Carl Pei’s brand Nothing has quietly expanded its horizons. 9to5Google learned that Andy Rubin, co-creator of Android, had transferred the claimable Essential brand to Pei’s firm on January 6, with the handover already on November 11, 2020 at the UK Intellectual Property Office.
The step offers no use of trademarks, the logo and other aspects of the Essential trademark. It is not certain if these are patented designs or include products. Nothing is ready to discuss his first projects as early as February 16th.
We did not ask for comment on the transfer.
Read more: These would have been Essential’s next phones
This does not necessarily mean that nothing will deliver a sequel on the Essential Phone. Some of the former Essential team left to work on privacy-oriented products at Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Even if Pei’s company gains access to Essential’s product range that has since been canceled, it will not necessarily have the means to continue where that company left off.
The Essential brand also does not have much closet space. While the Essential Phone reviewed pretty well, it struggled to sell. Allegations of sex scandals against Andy Rubin from his time at Google also did not help the brand’s reputation.
If it does include patents, it can give clues about nothing’s ultimate plans. The newcomer is expected to focus on smart devices, and Essential’s technology (such as its famous AI device or home hub) could give it an edge. And if nothing dares in phones, it can borrow design directions or features without worrying about patent disputes or licensing costs.