In a recent development, IBM has resolved a patent dispute with Rakuten regarding e-commerce technology on Rakuten’s shopping platform. IBM had filed a lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Rakuten’s use of cash back offers infringed on its patents. The lawsuit was set to go to trial in June 2022, but the parties reached an agreement before the trial. The details of the agreement were not disclosed in the court filing.
IBM’s complaint stated that Rakuten had utilized innovations from IBM and others to create and manage its business, including e-commerce services. This dispute highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in the rapidly growing e-commerce industry.
On a separate note, IBM recently conducted a study involving 20,000 consumers in 26 countries, revealing that a majority of consumers are interested in utilizing artificial intelligence, augmented or virtual reality, and virtual assistants in their shopping experiences. The study also found that only a small percentage of consumers are satisfied with their in-store shopping experiences, indicating a potential shift towards digital and e-commerce platforms.
In addition to its legal battles and consumer research, IBM remains a key player in the e-commerce industry, providing order management services to 18 of the top online retailers in North America. These retailers generated over $90.56 billion in web sales in 2022, showcasing IBM’s significant presence and impact in the market.
Overall, IBM’s resolution of the patent dispute with Rakuten, its consumer research findings, and its continued role in the e-commerce industry highlight the company’s ongoing relevance and influence in the digital marketplace.
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https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2024/06/19/ibm-rakuten-ecommerce-patent-dispute/amp/