US 10916138

US Patent 10,916,138, titled "Systems and methods for utilizing a shared transport network for delivery of goods," was issued to Carma Technology Ltd. on February 9, 2021. The sole named inventor is Sean O'Sullivan.

Abstract:
The patent describes a network system that registers the start of a transport journey when a transport user device and a transport provider device communicate with each other. It then performs continuous coordinated proximity monitoring to verify the identities of the transport user and provider. Finally, it registers the end of the journey through communication between the same devices.

Plain-language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a system for managing a shared ground transportation network. The system registers the start of a journey in response to communication between a user's device and a provider's device. It monitors their continuous proximity during the journey to verify identity and movement, and then registers the end of the journey when their devices communicate again.
• Claim 9: This claim focuses on a method for managing a shared ground transportation network. It involves receiving a demand for transportation from a user, identifying available transport capacity from a provider, and matching them. The method then triggers the registration of the journey start and end through communications between the user and provider devices, while also continuously monitoring their proximity for verification.
• Claim 18: This claim details a method for delivery of goods using a shared transport network. It involves receiving a request for transport of a good, identifying available transport capacity (a vehicle with unused space), and matching the request to the vehicle. Upon completion of a first delivery, the system identifies a second delivery request in proximity to the vehicle's location and chains the deliveries.

Litigation/Legal Status Note:
As of the current date, May 29, 2026, US Patent 10,916,138 is active. It is involved in litigation. Carma Technology Ltd. and Carma Technology Corporation have sued Uber Technologies Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas for infringement related to ridesharing and delivery services. Additionally, an Inter Partes Review (IPR2026-00306) challenging claims 1-4, 9-13, and 18 of patent 10,916,138 was filed by Uber Technologies, Inc. and Uber Freight US LLC on March 12, 2026. The IPR argues that certain claims are obvious over prior art references Olmi (UK Patent Application No. GB2397683A) in view of Gaspard (Patent 6,411,897).