Top five patents for Fintech inventions

1. Amazon One-Click patent

 

The Amazon One-Click (protected by e.g., US8341036B2) is a groundbreaking invention that revolutionised online shopping. This technology enables customers to carry out online purchases with one ‘click’ without entering billing and delivery information for each transaction. It streamlined online shopping, making it more convenient and efficient for customers. Apple licenced this technology in 2000 for use in its own Apple Store and paid $1 million for the licence.

 

Since then, Amazon has implemented One-Click across its platform, setting the standard for a more efficient e-commerce experience. Nowadays, One-Click remains a feature in online shopping, demonstrating the enduring impact of this patented technology on the way we shop online.

 

2. Mastercard and quantum-proof Fintech

 

Quantum computing, which uses principles of quantum physics to solve complex problems faster than today’s supercomputers, holds both opportunities and risks.  With quantum computing on the rise, modern technologies are vulnerable to hackers using quantum technologies. Deloitte estimated that over 4 million BTC (about 25% of all Bitcoins) are vulnerable to a quantum attack.

Due to this quantum hacking risk in a post-quantum world, many companies need to improve the security measures of their Fintech by making them ‘quantum-proof’.  Quantum-proof Fintech is like having an extra secure lock on your digital money.

Mastercard is one such company that has long explored the potential impact of quantum computing, and in January 2021, the company announced that it had introduced quantum-resistant Enhanced Contactless specifications.

As of early 2021, Mastercard had obtained numerous patents for quantum-proof blockchain inventions to protect blockchain from security vulnerabilities that quantum attackers can exploit (e.g., EP 3485602B2; or US 11373179 B2) The company continues to invest in protection for their IP in this technological field, with many pending patent applications around the world directed towards blockchain technologies.

 

3. PayPal

 

The explosive growth of the Internet led to new types of payment system and payment providers, particularly based around the use of digital wallets. A key company in this field is PayPal, which continues to update and protect its payment technology IP. The company has 5324 patents globally with 2736 granted. Of these 5324 patents, more than 63% patents are active. PayPal has filed the highest number of patents in the US, followed by Europe and Australia. US6327578B1  is the most popular patent in the PayPal portfolio. To date, it has received 1348 citations from companies like IBM and Microsoft,. When patents receive citations, it implies that the technology is being watched and incrementally innovated by the citing companies. It also indicates that citing companies are working on similar and closely related technology.

 

4. Fintech and Biometric security

 

With the rise in new forms of payment and the ease of making transactions electronically, security has become ever more important to protect both consumers and financial institutions. Biometric security - in which user biometric data is used for authentication of the user - has become ever more important, and has developed from reading of fingerprints into many other technologies. For example, Alipay, one of the world's largest mobile payment platforms,  sought protection in 2019 for IP in relation to a facial recognition payment system. This utility model CN219179964U filed by Alipay (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co. earlier this year in March describes the use of palm recognition in digital payments to verify a user's identity for secure and convenient transactions. It confirms that Chinese tech firms are keen to explore the usage of biometrics in cashless transactions.

In China's patent law, an applicant apply for a shorter term ‘utility model’ patent that is valid for 10 years. Such utility models can be swiftly granted and published as they do not undergo substantive examination.

A summary of the patent manual on Tianyancha, reveals how  the above technology works. When users submit a payment verification request, a camera on the user terminal captures their palm image and cross-checks it with their biometrics record.

Benefits include enhanced security and convenience. Apple has also had palm-print recognition patents before, but it does not have related consumer-facing products, as far as we are aware.

 

5. Metaverse: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

 

The metaverse is a virtual reality space where people can interact and engage with digital environments. NFTs are unique digital assets that use blockchain technology to verify ownership and authenticity. They are cryptographic keys that cannot be deleted, copied, or destroyed. Every NFT contains a digital signature, which makes each one unique.

In the context of the metaverse, NFTs can represent ownership of virtual items or experiences, enabling users to buy, sell, and trade unique digital goods within this digital realm.

The increasing prevalence of NFTs in everyday life has also encouraged all kinds of other companies to develop and protect in the FinTech space. US patent number US 11736284 B2 by Nike Inc. is directed towards the creation and distribution of cryptographically secured digital footwear and apparel in order to address the issues arising from the sale of counterfeit footwear.

 

Fintech Patents: Pioneering Innovations For The Future

 

While these are five Fintech patents, many inventions have transformed the industry. Fintech inventions continue to reshape the financial landscape, making it more accessible, secure, and convenient for consumers and businesses. As the industry develops, we can expect to see more patents that push the boundaries of what Fintech can achieve. These innovations will not only change the way we handle money but also open doors to new possibilities in Fintech.