Shark Tank of Patents

On September 30, 2024, the founding team from lixl presented their innovative lighting solution in the fifth episode of the 16th season of the successful start-up show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (counterpart to "Shark Tank" in the USA).

They impressed the investors with their unique 3D RGB LED technology and ultimately secured a deal with investor Carsten Maschmeyer.

The idea behind lixl

The founders of lixl had the vision of redefining conventional room lighting by considering light not just as a functional element, but as an integral part of the room design. In their search for a way to make light a three-dimensional experience, they developed a special high-tech textile that creates impressive depth effects in combination with RGB LEDs. The main challenge was the precise coordination of light source and textile in order to achieve the desired 3D effect.

What already exists in this area?

The market for smart lighting solutions offers numerous exciting technologies that bring light to life in a new dimension. Here are five well-known approaches:

1. Smart home lighting systems with controllers via app: Systems that allow light color and intensity to be conveniently controlled via an app or voice commands.
2. Affordable smart lighting: solutions that can be easily integrated into existing smart home ecosystems while remaining cost-effective.
3. WLAN-enabled light sources: light bulbs and other light sources that can be controlled directly via WLAN without additional hardware.
4. Modular lighting panels: lighting systems that can be flexibly combined and arranged and respond to touch or music.
5. Intelligent indoor and outdoor lighting: systems that impress both indoors and outdoors with smart controllers and adaptable lighting scenes.

These technologies indicate how diverse the possibilities are in the field of modern lighting solutions and how they can be increasingly adapted to the individual needs of users.

What makes lixl special?

lixl combines innovative LED technology with a specially woven high-tech textile to create three-dimensional lighting effects. This technology makes it possible to form arcs of light that extend deep into the room and react dynamically to music, games or the user's mood. It is controlled via Wi-Fi and an app, while the open source software allows for flexible extensions and integration into various smart home systems.

Patent application (DE102022003298A1)

There is a patent application for lixl which relates to a device 11 for influencing the lighting mood in which (see claim 1 and FIG. 6 of the lixl patent application):

• at least three light sources 12, 15 are mounted on a carrier 13 at different geometric positions,
• the intensity of the emitted light 19 from at least three light sources 12, 15 can be controlled separately for each of these light sources 12, 15,
• at least one parameter is processed that allows the activity and/or emotion and/or presence of at least one person in the environment to be detected,
• a microelectronic circuit controls the intensity and/or spectral distribution of the light 19 emitted by the light sources 12, 15 as a function of the geometric position of the respective light source 12, 15 and at least one of the processed parameters, and
• a material 14 is fitted between the light sources 12, 15 and viewer 18, which influences the emitted light 19 in such a way that a spatial depth effect of the emitted light 19 is created for the viewer 18.

[Fig. 6 of the lixl patent application]

Among other things, lixl has the special feature (see claim 7 of the lixl patent application) that another material is introduced into the space behind the light sources 12, 15 which passively, reactively and/or actively dampens airborne sound. This is also consistent with the geometric shape intended for wall mounting (see also [0016-0018] of the lixl patent application).

Prior Art

In contrast to the above exemplary special feature, the closest prior art D1 (EP3324108A1) concerns a lampshade 13, which in my personal opinion is contrary to a planar design and a rear mounting is not expedient due to the geometry and location of a lamp with a lampshade 13 (see Figs. 2 and 3 of D1).

[Fig. 2 of D1]

[Fig. 3 of D1]

Compared to the prior art, lixl therefore offers a planar design that is suitable for wall mounting and creates an impressive spatial depth effect of light. This represents a significant further development compared to conventional lighting solutions.

Conclusion

lixl once again demonstrates how German innovative strength can set new standards. The concept of viewing light not just as a functional element, but as an integral part of the room design, sets lixl apart from other lighting solutions. The three-dimensional lighting effects create an atmosphere that goes far beyond conventional lighting and at the same time offers improved acoustics.

Furthermore, the patent application shows that lixl is not only an innovative product, but also a well thought-out technological solution that is based on a solid IP foundation. This underlines the importance of strategic patent management to protect unique ideas from imitation and ensure market success.

lixl is an example of how technical creativity and entrepreneurial courage can turn an idea into a marketable product.

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Autor: Julian Graf, Partner

Disclaimer: The above contribution reflects the personal opinion of the author. The assessments and statements made in the article do not constitute legal advice and are provided under exclusion of any liability. If you need an assessment of an individual case, please contact the author and/or the law firm KUHNEN & WACKER.