Uber takes patent office for ride on surge pricing

New York

UBER is taking the US patent office for a ride on surge pricing. The taxi app's claim to own the idea of increasing charges during peak hours is a stretch. Like the company's other dubious intellectual property (IP) filings, though, this one can temporarily slow rivals. That may buoy investors anticipating an initial public offering (IPO), but the tactic risks fuelling patent wars.

Twitter, Facebook and other technology companies typically stockpile IP filings before going public. That helps them defend against infringement claims and deter competitors from copying their inventions. Uber is seeking patents covering its cab booking services in preparation for a possible IPO.