SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC v. ALPHABET INC.

SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC (SMT) has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against ALPHABET INC. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, case number 3:23-cv-04168. SMT is identified as a Non-Practicing Entity (NPE) or Patent Assertion Entity (PAE), focusing on monetizing intellectual property rights in wireless communications technology through licensing and litigation, as evidenced by its past assertions against major tech companies. Conversely, Alphabet Inc. is a global technology conglomerate and the parent company of Google, encompassing a vast array of services and products including Android, Google Search, YouTube, and various hardware and AI initiatives. The specific products, services, or technologies accused of infringement by SMT in this particular case were not immediately identified in public records, but given SMT's history and Alphabet's offerings, they are likely related to Alphabet's mobile or wireless communication platforms and devices.

The sole patent asserted in this litigation is U.S. Patent No. 8,982,863. This patent generally pertains to systems and methods for dynamically configuring communication devices, particularly in the context of interfacing Internet Protocol (IP)-based wireless devices with subtasks and channels. Such technology is foundational to modern mobile communication infrastructure and device operation.

The case is being heard in the Northern District of California, a significant patent litigation venue, especially for technology companies headquartered in the region like Alphabet. While not considered a "rocket docket," this court is known for its experienced bench, which often includes former complex litigators from large law firms. Judges in this district have shown a tendency to view early dispositive motions favorably, particularly Alice motions challenging patent eligibility, and are also inclined to grant stays pending inter partes review (IPR) proceedings at the USPTO. This venue choice can be strategic for defendants seeking early invalidity challenges or delays through IPRs. The case is notable as it pits an NPE with a history of asserting wireless communication patents against major mobile technology players like Apple and Samsung against one of the world's largest technology companies, Alphabet, which frequently faces patent assertions and actively manages a large patent portfolio, often utilizing IPRs as part of its defense strategy.

There appears to be a discrepancy in the provided case information. A search for case number 3:23-cv-04168 in the California Northern District Court indicates that the defendant is Apple Inc., not Alphabet Inc., under the caption Smart Mobile Technologies LLC v. Apple Inc.. Despite the instruction to treat the provided metadata as authoritative, including party names and case numbers, public records for the specified case number 3:23-cv-04168 consistently name Apple Inc. as the defendant.

As no public records could be found for "SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC v. ALPHABET INC." with the case number 3:23-cv-04168 involving patent 8,982,863, a detailed list of legal developments and outcome for such a case against Alphabet Inc. cannot be provided.

I am unable to identify the counsel of record for SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC in case 3:23-cv-04168, SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC v. ALPHABET INC., based on the initial web search. The search results did not directly provide access to the PACER docket or a clear listing of attorneys involved in this specific case. Therefore, I cannot provide names, roles, firms, office locations, or relevant experience for the plaintiff's counsel at this time. Filings for this case were not accessible through the performed web search.

The specific counsel of record representing Alphabet Inc. in the patent infringement case SMART MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES LLC v. ALPHABET INC., 3:23-cv-04168, could not be definitively identified through the available web search results. Direct access to the PACER docket for this particular case would be required to confirm the attorneys who have officially appeared.

However, based on general information regarding Alphabet's (Google's) patent litigation, the company often engages prominent law firms and utilizes its extensive in-house legal department. Firms such as Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and Morrison & Foerster are known to represent Google in intellectual property matters. Alphabet also employs a significant in-house legal team, with individuals like Laura Sheridan holding the role of Head of Patent Policy, involved in patent strategy and working with outside counsel.

Without specific docket entries for case 3:23-cv-04168, it is not possible to provide the names, roles, firms, office locations, or specific relevant patent litigation experience for counsel representing Alphabet Inc. in this precise matter.