Amazon Files Patent Application for Non-Contact Biometric Identification System

The US Patent & Trademark Office recently published Amazon’s patent application for a non-contact biometric identification system that uses a hand scanner to generate infrared images of a user’s palm. The scanner is so precise that it can detect surface characteristics such as wrinkles and even deeper characteristics such as veins.
While filing an application does not mean Amazon will definitely develop such technology, if the biometric identification system is released, it will likely first be used in the company’s “Amazon Go” stores. Currently, shoppers visiting Amazon Go cashless stores must use an app to enter the store. This new biometric technology would require shoppers to simply scan their hands to enter, and the technology could be used for future applications in libraries, hospitals, offices, and other retail stores.
This futuristic way of identifying users would be an improvement over more traditional systems of identifying users which, according to the patent, are vulnerable to fraud, speed, accuracy, and operational limitations. The system also avoids physical contact between a user’s hand and a scanning device, which can be unsanitary and pose a public health risk in heavy-use environments.
However, this new method of identifying people using biometrics raises data privacy concerns, an issue currently causing legal troubles for the company.
Author: Megan Brooks
Authors
Expertise
Insights
-
Intellectual Property Litigation
Bitcoin Bluff: Australian Man who Claimed he Invented Bitcoin is Found in Contempt of Court
As reported by AP News, an Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be the founder of bitcoin has been found to be in contempt of London’s High Court and given a suspended sentence of… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Paws for Thought: DOGKIND Trademark Application Refused
In a recent decision, the Trademarks Opposition Board (“TMOB”) refused a trademark application for DOGKIND, finding it was confusingly similar to the already registered trademark, PETKIND.Dogkind… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Rolling in the Injunctions: Brazilian judge orders Adele song to be removed from streaming services
A Brazilian judge has reportedly ordered that Adele’s 2015 song, “Million Years Ago”, be pulled from streaming services worldwide, following allegations of plagiarism from Brazilian musician, Toninho… -
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Changes to Trademark Proceedings Coming into Effect April 1, 2025
Amendments to the Trademarks Regulations will take effect on April 1, 2025. These changes are part of broader updates to the Trademarks Act, introduced through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Heineken Battles Over "La Tropical" Branding
Heineken’s Lagunitas Brewery has reportedly advanced its trademark and copyright claims over its "La Tropical" beer in a legal battle involving Cuban-origin brands. As reported by Bloomberg, the… -
Intellectual Property Litigation
Super Loss for Marvel and DC? "Super Hero" Trademark Enters the Public Domain
Marvel and DC have reportedly lost their long-held trademarks for “Super Hero”. For decades, the two comic giants jointly owned the trademark, with DC using it for its DC Super Hero Cafe and…