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The K-theory transfer of a finite covering distributes over a pulled-back tensor product of vector bundles:For an $n$-sheeted covering map, $p_{!}(1)$ is the permutation vector bundle of rank $n$. Its difference from $n$ is a nilpotent element by nilpotence of rank-zero K-theory classes, so it is a unit after inverting $n$. Thus pullback on Topological K-theory becomes injective after this localization of a ring.

A reduced ring is a commutative ring with no nonzero nilpotent element. Equivalently, its nilradical is zero.

A scheme is reduced when every local ring ${\mathcal{O}}_{X,x}$ is a reduced ring, equivalently when its structure sheaf has no nonzero nilpotent element. The affine scheme $\mathrm{Spec}A$ is reduced exactly when $A$ is reduced.