Samsung Enters Settlement in Monitoring Systems IP Suit

Case Filed: Oct 25, 2013

Case Closed: Aug 07, 2014

Court: Texas Eastern District Court

Judge: Rodney Gilstrap

Case Summary:

John B. Adrain, an individual and inventor residing in Spokane, Washington filed a patent infringement suit against Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics America and Samsung Mexicana claiming that a U.S. patent relating to the field of monitoring and security was infringed.

Patent-in-Suit:

The patent involved in the suit was: US5831669 entitled ‘Facility monitoring system with image memory and correlation,’ originally issued to the inventor John B. Adrain by USPTO on Nov 03, 1998 and expiring[i] by Jul 09, 2016. The ‘669 patent relates to a system that records images and identifies correlation or lack of correlation with the recorded images. Adrain owns the entire right, title and interest in the patent at issue.

As in Complaint:

The complaint alleged that Samsung infringed the '669 patent by making, using, selling, offering to sell, and/or importing "Smart TVs" that are covered by one or more claims of the '669 patent.

For example, Samsung manufactures Smart TVs that have a built-in camera or a separately purchased camera that monitor a space and are capable of facial recognition to create and log into an account. One such model is the LED 8000 Series Smart TV (such as UN55F8000BF), while another example is the Series 5500 (such as UN32F5500AFZA and a VG-STC3000 camera).

The complaint further stated that Samsung’s acts of infringement have caused damage and applicant is entitled to recover damages in an amount subject to proof at trial.

Conclusion:

The parties reached settlement agreement, following which a stipulation of dismissal of all claims and counterclaims was filed by Adrain. The court granted the stipulation and ordered dismissal with prejudice. It was further ordered that all attorneys' fees, costs and expenses will be incurred by the parties.

See 2:13-cv-00882 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents

Toshiba, Vizio Win Lochner Computer Patent Suit; Appeal Court Remands

Case Filed: Aug 07, 2013

Case Closed: Jun 27, 2014

Origin Case: 8:12-cv-01659

Case Summary:

Texas-based non-practicing entity, Lochner Technologies sued many internet and technology firms including Apple, Cisco, Samsung, Google, Nokia, Vizio, and others over an U.S. patent involving a technique for interconnecting multiple computers, which remain at fixed locations. Other defendants named in the suit were: RIM, Acer, Motorola, HTC, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Roku, NEC, ASUS, Toshiba, Casio, ViewSonic, Unisys and Amazon. The suit was filed in Oct 2012 in California Central District Court.

Patent-in-Suit:

The suit revolved around the patent: US7035598 entitled ‘Modular computer system,’ issued by USPTO to inventors: Scott Lochner and Meir Bartur on Apr 25, 2006 and expired[i] on Sep 13, 2013. Lochner was the last assignee[ii] of the patent (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database). The ‘598 patent relates to computers and is aimed at providing freedom of movement for a user in operating a computing device in a network and enhancing the possibilities of sharing a single computer system by multiple users.

As in Complaint:

Lochner alleged that defendants infringed the ’598 patent by designing products such as smartphones and tablet computers that wirelessly play streaming video from servers. Some of the products cited were: iPhone, Cius, PlayBooks, Iconia, Galaxy, Droid Bionic, WildFire S, Flyer, Revolution, Nexus, Xperia, Toughbook, Tablet S and P, Eee Slates, Thrives, G’zOne Commando, ViewPads, etc.

Plaintiff requested judgment in favor declaring that each defendant has willfully infringed resulting in enhanced damages and a jury trial.

District Court Proceedings:

In 2011, Unisys was terminated from the case due to voluntary dismissal filed by Lochner. In the following year, claims against Cisco, RIM, Acer, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, Google, Nokia, Sony, Panasonic, Sony, Roku, ASUS, ViewSonic, Amazon and NEC were dismissed with prejudice. In 2013, a joint motion to dismiss Apple and Casio was filed resulting in dismissal of the parties with prejudice.

Vizio and Toshiba filed counterclaims seeking a declaration that the ’598 patent is not infringed and invalid. In Jul 2013, after considering evidence, arguments and all other matters, court entered judgment in favor of defendants, granting motion for summary judgment of invalidity of ‘598 patent. The court ordered:

• asserted claims of the ’598 patent are invalid for lack of adequate written description and failure to claim what the applicant regards as his invention
• counterclaims are dismissed without prejudice
• defendants are entitled to recover costs incurred.

Appeal Court:

In Aug 2013, Lochner appealed district court’s final judgment favoring Vizio and Toshiba. Appeal court concluded that the district court erred in its claim construction analysis of the term “input-output system.” Appeal court vacated district court’s decision on finding the asserted claims as invalid and remanded for further proceedings consistent with new claim construction.

Other Cases:

Lochner has filed nearly a dozen cases since 2009 against Dell, Barnes & Noble, AT Labs etc. asserting the same patent.

See 2013-1551 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Max-Insight enables you to access all of our patent tools such as Patent Term Estimator, Patent Family Tree, Has This Patent Been Litigated, etc. in one location. Max-Insight is available in 4 different subscriptions: Free, Bronze, Silver and Gold with varying usage levels. To learn more about Max-Insight, click here.

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Samsung Settles Patent Case with Technology Innovations

Case Filed: May 04, 2013

Case Closed: Jun 30, 2014

Judge: Leonard P. Stark

Court: Delaware District Court

Case Summary:

Florida-based non-practicing entity, Technology Innovations Associates launched a complaint against Samsung Electronics and Telecommunications accusing them of infringing two of their U.S. patents that support computer control software system for the management of data objects.

Patents-in-Suit:

The patents at issued were: US7840619 and US8280932 both entitled ‘Computer system for automatic organization, indexing and viewing of information from multiple sources,’ issued on Nov 23, 2010 and Oct 02, 2012, respectively. The patents expire[i] by Jul 16, 2023 and Technology Innovations Associates are the current assignee[ii] of the patents (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database).

The ‘619 and ‘932 patents relate to computer data processing systems that include CPUs configured with software-based information management system such as: file system browsers; database storage, organization, accessing and retrieval systems, digital asset management systems, internet- or intranet-based search engines and similar information services and systems.

As in Complaint:

Technology Innovations alleged that Samsung infringed (either directly or through their subsidiaries) by manufacturing products running the Android and Windows Phone operating systems that come with pre-installed applications including Gmail, Contacts and Calendar that utilize a hierarchical data viewing system enabling the user to easily remain oriented to the level of a list they are viewing while scrolling through the items in that list.

Some of the accused products (smart phones and tablets) listed in the complaint were: Galaxy Note  II, Rugby Pro, Appeal, Nexus S, Galaxy Prevail, Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, Galaxy Note 10.1, ATIV Odyssey, Focus 2, Focus S and Focus Flash.

Samsung’s infringement has caused monetarily damaged and Technology Innovations requested for adequate compensation of no less than a reasonable royalty, the complaint said.

District Court Proceedings:

The parties settled the case and a stipulation was filed by Technology Innovations requesting the court to dismiss the case. The court granted the stipulation ordering all claims be dismissed with prejudice. Each party will bear its own costs and fees. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed.

See 1:13-cv-00356 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Max-Insight enables you to access all of our patent tools such as Patent Term Estimator, Patent Family Tree, Has This Patent Been Litigated, etc. in one location. Max-Insight is available in 4 different subscriptions: Free, Bronze, Silver and Gold with varying usage levels. To learn more about Max-Insight, click here. 

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Samsung, Pragmatus End Litigation over Tracking System

Case Filed: Oct 10, 2013

Case Closed: Jun 2014

Court: Delaware District Court

Judge: Leonard P. Stark

Case Summary:

Pragmatus, a licensing company based in Alexandria, Virginia, asserted two US patents on mobile devices that can be tracked by GPS signals. The case was filed against Samsung, a South Korean company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul.

Patents –in-Suit:

The patents in the suit included US8149124 and US8466795 both reading ‘Personal security and tracking system’ issued duly by USPTO on Apr 12, 2012 and Jun 18, 2013, respectively. The patents are set to expire[i] by Jan 21, 2017 and are currently assigned[ii] to Pragmatus (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database).

The '124 patent describes a method for tracking a mobile device through GPS signals, while the '795 patent discloses a cellular device used in housing components including a speaker, microphone or battery.

As in Complaint:

The complaint stated that Samsung directly infringed the patents by making, using, offering for sale, selling and/or practicing the inventions covered by the claims of the '124 and ‘795 patents by providing the Samsung Galaxy S IV smartphone and indirectly infringed by encouraging or aiding third parties (e.g., Samsung’s users) to use the smartphone in a way that infringes the '124 and ‘795 patents.

According to the complaint, Samsung had  prior knowledge of the '124 and the '795 patents by virtue of letters sent by Pragmatus to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America, thus stating the infringement was willful.

Pragmatus requested judgment declaring that the patents-in-suit are valid and enforceable. Additionally, demanded damages adequate to compensate Pragmatus for Samsung’s infringement including enhanced damages, as a result of willful infringement.

Case Trial:

Initially, defendants filed a motion to stay the case due to a pending final disposition of a related investigation in U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), considering which the court granted the stay.  The proceedings came to end when plaintiff filed a stipulation of dismissal with court ordering the case dismissed without prejudice with each party to bear its own costs.

See 1:13-cv-01683 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Max-Insight enables you to access all of our patent tools such as Patent Term Estimator, Patent Family Tree, Has This Patent Been Litigated, etc. in one location. Max-Insight is available in 4 different subscriptions: Free, Bronze, Silver and Gold with varying usage levels. To learn more about Max-Insight, click here.

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Samsung Ends Litigation against Virginia Innovation Sciences

Case Filed: Jun 14, 2013

Case Closed: May 05, 2014

Court: Virginia Eastern District Court

Judge: Mark S. Davis

Case Summary:

Arlington, Virginia-based Virginia Innovation Sciences (VIS) filed a complaint against Samsung alleging that the consumer electronics company infringed 7 of their U.S. patents. The case came to an end recently with judgment favoring Samsung.

In line with court’s opinion on Samsung’s motion for partial summary judgment, the Court entered final judgment. The official ruling stated that plaintiff’s claims of infringement of the ‘492, '711, ’268, '381 and ‘398 patents are entered in favor of defendants and the case is dismissed without prejudice, without waiving defendant's right to reassert claims in this action.

As in Complaint:

VIS alleged that defendant infringed the patents-in-suit by making, using, offering for sale, selling and/or importing HDTV adapters and docking stations that are capable of operating in conjunction with mobile terminals to provide video content to a television. Such devices include HDMI and HDTV Smart Adapter and Smart Dock Multimedia Hub.

The complaint further added that defendants have infringed by making, using, offering for sale, selling, and/or importing smartphones and tablets that support video output using MHL and/or either DLNA and/or Samsung's AllShare software.

Some of the cited products under direct infringement were: Galaxy S4, Galaxy Victory, Galaxy Express, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and Galaxy S Relay while the products that were cited for indirect infringement included:  Ativ Odyssey, Galaxy Axiom, Galaxy Stratosphere and Galaxy Rugby Pro.

As a result of Samsung’s willful infringement, VIS said in complaint that they are liable for reasonable royalty, together with interest and costs.

Patents-in-Suit:

The patents involved in the suit are:

•    US7899492, US8050711, US8145268, US8224381 and US8417290 entitled ‘Methods, systems and apparatus for displaying the multimedia information from wireless communication networks,’ issued on Mar 01, 2011, Nov, 01, 2011, Apr 12, 2012, Jul 17, 2012 and Apr 09, 2013, respectively
•   US7957733 and US8135398 entitled ‘Method and apparatus for multimedia communications with different user terminals,’ issued on Jun 07, 2011 and Mar 13, 2012, respectively

All the patents expire[i] by Jun 24, 2025 and are assigned[ii] to VIS (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database.)

The patents in general relate to mobile terminal signal conversion for external display and providing multimedia content to and from various different devices.

Since 2012, only two complaints were filed by VIS asserting the same patents, except the ‘290 patent defending Samsung.

See 2:13-cv-00332 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Max-Insight enables you to access all of our patent tools such as Patent Term Estimator, Patent Family Tree, Has This Patent Been Litigated, etc. in one location. Max-Insight is available in 4 different subscriptions: Free, Bronze, Silver and Gold with varying usage levels. To learn more about Max-Insight, click here.

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Samsung, CellPort Ends Litigation over Mobile Communications

Case Filed: Jan 24, 2013

Case Closed: Nov 21, 2013

Case Duration: 301 Days

Court: Colorado District Court

Judge: R. Brooke Jackson

Case Summary:

CellPort filed a complaint against Samsung for violating one of its patents relating to mobile communications. The patent involved in this suit is: US6122514 entitled ‘Communications channel selection’, issued on Sep 19, 2000 and expiring[i] by Jan 03, 2017. CellPort is the current assignee[ii] of the patent (Source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database). CellPort develops and licenses wireless communications architectures and connectivity solutions that connect wireless phones to home, office, hand-held and automotive environments worldwide.

The patent in suit relates to communicating data over one or more selected network channels, particularly where such a communication involves a mobile unit. The complaint alleged that the defendant infringes the patent by using a method of sending videos and/or pictures in conjunction with the data connection and/or file transmission management features in the accused products, which directly infringes the ‘514 patent. The suit cites smartphone devices including Samsung Galaxy S II as the infringing products.

Cellport said Samsung have had actual knowledge of the ‘514 patent at least as early as March 30, 2004 and willfully ignored its patent.

The case is now concluded as the parties agreed to settle the dispute. On Nov 20, Samsung filed stipulation of dismissal pursuant to which the Court ordered all the claims and counterclaims in this action dismissed without prejudice with each party bearing its own attorneys’ fees and costs.

See 1:13-cv-00180 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

* Expected expiration date using Patent Term Estimator, use our free tool or download our free Android app on Google Play Store.

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Samsung, TIB Settle Suit over Security Method

Case Filed: Jan 22, 2013

Case Closed: Nov 20, 2013

Case Duration: 302 Days

Court: Texas Eastern District Court

Judge: Rodney Gilstrap

Case Summary:

A patent infringement suit was filed by Tierra Intelectual Borinquen (TIB) against Samsung claiming that their patents covering authentication system for unlocking mobile device were infringed. In Jan, TIB filed a dozen cases against companies including ASUSTeK Computer, Kyocera, Lenovo, LG, Pantech, Acer, Apple, Sony, Toshiba, ZTE, HTC at the US District Court demanding a jury trial and unspecified damages. The patents involved in the suit were:

•         US7350078 entitled User selection of computer login was issued on Mar 25, 2008
•         US7725725 entitled User-selectable signatures was issued on May 25, 2010

The patents expire[*] by Mar 04, 2022 and are currently assigned[†] to TIB (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database). According to the complaint, the ‘078 and ‘725 patents cover a computer implemented method for creating a signature for subsequent authentication, including authentication based on user input signals from user selectable input devices. The patents protect a system allowing users to choose between a password, face recognition and some other login method, to unlock a mobile phone. Plaintiff alleged that defendant manufactures mobile devices including Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy S111 mobile phone that infringes the method claimed in the patents.

Joint stipulated motion for dismissal was filed by TIB and the Court upon consideration granted the dismissal and ordered all claims asserted in the case between TIB and Samsung to be dismissed with prejudice, thereby closing the case. Each party will bear their costs and expenses incurred.

See 2:13-cv-00045 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Patent Term Estimator, use our free tool or download our free Android app on Google Play Store.

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[*] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[†] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Toshiba, NovelPoint Settle Suit over Security Patents

Case Filed: Mar 09, 2012

Case Closed: Sep 19, 2013

Court: Texas Eastern District Court

Judge: Rodney Gilstrap

Case Summary:

NovelPoint Security filed a complaint accusing Toshiba of infringing two of its security patents. One of the patents US5434562 entitled ‘Method for limiting computer access to peripheral devices’ was legally issued on Jul 1995 and expired* on Jul 18, 2012. The other patent US6212635 entitled ‘Network security system allowing access and modification to a security subsystem after initial installation when a master token is in place’ was issued on Apr 03, 2001 and expires* by Jul 14, 2018.

Both the patents are currently assigned+ to NovelPoint Security (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database). The patents in general cover a method for computer security and to prevent unauthorized reading or altering of computer data by individuals or programs operating on a computer or a computer network. 

The complaint said defendant has infringed and continues to infringe claims of the patents by making and selling computers that include a security system/method and cites models Portege R830-S8332 and Portege Z830 as infringing products. Plaintiff sought judgment in favor, permanent injunction, damages, costs and expenses incurred.

In 2012, a case filed by NovelPoint Security against Samsung asserting the same patents, a substantially similar case, was consolidated with this case. Considering the Stipulated Motion for Dismissal filed by the parties, the Court granted and ordered all claims and counterclaims asserted between Plaintiff NovelPoint and Defendant Toshiba dismissed with prejudice, thereby closing the case.

See 2:12-cv-00101 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Patent Term Estimator, use our free tool or download our free Android app on Google Play Store. 

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* Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

+ MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Court Dismisses Java Infringement Claims against Samsung

Case Filed: Dec 09, 2010

Case Closed: Sep 17, 2013

Court: California Northern District Court

Judge: Ronald M. Whyte

Case Summary:

Nazomi Communications filed suit against Samsung for infringing their Java programming patents. HTC, LG and Kyocera are other defendants named in this suit. Nazomi was founded in 1998 and offers multimedia application processor solutions to mobile phone and semiconductor makers. The company provides Java acceleration solutions for information appliances. It has also filed lawsuits against Amazon, Microsoft, Nokia, Garmin, Sling, and others for patent infringement.

The patents involved in this suit are:

• US7080362 entitled ‘Java virtual machine hardware for RISC and CISC processors’, legally issued on Jul 18, 2006
• US7225436 entitled ‘Java hardware accelerator using microcode engine’ legally issued on May 29, 2007
• US6338160 entitled ‘Constant pool reference resolution method’ legally issued on Jan 08, 2002

All the patents expire[*] by Dec 08, 2018 and are currently assigned[†] to Nazomi Communications (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database).

The complaint said that Samsung, LG, Kyocera and HTC manufacture consumer electronic devices containing processor cores capable of Java hardware acceleration that use a virtual machine. The accused products (mobile phones) include Instinct s30 (SPH-M810), Captivate (SGH-1897), Droid Incredible, LX370, Ally (VS740), PRO-700 and Zio (M6000) respectively. The complaint also stated that “the infringement by defendants of the patents has injured and will cause irreparable injury and damage in the future unless defendants are enjoined from infringing the patents.”

In Aug, the Judge ruled that defendants did not infringe the claims asserted in the suit and granted the defendants’ motion for a summary judgment of non-infringement. On Sep 12, the Court rendered its final verdict and entered judgment in favor of defendants and against plaintiff Nazomi Communications.

See 5:10-cv-05545 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Patent Term Estimator, use our free tool or download our free Android app on Google Play Store.

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[*] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[†] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.

Court Stays Samsung, Fractus S.A Patent Litigation

Case Filed: Feb 28, 2013

Case Closed: Aug 02, 2013

Court: Texas Eastern District Court

Judge: Leonard Davis

Case Summary:

A patent infringement suit was filed by Fractus, S.A, a manufacture of fractal antennas for mobile phones and wireless consumers against Samsung alleging violation of four patents. The patents involved in the suit were: 

• U.S. Pat. No. 7,015,868 issued on Mar 21, 2006
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,123,208 issued on Oct 17, 2006
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,431 issued on Jul 01, 2008
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,394,432 issued on Jul 08, 2008

All these patents are entitled ‘Multilevel Antennae’ and expire[i] by Sep 20, 2019. Fractus is the current assignee[ii] of the patents (source: MaxVal’s Assignment Database). Plaintiff alleged that Samsung infringed its patents by manufacturing products, including mobile phones with internal multiband antennas as covered in the patented technology. Plaintiff sought judgment of infringement, money damages, permanent enjoinment from using their patents and attorneys’ fees and other relief, the Court may deem just and proper.

On the 1^st of Aug, parties have requested Court to hold the case until they reach an agreement. Upon consideration, Judge granted parties’ Motion to Stay and to administratively close the case. The case will be stayed until Mar 15, 2014 by which time the parties are required to finalize their agreement.

See 6:13-cv-00210 for more details. To get alerts on cases filed/closed, subscribe to our Litigation Alerts.

Are you looking for a tool to calculate patent terms? Try Patent Term Estimator, our free tool or download our free Android app on Google Play Store.   

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[i] Expected expiration date. Patent Term Estimator is a free web-based tool that automatically calculates patent terms and expiration dates for U.S. utility patents.

[ii] MaxVal offers Patent Assignment Alert service where subscribers receive email alerts when assignments relating to target applications, patents or entities of interest are recorded.