Uber is trying to patent surge pricing

When Uber Technologies Inc. jacked up prices in Sydney this week to meet the demand of people fleeing a hostage crisis, critics accused the ride-sharing service of price gouging. The company, though, makes no apologies for what it calls “surge pricing” — and in fact is seeking to patent it. Uber applied for a U.S. patent last year for “dynamically adjusting prices for service” using mobile devices. The system measures supply (Uber drivers) and demand (passengers hailing rides with smar...