Patents on HD traffic?

[mvl]

Both Tomtom and Vodafone say they own patents related to HD traffic. Airsage says they have patents, too.

Does anyone know what the patent numbers are? I'm trying to deduce what barriers may be in the way of an American HD traffic launch.

 

[dhn]

Anything here?
Patent Database Search Results: tomtom in US Patent Collection

 

[mvl]

Nothing there - I guess I'll have to check the european databases later.

 

[gatorguy]

I think you'd eventually find dozens and dozens of variously-worded patents relating to traffic reporting. No matter who rolls out an HD solution here first (and I don't think it will be TomTom) could probably be challenged by someone. Patents are often acquired anymore just in case anyone ever offers something that could remotely appear to infringe. Many times they're hoping to cash in on someone else's hard work and investment. No intent by the patent holder to actually produce anything in a lot of cases. Patent law needs some serious changes.