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> and will use our patent on it to prevent anyone else from making one in the future

What prevents anyone from selling a device but distributing the software through a separate channel?

What software? It's a pin you strike with a hammer to pierce the piezo speaker within.

They patented the hammer and nail?

FTFA: "The Silencer had a pin located where the AirTag speaker is. The device description instructed users to remove the AirTag battery, apply the Silencer, and hit it with a hammer to cause the pin to pierce the AirTag 's plastic cover and the speaker below."

The device helps you aim the nail and then, presumably, makes a watertight seal around your now-punctured AirTag.

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