Meta EssilorLuxottica Patent Lawsuit Targets Smart Glasses Boom

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Solos’ Long Road in Smart Eyewear

Solos traces its roots back more than a decade, initially developing smart glasses tailored for cyclists. Its newer products, including the AirGo series, incorporate artificial intelligence features such as real-time translation and ChatGPT integration.

The company says it holds more than 100 patents and patent applications, a portfolio it now claims has been unlawfully mined by much larger rivals.

Focus on Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 1

The complaint centers largely on the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 1 model. But Solos argues the infringement did not stop there, alleging that later versions are “derivative” of the original platform and continue to use its patented technology.

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According to the filing, this amounts to “ongoing and continuous infringement.”

Alleged Early Access and Shared Knowledge

Solos claims Oakley employees were exposed to its early smart glasses concepts as far back as 2015, with a former senior executive later receiving a commercial unit for testing in 2019.

The lawsuit also alleges that EssilorLuxottica met repeatedly with Solos representatives in 2017, gaining insight into the company’s technology and product roadmap.