Uber wants to patent its 'surge pricing' system

Uber wants to patent its 'surge pricing' system
(Image credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images)

Calling it "dynamically adjusting prices for service" is how ride-sharing company Uber hopes to sell the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on its "surge pricing" system, Bloomberg reports.

The company's method of raising prices when demand for Uber drivers increases — what some call price gouging, Bloomberg notes — will probably not qualify for patent approval. Uber hasn't had much luck with the process so far; the company has filed at least 13 U.S. patent applications, 10 of which have been rejected for reasons such as "obviousness."

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Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.