Colorado Patent of the Month – September 2025
A new patent introduces a crucial physical safeguard for smart home privacy, moving beyond software-only assurances. U.S. Patent No. 12404698, titled ‘Physical sensor switch for premises automation’, describes a system where users can instantly and physically disable sensor surveillance across an entire property. This invention, assigned to Josh.ai Inc. , tackles consumer skepticism about always-listening devices.
The Global Privacy Kill Switch
The patented technology centers on a physical privacy switch. When flipped, this tiny switch electrically cuts the signal path from sensors like microphones or cameras. Crucially, one device’s switch triggers an immediate “”privacy chain reaction.”” All nearby smart input devices automatically switch to virtual privacy modes, silencing them instantly. This provides a guaranteed, physical method to ensure a room is not observing or listening.
Trust and Intuitive Control
This design enhances user trust by offering tangible control over data streams. When the switch is physically engaged, a visual indicator, like an LED ring, confirms physical and virtual privacy across the network. The patent also describes a minimal device footprint. The architectural cap can be less than four millimeters thick. This innovation offers both an elegant look and robust security. It marries high-end design with comprehensive user assurance for luxury home automation.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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