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Shopify Patent: ML Product Categorization Method

The USPTO granted Shopify Inc. Patent US12608733B2 covering a machine learning method for product categorization using taxonomy trees. The patent describes inputting product information into a trained ML model to generate probability arrays across taxonomy levels, then iteratively selecting categories based on probability thresholds until a final category prediction is determined. This protects Shopify's algorithmic approach to automated product classification within its e-commerce platform.

State AGs Demand Payment Networks Block Unauthorized E-Cigarette Sales

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, leading a coalition of 13 state AGs, sent a letter on April 14, 2026 to Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover requesting immediate action to deny services to merchants selling unauthorized e-cigarette products. The AGs claim illicit e-cigarettes account for over 80% of the U.S. market, generating more than $11 billion in annual retail sales, and allege that companies providing payment services to unlawful e-cigarette sellers may face exposure under the FDCA, PACT Act, FTC Act, and federal anti-money laundering statutes. Financial services providers—including card networks, sponsor banks, acquirers, ISOs, and PSPs—are identified as the next regulatory target following prior AG efforts against e-commerce platforms like Shopify.