Asurion, the largest private company in Nashville, is creating software that would mark its entry into the region's signature industry.
A trademark application shows that Asurion is piloting a technology platform it calls Health+. The application describes it as "downloadable computer software" that could be used for several purposes, including "monitoring and assisting medical patients," supply chain management for health care provders, "medication adherence reminders," "enabling delivery of healthcare consultations," and even "detecting falls."
Asurion's pursuit of the Health+ trademark has reached a key juncture: It's been "published for opposition" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after approval from an in-house attorney. If no other business objects to the proposed trademark by early October, it will be officially registered.
Asurion executives describe their entire $10.6 billion-a-year business as "tech care." The term encompasses selling protection plans and warranties for a wide range of electronic devices as well as servicing and repairing almost anything with a power button, including internet-connected household appliances and gaming consoles.
The development of Health+ is among the latest examples of Asurion focusing even more on innovation and product creation.
"Asurion Health+ is at a very early stage of pilot testing," said Asurion spokeswoman Nicole Miller. "It’s something we’re exploring, as it aligns strongly with our leadership in providing high-quality customer experience at scale. More and more health care is happening in the home, and tech plays a vital role in that."
She added: "Technology has revolutionized our daily life. It has changed how we entertain ourselves, bank, shop or even track our health and communicate with our health care providers. If we are going to be there to help people with their tech across all these evolving areas, we have to research, test and trial services. … As part of this, it’s not uncommon for products to never make it past the pilot testing stage. If we want to be there when and how people need us, we will continue to innovate and trial new services."
Another of Asurion's potential creations is Luminary, a platform designed for senior citizens. It's been in the works for a few years; federal records show that the Luminary trademark was "published for opposition" on Sept. 21, reaching the same checkpoint as the Health+ trademark.
For both, Asurion has retained attorney Edward Playfair, a partner at Adams & Reese LLP who leads its Nashville office.
