US 10299071

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Patent Analysis: U.S. Patent No. 10,299,071

Date of Analysis: April 26, 2026

Patent Number: 10,299,071

Title: Server-implemented methods and systems for sharing location amongst web-enabled cell phones

Assignee: X One Inc.

Inventor: Richard D. Haney

Filing Date: November 24, 2018

Issue Date: May 21, 2019

Abstract:

The patent describes server-implemented methods and systems for sharing location among web-enabled cellular phones. The technology facilitates the sharing of GPS location data between a group of users, referred to as a "Buddy List," through a central server. This allows for real-time tracking and mapping of individuals within the group on their mobile devices. The system includes features for managing these "Buddy Lists," setting up temporary "Instant Buddy" relationships for specific situations like roadside assistance, and parental/corporate monitoring. The invention emphasizes user control over location sharing, with privacy features and various modes of operation.

Plain-Language Summary of Independent Claims:

Claim 1: This claim outlines a method for sharing location information between mobile devices. It involves a server that receives a request from a first user to establish a temporary "Instant Buddy" connection with a second user. This request includes the second user's phone number. The server then sends a notification to the second user's device, who must accept the connection. Once accepted, both devices begin sending their location data to the server, which then relays this information to the other device, allowing them to see each other's location on a map. This temporary connection can be set to expire after a certain amount of time.

Claim 11: This claim describes a server-based system that carries out the method detailed in Claim 1. The system is designed to manage a database of users and their "Buddy Lists." It can process requests to create "Instant Buddy" relationships by sending and receiving messages between the involved devices. A key function is to receive location data from each device in the "Instant Buddy" pair and then transmit that data to the other device, enabling mutual location tracking.

Claim 20: This claim focuses on a server-based method for managing groups of users who can share their location information. A "supervisor" can create a group and cannot be removed from that group by other members without a specific passcode. This allows for scenarios like parental or employer monitoring. The supervisor can see the location of all members of the group, and the system can be set up to share location information only during specific times, such as work hours.

Litigation Status:

As of April 26, 2026, a review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for the current year shows no pending or recently concluded litigation involving U.S. Patent No. 10,299,071. However, it is important to note that this does not preclude the existence of litigation in other courts or prior to 2026. A comprehensive legal search would be required to confirm the full litigation history of this patent.