Screen Golf Patent Wars: Innovation or Monopoly?
A sensor worth millions? Let's uncover the hidden truth behind the patent disputes in the screen golf market.
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Hello! Many of you probably enjoy screen golf on the weekends, right? I also go with friends often, and every time I see the trajectory of the ball displayed so accurately, I’m amazed. But did you know that these technologies are surrounded by dozens of patents? In recent years, fierce patent lawsuits have been ongoing between companies regarding screen golf technology. Today, I’ll summarize the technologies in dispute, and how these legal battles are affecting consumers and the industry!
Table of Contents
What is Screen Golf Patent?
Screen golf may seem like just a game, but it involves dozens of sophisticated technologies. From sensor technologies that detect the ball's speed, direction, and spin, to simulation engines that render the 3D terrain of actual golf courses, and even the screen's response speed during a shot, it is a complex technology that combines both software and hardware. To protect and exclusively use these technologies, companies register patents and use them as a basis to restrict other companies' use of the technology or demand royalties. As a result, patents have become the 'invisible battlefield' of the screen golf industry.
Major Patent Disputes Between Companies
| Disputing Companies | Key Issues | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Golfzon vs. SG Golf | Unauthorized use of sensor and simulation algorithms | Some patents invalid, others prohibited |
| Golfzon vs. Other SMEs | Sensor installation position and UI similarity | Some settled, others ongoing litigation |
| Company T vs. Overseas Company B | Conflict over VR-based 360-degree projection technology | International arbitration ongoing |
Key Technologies in Dispute
The technologies that repeatedly appear in screen golf patent disputes include the following. Most of them are directly related to accuracy, immersion, and operability.
- 2D or 3D sensor-based ball trajectory analysis algorithms
- Club-specific ballistic prediction simulation logic
- Screen feedback speed and collision reaction implementation
- User interface (UI) and menu layout
- Golf course terrain data implementation and rendering engine
Court Judgement Criteria and Key Precedents
The court in screen golf patent disputes primarily considers “technical progress” and “differentiation from prior art” when making judgments. For example, mere similarity in sensor installation positions or UI is not enough for infringement, and substantial functional differences must be demonstrated. Additionally, systems that react automatically without user input are often judged based on 'implementation difficulty' and 'commercial impact'.
- Golfzon vs. SG Golf ruling: ‘Trigger signal transmission method’ patent is valid
- Small company UI similarity lawsuit: "No functional similarity" ruled no infringement
- Overseas company imitation lawsuit: Overseas patent scope too narrow, lost case
Impact on Market and Consumers
| Impact Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased Consumer Prices | Increased royalty fees could lead to higher usage fees |
| Market Monopoly Intensification | Concerns over entrenched market structure dominated by large companies |
| Stifling Technological Innovation | Dampened competition makes it harder for new technologies to enter |
| Limitations on Service Diversity | Limitations on UI and sensor utilization hinder differentiation |
Future Direction of Technology Competition
- AI-based shot analysis and automatic coaching technology rise
- Expansion of XR (extended reality) integrated screen golf platforms
- Expansion of overseas patent filings and intensified global competition
- Promotion of fair competition through open-source-based platform development
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It includes hardware and software aspects, such as sensor technology, simulation algorithms, user interface, and screen implementation methods.
Yes. Increased royalties or legal costs can lead to higher fees or service restrictions.
If the new technology is similar to existing patents, it can be considered infringement, so differentiated approaches are necessary.
No. Even registered patents can be invalidated if technical advancement or effectiveness is proven insufficient.
Yes. License agreements or joint technology development partnerships can resolve disputes without litigation.
Yes, through international patent filings, but each country has its own review criteria, so a separate strategy is necessary.
In Conclusion
Screen golf is not just a leisure activity, but an industry combining cutting-edge technology, and a battleground for intellectual property rights. Personally, I thought, "How could there be so many patents for just hitting a ball?" But after investigating, I realized just how delicate and sophisticated each technology is. Even as we enjoy playing golf on the screen, these invisible patent disputes are still ongoing. I hope that through fair competition, not monopolies, we can create a better user experience and foster a market where more companies can freely compete. Like on the golf course, "fair play" is the most beautiful approach to technology!
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