As is often the case, NPE’s ended the year quietly.* Frequent filers included AlmondNet, AML IP, Consolidated Transaction Processing, Symbology Innovations, and WirelessWerx IP.

As usual, I prepared the report in partnership with and using Docket Navigator and its powerful database. Docket Navigator is a valuable resource, and the place to go if you want to keep track of new patent litigation filings or want to know what is happening in particular cases, how your judge has historically handled a particular type of motion, or a particular plaintiff’s litigation history. Finally, please let me know if you have thoughts about the report or changes you would like to see. I am preparing it as a service for retailers and their supply chain who may want an overview of the patent litigation landscape. So, I am very open to your suggestions for improving the report.

* Note I am catching up on a backlog because of some very busy IP litigation over the last year or so.

AlmondNet, Inc. et al v. LinkedIn Corporation (D. Del.).  

Claims:           Infringement

Defendant:     LinkedIn Corporation

Plaintiffs:

  • AlmondNet, Inc.
  • Intent IQ, LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Farnan; Russ August & Kabat

Patents:          10,715,878 (Targeted television advertisements based on online behavior); 7,822,639 (Added-revenue off-site targeted internet advertising); 7,979,307 (Method and stored program for accumulating descriptive profile data along with source information for use in targeting third-party advertisements); 8,244,582 (Method and stored program for accumulating descriptive profile data along with source information for use in targeting third-party advertisements); 8,244,586 (Computerized systems for added-revenue off-site targeted internet advertising); 8,671,139 (Media properties selection method and system based on expected profit from profile-based ad delivery); 8,677,398 (Systems and methods for taking action with respect to one network-connected device based on activity on another device connected to the same network); 8,775,249 (Method, computer system, and stored program for accumulating descriptive profile data along with source information for use in targeting third-party advertisements); 8,959,146 (Media properties selection method and system based on expected profit from profile-based ad delivery)

AML IP, LLC v. Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc. (E.D. Tex., W.D. Tex.).

Judge:             District Judge Rodney Gilstrap

Claims:           Infringement

Defendants:

  • Kendra Scott, LLC
  • Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.
  • The Cato Corporation 
  • Aldo US Inc., d/b/a Aldo Group Inc. 
  • Dillard’s, Inc.

Plaintiff:         AML IP LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Ramey

Patent:            6,876,979 (Electronic commerce bridge system)

Automated Vending, LLC v. SandenVendo America, Inc. (multiple cases) (N.D. Tex.).

Judges:           District Judge Ed Kinkeade, District Judge Ada E. Brown

Claims:           Infringement

Defendants:

  • SandenVendo America, Inc.
  • Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, Inc

Plaintiff:         Automated Vending, LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Garteiser Honea

Patent:            9,245,403 (Method and device for accessing, controlling and purchasing a product through a dispenser)

Consolidated Transaction Processing LLC v. Ace Hardware Corporation (multiple cases) (E.D. Tex.).   

Judge:             District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III

Claims:           Infringement

Defendants:

  • Ace Hardware Corporation 
  • IKEA North America Services,
  • Mavis Tire Supply 
  • O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
  • The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation d/b/a Discount Tire 
  • Walgreen Co. d/b/a Walgreens 

Plaintiff:         Consolidated Transaction Processing LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Beaty Legal

Patents:          8,396,743 (Sending targeted product offerings based on personal information);

8,712,846 (Sending targeted product offerings based on personal information)

GibCode Technologies LLC v. The Kroger Co. (E.D. Tex.).

Judge:             District Judge Rodney Gilstrap

Claims:           Infringement

Defendant:     The Kroger Co.

Plaintiff:         GibCode Technologies LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Rozier Hardt McDonough

Patent:            8,521,649 (System, method, and apparatus for funds transfer)

Push Data LLC v. Citibank, NA (multiple cases) (E.D. Tex.).

Judge:             District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III

Claims:           Infringement

Defendants:   

  • Citibank, NA 
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation 
  • Exxon Mobil Corporation  
  • The Kroger Co.  
  • Lane Bryant, Inc. 
  • Rent-A-Center, Inc.
  • Wayfair Inc.
  • Wayfair LLC
  • Nordstrom, Inc.

Plaintiff:         Push Data LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Beaty Legal

Patents:          7,058,395 (Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems); 7,212,811 (Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems); 7,292,844 (Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems); 6,983,139 (Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems)

Symbology Innovations, LLC v. Macys, Inc. (E.D. Tex.).

Judge:             District Judge Rodney Gilstrap

Claims:           Infringement

Defendant:     Macy’s, Inc.

Plaintiff:         Symbology Innovations, LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Garteiser Honea

Patents:          8,424,752 System and method for presenting information about an object on a portable electronic device); 8,651,369 (System and method for presenting information about an object on a portable device); 8,936,190 (System and method for presenting information about an object on a portable electronic device)

WirelessWerx IP, LLC v. DoorDash, Inc. (multiple cases) (W.D. Tex.).  

Claims:           Infringement

Defendants:

  • DoorDash, Inc.
  • Grubhub Holdings, Inc. 
  • NeighborFavor, Inc. d/b/a Favor 

Plaintiff:         WirelessWerx IP LLC

Pls. Cnsl:        Ramey

Patent:            7,317,927 (Method and system to monitor persons utilizing wireless media)