search tools or databases to expedite the search process and ensure thoroughness.
Drafting Patent Applications: Work with a qualified patent attorney to draft detailed patent applications, focusing on the unique aspects of the FAI system, geo-location, audio processing, and reward mechanisms. To manage costs effectively, consider hiring patent attorneys on a project basis or using firms that specialise in technology startups.
Filing: Submit applications to the UKIPO to secure initial protection in the domestic market.
Timeline: 6-12 months for filing and review.
Note: Prioritize drafting strong claims in the UK filing as a template for EU and international patents.
3.2. European Union (EU) Patent
Filing Agency: European Patent Office (EPO).
Steps:
European Patent Application: File a European patent application through the EPO, focusing on protecting the app’s innovations across multiple EU member states.
Regional Validation: After the grant, validate the patent in key EU countries where football fandom is significant, such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and France.
Timeline: 12-24 months for examination, approval, and validation.
Note: Leverage the European patent’s regional validation system to cover multiple markets cost-effectively.
3.3. International Patent (Worldwide)
Filing Agency: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Steps:
PCT Application: File a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application to establish an international filing date and to secure protection in multiple countries globally.
National Phase Entry: Enter the national phase in key markets, including the United States, Brazil, China, India, and Japan, to extend protection globally.
Timeline: 24-36 months for entering the national phase and obtaining patents in targeted countries.
Note: Use market potential and competitor analysis to prioritize national phase entries.
4. Budget and Resources
Patent Attorney Costs: Hire experienced patent attorneys to draft, file, and handle patent applications across all regions.
Filing Fees: Allocate a budget for filing fees for each jurisdiction, including initial filing, examination, and validation costs. Additionally, it might be useful to explore grant opportunities or government subsidies for IP protection in technology sectors to offset these costs.
Maintenance Fees: Allocate resources for maintaining the patents, including renewal fees for each jurisdiction.
Note: Consider negotiating fixed-fee agreements with patent attorneys to manage costs more effectively.
5. Patent Enforcement and Management
Monitoring: Regularly monitor potential infringements, especially from competing fan engagement or sports entertainment apps.
Enforcement Strategy: Develop a strategy to enforce IP rights through cease-and-desist letters, legal action, or licensing agreements to prevent unauthorized use of patented technology. Note: Proactively engage with an IP monitoring service to detect potential infringements early, reducing enforcement costs.
Licensing Opportunities: Explore opportunities to license the patented technology to other sports leagues or fan engagement platforms, generating additional revenue streams. Create a detailed licensing framework and outreach plan to approach potential partners systematically.
Note: Utilize IP management software to streamline infringement tracking and enforcement actions.
6. Naming and Branding of Patents
FAI Scoring Algorithm: “Atmosphere90 Fan Engagement Scoring System”
Geo-Location Validation: “Atmosphere90 Fan Position Verification Method”
Audio Processing Technology: “Atmosphere90 Audio Synchronization and Analysis Engine”
Engagement Duration Measurement: “Atmosphere90 Fan Participation Tracking System”
Reward System: “Atmosphere90 Fan Loyalty Reward Mechanism”
Chant Creation and Voting: “Atmosphere90 Chant Creativity and Voting Platform”
Betting Features: “Atmosphere90 Atmosphere-Based Betting System”
7. Summary and Next Steps
The comprehensive patent plan will help Atmosphere90 protect its core technologies and innovations at national, regional, and international levels.
Next Steps:
Engaging Patent Attorneys: Secure experienced IP attorneys to start drafting and filing applications.
Conducting Patent Searches: Perform thorough searches to determine patentability.
Filing Initial Applications: Begin with the UK and EU filings, followed by an international PCT application.
Budget Planning: Ensure sufficient funds are allocated for patent filing, attorney fees, and maintenance costs.
Note: Regularly review and adjust the patent strategy based on new technological developments and market feedback.
By implementing this plan, Atmosphere90 will safeguard its innovative features, secure a competitive advantage in the sports technology market, and lay the groundwork for future growth and partnerships.
8. Additional Considerations
Trademark Protection: Secure trademarks for "Atmosphere90" and associated branding, such as logos, taglines, or unique design elements, to protect against unauthorized use of the name and ensure comprehensive brand identity protection.
Regulatory Compliance: To avoid operational issues, ensure betting features comply with local and international gambling laws. Consider mentioning specific regulations or compliance frameworks relevant to key markets.
Market Trends Alignment: Emphasize how the patented technologies address current gaps or trends in fan engagement and gamification.
Contingency Planning: Develop fallback strategies in case of patent rejections or overlapping technologies.
Note: Engage market research firms to identify emerging trends that could inform future patent opportunities.
9. Patent Types Needed
Utility Patents: For the functional aspects of the FAI scoring system, geo-location validation, audio processing, engagement duration measurement, reward system, chant creation, and betting features.
Design Patents: To protect any unique visual design elements related to the user interface of the app.
International Patents: Through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for worldwide protection in key markets such as North America, South America, Asia and China.
Regional Patents: European patents for protection across the EU member states, and national patents for key countries outside of Europe.