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Business Upturn
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Intellectual property: The business that shapes the world
The stable Internet connection, the noiseless run of modern electric cars, the security of a banknote – all these now seem like simple realities. However, beneath the surfaces of all the essential things lies a hidden world of intricate research and design, which necessitates a crucial yet often unseen aspect: intellectual property and its protection. This extensive business safeguards ideas that make innovations possible, and a deeper look into its nature gives us understanding of the vital force shaping the world around us. Our daily life is full of avant-garde things: the speedy and soft ride of an electric car, the Internet that brings the entire world in our room, the colorful hologram on a banknote that instantly proves the money is genuine. These items have already become essential to our lives, which sometimes makes us take them for granted. However, their true nature isn't that simple – everything that is invented and used is in fact a culmination of extensive research and design. Each such fruit of intellect, that is, intellectual property, is protected to safeguard and motivate the work of designers and engineers, secure comfortable user experience and prompt general advancement of our society. But is the concept of intellectual property (IP) really necessary? We have just said that products of the human thought contribute to the overall development, so why not make them freely available for anyone wishing to improve them? What happens when patents fall in wrong hands The question above is not really that simple. Any usable invention is born after thousands of hours of work and millions of investments, and lack of proper IP protection opens the door to criminals, leaving inventors and innovators unarmed and unmotivated. The humanity came to understand this many decades ago: for instance, Honoré de Balzac, the French 19th century writer, describes in his 'Lost Illusions' novel how an inventor of a cheaper way to produce paper falls victim of unscrupulous patent practices and loses everything. And reality can be even worse than fiction: in some cases, developments that fall into the wrong hands can slow down overall progress, as happened with batteries for electric cars. In 1989, Stanford Ovshinsky, an inventor, created a novel nickel-based battery that outperformed modern battery technology in terms of cost, safety, and power. Five years later, he sold the patent to General Motors so they could use it to create the EV1, the first mass-produced electric vehicle in human history. After evaluating the technology, however, GM decided to continue with their traditionally powered cars, and sold the invention to the oil merchant Texaco. Ovshinsky visualized a future where cars would be clean and efficient, but the improper patent conditions struck his dream out. His battery technology was licensed to a series of petrochemical corporations; the terms of the licensing restricted the use of the batteries in hybrid cars and, in effect, outlawed their use in completely electric cars for a while. The current pace of development of electric vehicles (EVs) is indicative of the impact of this restriction. Several years ago, lithium-based batteries, used in modern vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, were only just nearing the performance of the genuine EV1 technology. Consequently, their cost of production was considerably more compared to gasoline cars, which hampered the EV industry progress and resulted in millions of tons of CO2 emissions that could be avoided if the technology was used properly. Does intellectual property protection really benefit all of us? Now, mistakes in the IP use can lead to grave consequences. Nevertheless, proper protection brings great benefits not only to the inventors themselves, but also to the users, as the example of modern banknotes shows. In the world of banknote printing, where forged bills can erode public trust and destabilize economies, intellectual property acts as a crucial line of defense against counterfeiters. One of the industry's most prominent players, French security printer Oberthur Fiduciaire, is an excellent example of the efforts in this field: the company invests heavily in research and development, constantly innovating security features like intricate microprinting patterns or embedded holograms. Expanding the IP base in this industry requires a lot of effort and money, and sometimes comes from synergy of two, like the French printer's recent acquisition of a stake in micro-optical security solutions provider Rolling Optics. The cooperation of two innovators has already resulted in Anima , a high-tech micro-lenses security thread that is complex, yet easy to authenticate by the end user. The company's other patented product offers an even better example of the profit-for-everyone concept. Bioguard , an anti-pathogen technology for various items by Oberthur Fiduciaire, protects health of millions of users around the world, and is intentionally kept affordable for other producers to ensure that it is targeted for everyone's benefit. Does Oberthur Fiduciaire (and other banknote printers) really need to try its hardest? In fact, yes – and the Superdollar crisis of the early 2000s serves as a stark example of this. While the Superdollars, that is, the US dollar fakes, were initially considered some of the most sophisticated counterfeit notes ever produced, their relatively low-tech security features ultimately contributed to their downfall. Unlike modern banknotes, which often incorporate advanced security features, the Superdollars relied on more traditional techniques, such as offset printing and the use of medium-quality paper. This lower quality ultimately helped the security forces identify all the forged bills – which wouldn't be possible if the genuine bills were simpler and the technology of their production wasn't strictly protected from criminals. How protected inventions help shape the modern world Oberthur Fiduciaire and other positive examples of civilized IP use demonstrate the importance of the concept to everyone – and our next case shows how proper patent handling helped offer a stable and reliable WiFi technology for everyone. In the 1990s, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) started developing a new technology for enabling wireless communication among computers. The concept was to create a way that could facilitate smooth communication among devices without requiring physical connection. Following extensive research and development, CSIRO submitted a patent application for the technology in 1996. The patent laid the foundation for modern WiFi connection and ultimately transformed how we communicate and obtain information – but the development wasn't as smooth as one may imagine. During the early 2000s, SET and Symbol Technologies claimed ownership of patents related to different facets of the wireless connection. This caused a sequence of legal disputes that jeopardized the overall progress of the wireless data transfer, but, in spite of these challenges, the genuine standard still laid the basis for modern WiFi. In no small part, this was due to the efforts of CSIRO and their co-researchers at Bell Labs, who protected their patents vigorously and, eventually, ensured that WiFi remained unrestricted and could be used by millions of users across the globe to access information and stay connected. Outlook for the future Essentially, intellectual property is an indispensable companion of human progress that follows us from the time of ancient Greece to the present day. The concept serves as the invisible engine driving innovation in our everyday lives, and safeguards the ideas and designs that shape the world. By incentivizing creators and fostering healthy competition, strong IP rights ultimately benefit consumers with a wider variety of high-quality goods and services. At that, the landscape of IP is constantly evolving. As technology races forward, with artificial intelligence playing a growing role in design and the digital realm presenting unique challenges, we must ask ourselves: how will the industry adapt to these new realities? In addition, there is the problem of protection of the invention process itself: many technological innovations, for instance, are based on mathematics, but mathematical calculations are not protected by patents. Not only this opens the door to thousands of new inventors, but also inspires patent trolls who want to misappropriate the fruits of others' intellectual labor. These issues show that the search for a perfect IP protection concept must go on, and finding the right balance between protecting creators and fostering the potential of new technologies will be crucial for shaping a future filled with groundbreaking advancements.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
VIVIC Corp. Announces Joint Development Agreement with ACEL Power Inc.
Collaboration Emphasizes Maritime Environmental and Sustainability Demand Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2025) - Vivic Corp. (OTCQB: VIVC) (the "Company", "we" or "VIVIC"), a leading global provider of access to luxury yachts, today announced the signing of the Electric Catamaran Yacht Joint Development Agreement with ACEL Power Inc. ("ACEL"). This collaboration will focus on developing renewable smart electric yachts. Cooperation Details Product Categories: The electric catamaran yachts will include the EV1, EV2, EV58, and other series. Technical Research and Development: VIVIC: Responsible for yacht design and construction technology. ACEL: Tasked with the research, development, production, and integration of electric propulsion systems. Joint Efforts: Both parties will collaborate on advancing electric propulsion technologies and share related intellectual property rights. Production and Sales: VIVIC: Will handle the production, construction, sales, and after-sales services in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. ACEL: Will produce the electric propulsion systems and manage sales and after-sales services outside of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Brand Authorization: All jointly developed electric yachts will feature the VIVIC and "威冠" (Weiguan) brand logos. Strategic Significance This partnership represents a significant advancement in the Company's strategic positioning within the renewable electric yacht market. The collaboration aims to meet the global demand for sustainable and efficient marine solutions by enhancing product competitiveness. The complementary technical expertise of both parties will accelerate the development of electric yachts and foster innovation within the industry. VIVIC President and CEO Tse-Ling Wang commented, "We are optimistic that this partnership with ACEL Power will enhance our competitiveness in the global market and provide fresh momentum for future growth. Both parties in the joint development are committed to advancing project implementation in line with the cooperation agreement. We look forward to sharing our progress along with any performance-related contributions in future financial reports." ACEL CEO and Co-founder Anthony Liu added, "This partnership with VIVIC represents a significant step forward in accelerating the adoption of electric propulsion in the luxury yacht market. By combining ACEL's cutting-edge electric propulsion technology, including its electrical backbone that also powers the yacht's house systems, with VIVIC's expertise in yacht design and manufacturing, we are creating a new standard for sustainable marine innovation. Furthermore, electric hybrid version of the yachts is being developed, designed to travel hundreds of kilometers on electric power with a single charge. Through advanced digitalization, we are creating a smart yacht that enhances performance, efficiency, and the overall user experience. Together, we are not only developing world-class electric catamarans but also driving the industry toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. The first delivery of the yacht is scheduled to be in July 2025. " About Acel Power Inc. ACEL Power is comprised of an international team of passionate experts charting the voyage to carbon neutrality. The company's mission is to design and deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine the marine industry, elevating it to new heights of integration, intelligence, safety and sustainability, and providing unparalleled user experiences. We design and engineer Intelligent Electric comprehensive systems, software and infrastructure that empower the forward-thinking explorers of today with the propulsion products of tomorrow. A new age in maritime power has dawned, and we are proud to be at its helm delivering world-leading electrification technologies. For more information, please visit ACEL Power, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a pioneering manufacturer of electric outboard propulsion systems, leading the marine industry in innovation and sustainability. It is noted for introducing the world's first mass-produced 50 and 75 HP electric outboard motors, and now introduces the most powerful 250 HP (Peak 350 HP) electric outboard motor available. ACEL Power is committed to shaping a sustainable future through the creation of a smart electric ecosystem. With a forward-looking vision, ACEL aims to offer a comprehensive range from 1 HP to 650 HP, establishing new benchmarks for marine propulsion in performance, safety, and longevity. Leveraging patented technology and integrated software solutions, ACEL Power is driving change towards a cleaner, more efficient boating experience. For more information, visit Watch ACEL's electric outboard motors in action here. For media enquiries and more information on ACEL Power contact:Natasha ChawlaVP Sales and Marketingnatasha@ About Vivic Corp. Vivic Corp. is a distinguished company in the yacht industry, bringing unparalleled value and experiences to clients through innovative technology, product diversity, global presence, professionalism, and a commitment to sustainable development. We continuously explore the latest technological solutions to enhance yacht performance, safety, and comfort; offer a diverse product line to meet the needs and preferences of an array of clients. We have established a broad market and service network worldwide, providing comprehensive pre-sales and after-sales services; and employ a professional, dedicated, and experienced team to deliver high-quality products and services. Additionally, we emphasize environmental protection and social responsibility, striving for sustainable development. As a leader and pioneer in the yacht industry, we will continue to work hard to bring even better and more outstanding products and services to our customers. The company's main businesses include: Independent design, development, and sales of the "VIVIC" series of operational yachts mainly targeting domestic and foreign yacht clubs and water cultural tourism operators, with sales of mass-produced yachts including several models such as VV1 (40 feet), VV2 (46 feet), and V55 (55 feet). The company continues to independently design, develop, and manufacture all-electric and traditional power yachts through its own and subcontracted factories. Our products include leisure yachts, sea fishing yachts, diving function yachts, party function catamarans, large sailboats, and more, with maintenance and repair services available to our customers. The Company is a sales agent for multiple luxury yacht brands, and it is the exclusive agent for the 'MONTE FINO' series of luxury yachts from Kha Shing Enterprises, a world-renowned yacht builder with over 50 years of experience. These yachts, sold by the Company in regions outside of Taiwan and the United States, range from 45 to 150 feet. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking, Legal and Risk Disclosure Statements Statements in this news release concerning economic outlook, expected revenue, expected margins, expected savings, expected results, expected expenses, orders, deliveries, financial position, as well as any other statement that may be construed as a prediction of future performance or events are forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements include statements as to demand for the Company's products and the impact of geopolitical conditions, including any related international trade restrictions. These factors include uncertainties as to the ability to record revenues based upon the timing of product deliveries, changes in economic conditions, and other risks, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), press releases, and other communications. The execution of the cooperation detailed in this announcement may face various challenges, including market conditions, regulatory changes, and supply chain issues. Consequently, the Company cannot assure that all aspects of the cooperation will be completed on time or in full. Investors should carefully weigh these risks when making investment decisions. The Company will continue to adhere to its innovation-driven development strategy, promote technological advancements in the new energy marine industry, and remain committed to creating long-term value for its shareholders. Should there be any significant developments, the Company will disclose relevant information in a timely manner in accordance with applicable securities regulations. Investor Relations Contact for VIVIC: Darrow Associates Jordan Darrow 631-766-4528 jdarrow@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CEO: Kia ‘definitely' needs smaller, even more affordable EV under EV2
TARRAGONA, Spain — Kia, fresh off the heels of unveiling its pint-sized EV2 crossover, says it is planning an even smaller, more affordable entry electric vehicle to turbocharge EV sales growth. Kia Corp. CEO Ho Sung Song said the South Korean automaker 'definitely' needs an offering below the EV2 and may even tease a concept of the car, a possible EV1, next year. Speaking at the Feb. 24 Kia EV Day here, Song said his company needs an affordable, mass-market entry to help drive global volume to the 1.6 million EVs Kia wants to sell annually in 2030. Such an offering is especially important in Europe where stringent emissions standards demand higher EV sales and EV price competition is being stoked by low-cost product from China. At the Kia EV event, Kia showcased the production version of an EV4 compact sedan and hatchback, a PV5 electric van and a concept version of the upcoming EV2 subcompact crossover. Sign up for the Automotive News F&I Report to get news, ideas and commentary delivered each Wednesday afternoon on how to maximize profits from your F&I products and services. Kia expects the EV2 to start around €30,000 ($31,100) and deliver annual sales of 100,000, mostly from Europe, Song said. The EV4 will start around €37,000 ($38,400) with volume of 160,000, with 80,000 from Europe, 50,000 from North American and 25,000 in South Korea. The PV5 will start around €35,000 ($36,300). By 2030, Kia wants annual sales of 250,000 from its line of Platform Beyond Vehicle people and cargo movers, including the PV5, PV7 and PV9. But Song says Kia still needs something more affordable to capture buyers after the first wave of 'early majority' EV adopters, a group he calls 'late majority' customers. 'I think the EV2's major target is early majority customers,' Song said. 'But if we want to move to the late majority customer target, we definitely need a lower size and a lower price.' Kia could tease that vehicle at the 2026 EV day, he added. 'We are internally studying what will be our entry EV product, apart from the EV2,' Song said. 'And maybe at the next EV Day, we will show you.' Kia did not disclose details about this entry EV. But the EV2 will go on sale in 2026 and option two batteries. The standard grade is expected to get a lithium-iron phoshate battery that delivers a range of at least 300 kilometers (190 miles), while the upper-grade long-range model gets a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery capable of ranges around 450 kilometers (280 miles), Kia said. The new, smaller EV would likely be the size of the Kia Picanto, sport smaller, less-costly batteries, and start under the €30,000 ($31,100) threshold. Kia's worldwide EV sales rose 10 percent to 201,000 vehicles in 2024, as its overall sales inched ahead only 0.1 percent to 3.09 million globally. Kia wants to sell 250,000 EVs globally this year. By 2030, the company wants to sell 1.6 million EVs worldwide, out of some 4.3 million vehilces of all powertrains. EVs should account for about 30 percent of Kia's total sales then, Song said. He said Kia will get there by ramping up a full range of new EVs, including the EV2, EV3, EV4 and EV5. Kia also plans 11 commerical EVs in that timeframe, including the PV5, PV7 and PV9. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
In Defense Of Chevy's Forgotten Pickup Trucks
For the most part, when it comes to yearly sales Chevrolet has been number two in the pickup truck segment in the U.S. for a long time. That isn't to say that Chevy trucks are bad, it's just that truck buyers love them some Ford F-Series pickups, which have topped the charts for 48 years in a row. It's a shame really, as Chevy has had some unique offerings over the years that were more than just your typical pickup trucks. A lot of these forgotten trucks have been lost to time, so let's take a look at a few unique pickup offerings from Chevy's past. Read more: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Is Exactly What You Want It To Be Chevy wanted in on the emerging performance pickup game in the early 1990s, so i's engineers took off-the-shelf parts and created the bad-ass Chevy 454 SS. Based on the half-ton C1500, the 454 SS sported a monochromatic exterior design based on the C1500's sport appearance package, which included a black grille, bumpers and mirrors. For the first couple model years they were all black, though red or white paint was later offered, and the sides of the bed were fitted with 454 SS decals with the SS finished in red. The real performance was under the skin. Chevy borrowed the 7.4-liter V8 from its heavy duty models and threw it in the 454 SS. The massive V8 made 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, which it put down to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Chevy said the 454 SS could hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds, and it wasn't just fast in a straight line, either. The 454 SS also received Bilstein shocks, the steering was quickened, the rear differential received higher ratios and a front stabilizer bar was added. Today the 454 SS is relatively rare, with fewer than 17,000 made over its three years of production. While many think the GM EV1 was the company's only attempt at an electric car in the 1990s, Chevy debuted an EV in 1997 that flew under the radar: the S-10 EV, the world's first electric pickup. The truck was odd, mainly because Chevy engineers used the powertrain setup from EV1 and dropped it in the S-10. The result was a front-wheel-drive pickup with a 114-horsepower electric motor (23 hp less than the EV1) and a 16.2-kWh battery back that weighed 1,400 pounds. It could only do about 44 miles on a charge, but in 1998 the lead-acid battery was upgraded to a 29-kWh nickel-metal hydride pack that increased range to nearly 100 miles. Only 492 were ever made, most of which were leased to fleets and then crushed, but 60 were sold outright to fleet customers, with a handful still surviving today. The first-generation Chevy Avalanche was brilliant when it debuted. It introduced American pickup buyers to something they didn't know they needed: the Midgate system that allowed the rear seats to be folded down, effectively making the bed longer for more cargo capacity. What some people don't know is that Chevy made two flavors of Avalanche: the standard 1500 and the heavy duty 2500. The Avalanche 2500 was all about tough-ness, towing and hauling. It got rubber floor mats, more durable carpet, bigger off-road tires, skid plates and beefier leaf springs. Under the hood, Chevy dropped in its massive 8.1-liter Vortec V8 thatmade 320 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque. This gave the Avalanche 2500 a near-12,000-pound tow rating and over 2,000 pounds of payload capacity. Sadly the Avalanche 2500 was only ever offered on the first generation, and it was only available from 2001 to 2005. This is a truck that even I didn't know existed until recently. Beginning in the early 1970s, rather than make a compact pickup on its own, Chevy approached Isuzu to borrow its small pickup called the Faster. The result was the badge-engineered Chevy LUV, which apparently stood for Light Utility Vehicle. Despite its small size, Chevy offered the LUV with a standard six-foot or an optional seven-and-a-half-foot bed, which looked weird on a truck so small. Power came from a 1.8-liter inline-4 that made all of 75 horsepower; the engine gained an extra five horses a few years later. The LUV would last until 1982 when it was replaced by the S-10, the same year it started to be offered with a 2.2-liter diesel engine. Read the original article on Jalopnik.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Wacky rear-hinged back doors could be coming to a Kia near you
Kia's EV push is showing no signs of slowing, with news that an entry-level electric car is set to join the line-up. Kia is also planning two more premium EVs, while hinting that wacky, rear-hinged back doors are being lined up for one model. Speaking at Kia EV Day 2025, President and CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed his brand's 'unwavering commitment to EVs while competitors are revising their EV plans.' With the Kia EV2 Concept and its rear-hinged doors, the EV4 production model and final versions of the PV5 van all unveiled at Kia's EV Day – plus the EV5 SUV arriving later this year – Ho Sung Song also spoke about the potential of an EV1, saying 'internally we are studying what our entry EV model will be.' This was later backed up when Spencer Cho, Kia's vice-president of business planning, responded to questions about the potential of an EV1. 'We want to launch a similar type of vehicle in the future,' said Cho. 'We are vigorously working on ways to deliver EV1 as quickly as possible.' Although there are no details on the EV1 currently, we'd expect a target price of around €20,000 (£16,600) to put it in line with the forthcoming Volkswagen ID. 1 and a host of other budget EVs that are on the way. To keep prices low, a small battery with a maximum range of around 200 miles would be expected, using cheaper battery technology, too. We'd expect the EV1 to follow Kia's 'Opposites United' design language, as seen on the EV2 concept, EV3 and EV4 models. It's also likely that more premium Kia all-electric models are on the way to fill the number gap between the EV6 and EV9. With the new EV4 in danger of taking sales from the EV6, Kia is selling the bigger hatchback model as a more premium offering thanks to its greater performance and 800 volt technology that offers faster charging. The Kia EV9 starts at £64,245 and EV6 prices get close to £60,000, so it's like that EV models 6, 7, 8 and 9 would be positioned as the more premium models in Kia's range. Asked whether there are plans for EV7 and EV8 models, Kia's head of design Karim Habib told The Independent that the brand is working on it. 'We're making proposals. The design team is making proposals. It will take time because that requires a certain price point. And EV9 is working well, but it has been a stretch for the brand. As the brand evolves, we can go in. 'We have to continue building the brand before we can get to having 6, 7, 8 and 9. I think that's part of it.' We'd expect an EV7 to be the rumoured electric replacement for the Kia Stinger performance saloon, while the EV8 could be another premium SUV with a sportier bent than the family-focused range-topping EV9. And it's possible that one of those models could come with rear-hinged doors like the EV2 Concept. Rear-hinged back doors have already been confirmed as going into production by Kia's sister brand Genesis following the unveiling of its Neolun concept last year. Teasing the prospect of a production car with butterfly doors, Habib said 'rear-hinged doors? You won't have to wait that long – but that's all I'm going to say.' Kia will be aiming to get an EV1 on sale in 2027 or 2028, with any EV7 and EV8 models likely to follow after that.
