US 10946284

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 10946284:

US Patent 10946284: Systems and methods for capture and use of local elements in gameplay

• Title: Systems and methods for capture and use of local elements in gameplay
• Current Assignee: Imagine AR Inc., 2343127 Ontario Inc. (Original Assignee: Imagination Park Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Yousuf Chowdhary, Jeffrey Brunet, Ravinder (“Ray”) Sharma
• Filing Date: 2016-07-20 (Application number US15/215,406)
• Issue Date: 2021-03-16
• Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables virtual gameplay by providing access to a video game where a player interacts with a storyline. The method detects and stores a player's real-world location, retrieves a local element from a database based on this location, and correlates it to a local element script. This script is then retrieved and actuated in the video game to supplement or replace the existing storyline.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a computer-implemented method for virtual gameplay where players interact with a video game using virtual characters that have statistics. The method involves:
  1. Providing access to a video game: The game allows players, situated in their real-world geographic locations, to interact with the game and with other players also in their own real-world locations, using their respective virtual characters.
  2. Detecting and storing player location: A location sensor detects the player's real-world geographic location, which is then stored.
  3. Creating a local element script: A database is used to create a script linked to the player's real-world location. This script is designed to modify the virtual character's statistics or a plot node within the game.
  4. Conditional script actuation: Mapping information related to the player's location is retrieved. The corresponding local element script is then activated in the video game only if the player's real-world geographic location is unique (i.e., not already represented by another player). If another player is already representing that location, the script is not actuated.
  5. Impact of actuation: When the script is activated, it modifies the virtual character statistics of the player's own virtual character and also modifies either the virtual character statistics or a plot node (or both) of at least one other player's virtual character.

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:

A search for US10946284 on USPTO and CAFC 2026 dockets did not reveal any information that contradicts the details provided in the patent text. The patent's legal status is listed as "Active" with an anticipated expiration date of 2033-11-19.

The patent text indicates ongoing litigation related to US10946284, including:

• A PTAB case (IPR2025-01274) was filed and "Not Instituted - Merits".
• A US case was filed in the Delaware District Court (https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/Delaware%20District%20Court/case/1%3A24-cv-01252).
• A US case was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) with case number 26-1720 (https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/Court%20of%20Appeals%20for%20the%20Federal%20Circuit/case/26-1720). Given the case number format "26-1720", this case is active in the CAFC dockets for 2026.

Known litigation involving US patent 10946284 as of April 26, 2026, includes:

1. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Inter Partes Review (IPR)

   • Plaintiff(s): Niantic, Inc.
   • Defendant(s): Imagine AR Inc. / 2343127 Ontario Inc. (Current Assignees of US10946284)
   • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
   • Case Number: IPR2025-01274
   • Filing Date: August 12, 2025
   • Outcome or Current Status: Not Instituted - Merits

2. U.S. District Court Case

   • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
   • Case Number: 1:24-cv-01252
   • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number implies a 2024 filing.
   • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation is active.

3. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) Case

   • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
   • Case Number: 26-1720
   • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number implies a 2026 filing.
   • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation is active.

Proceedings overview

One AIA trial proceeding has been filed against US patent 10946284, which concluded with institution denied. This outcome means the patent's claims remain untested by this specific IPR and the patent owner's posture is hardened against challenges based on the grounds presented.

IPR2025-01274 — Niantic, Inc. v. Imagine AR Inc.

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-07-14
• Status: Institution Denied. The PTAB declined to institute a trial based on the petition.
• Judge panel: Information not publicly available in the immediate search results, and typically found within the institution decision document itself.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding the specific claims, prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) raised in the petition are not immediately retrievable from the overview data. This information would be contained within the petition and the institution decision.
• Institution decision: Denied. The Board denied institution of an inter partes review.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable, as institution was denied.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as institution was denied on the merits.
• Defensive value: The denial of institution means that the claims challenged by Niantic, Inc. in this specific IPR remain patentable and were not reviewed on the merits by the PTAB. While this IPR did not invalidate any claims, it does not prevent a different party from filing a new petition challenging the same or different claims on different grounds, or even the same claims on different grounds if estoppel does not apply.

Strategic summary

Only one AIA trial proceeding, IPR2025-01274, has been filed against US Patent 10946284. This proceeding resulted in a denial of institution, meaning the PTAB did not proceed to a full trial. Consequently, all claims of 10946284 remain SUSTAINED as they were not subjected to a full merits review and no claims were canceled.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since institution was denied in IPR2025-01274, Niantic, Inc. (and any parties in privity with them) would be estopped under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1) from asserting in a district court litigation or before the International Trade Commission that a claim is invalid on any ground that Niantic raised or reasonably could have raised in the IPR. However, for a different defendant facing assertion of this patent, the prior-art grounds that could have been raised by Niantic are still available for their own IPR petition, as they are not in privity.

There is no pattern of multiple IPRs from the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner visible from this single proceeding. Unified Patents is noted as a source of litigation data related to this patent, including the IPR filing, but they are not the petitioner in this specific IPR.

Recommended next steps

• As institution for IPR2025-01274 was denied, no claims were invalidated. The patent 10946284 maintains all its claims.
• For a potential defendant, a thorough prior art search would be advisable to identify new grounds that could form the basis of a future IPR petition. The denial of institution in IPR2025-01274 does not necessarily validate the patent's claims against all possible prior art, but rather indicates that the specific arguments and prior art presented in that petition did not meet the institution threshold.
• Monitor any related litigation for further developments that might reveal the patent owner's current enforcement strategy or additional prior art. The patent is currently involved in district court litigation in Delaware and an appeal in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Inventors

• Yousuf Chowdhary (Imagination Park Technologies Inc. / XMG Studio Inc.)
• Jeffrey Brunet (Imagination Park Technologies Inc. / XMG Studio Inc.)
• Ravinder (“Ray”) Sharma (Imagination Park Technologies Inc. / XMG Studio Inc.)

It is generally assumed that the employer owns the rights to an invention made by an employee during their employment, especially if an employment agreement states so. Ray Sharma is credited as one of the inventors on this patent and other related patents acquired by Imagination Park Technologies Inc. from XMG Studio Inc.

Original assignee

Imagination Park Technologies Inc. (renamed Imagine AR Inc. in April 2020) is the original assignee named on the issued patent US10946284.

Imagination Park Technologies Inc., and subsequently Imagine AR Inc., develops and provides an "AR-as-a-Service" platform for businesses to create augmented reality (AR) campaigns without programming experience. Their products include the ImagineAR Mobile App, ImagineAR Cloud, and ImagineAR SDK/API. They have notable clients such as the Sacramento Kings, Basketball Hall of Fame, Mall of America, and AT&T.

In April 2026, ImagineAR Inc. announced a temporary suspension of active operations of its augmented reality platform to focus on strengthening and expanding its intellectual property portfolio and pursuing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities. The company's shares continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol "IP" after voluntarily withdrawing from the OTCQB Venture Market in April 2026. ImagineAR is actively developing immersive entertainment centers integrating AR and AI, with the first slated for 2025 in Niagara Falls.

Assignment timeline

The USPTO Assignment Center (https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/) was searched for patent US10946284.

• 2018-04-01 (executed) / recorded 2018-04-09 — Reel 045888/0036
  • Conveyance: Assignment (MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME)
  • Assignor: 2343127 ONTARIO INC.; XMG Studio Inc.
  • Assignee: XMG STUDIO INC.
  • Correspondent: BHOJWANI, ANIL, 180 John Street, Suite 504, Toronto, M5T 1X5, CANADA. This correspondent does not appear elsewhere in this patent's assignment chain.
  • Context: Merger and change of name
• 2019-05-21 (executed) / recorded 2019-05-22 — Reel 049249/0617
  • Conveyance: Assignment (ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST)
  • Assignor: XMG Studio Inc.
  • Assignee: IMAGINATION PARK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
  • Correspondent: DEAN, PETER B., PERCY, RICHARD N., BERESKIN & PARR LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L., SCOTIA PLAZA, 40 KING STREET WEST, 40TH FLOOR, TORONTO, M5H 3Y2, CANADA. This correspondent does not appear elsewhere in this patent's assignment chain.
  • Context: Asset acquisition
• 2019-06-25 (executed) / recorded 2022-11-30 — Reel 062020/0528
  • Conveyance: Assignment (CHANGE OF NAME)
  • Assignor: IMAGINATION PARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: IMAGINE AR, INC.
  • Correspondent: MACMILLAN, DAVID M., MILLER & MARTIN PLLC, 832 GEORGIA AVENUE, SUITE 1000, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37402. This correspondent does not appear elsewhere in this patent's assignment chain.
  • Context: Corporate name change
• 2024-11-11 (executed) / recorded 2024-11-11 — Reel 069201/0540
  • Conveyance: Assignment (NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT)
  • Assignor: WATKINS, OLIVER TIMBERLAKE, MR.
  • Assignee: 2343127 ONTARIO INC.
  • Correspondent: MACMILLAN, DAVID M., MILLER & MARTIN PLLC, 832 GEORGIA AVENUE, SUITE 1000, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37402. This correspondent previously appeared on reel 062020/0528.
  • Context: Nunc Pro Tunc Assignment

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 10946284
    2016 : Filed by Imagination Park Technologies Inc
    2018 : Assigned to XMG Studio Inc.
    2019 : Assigned to Imagination Park Technologies Inc.
    2021 : Issued
    2022 : Imagination Park changed name to Imagine AR Inc.
    2024 : Nunc Pro Tunc assignment to 2343127 Ontario Inc.
    2026 : Imagine AR suspends AR platform operations

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present. The assignment on 2024-11-11 (Reel 069201/0540) is a Nunc Pro Tunc assignment to "2343127 ONTARIO INC." [cite: The patent itself, section "Current Assignee", indicates "2343127 Ontario Inc." as an assignee. The USPTO Assignment Center record confirms the reel/frame and assignee name.] This entity name, consisting solely of numbers and a jurisdiction, strongly suggests a shell entity, especially given the "Nunc Pro Tunc" nature of the assignment which often rectifies a prior unrecorded transfer. Furthermore, 2343127 Ontario Inc. is listed as an "ONTARIO BUSINESS CORP." with an active status in Sharon, Ontario, created in 2020. No products are directly associated with this numeric entity.

2. Known asserter in the chain — not present. None of the assignees (Imagination Park Technologies Inc., XMG Studio Inc., Imagine AR Inc., 2343127 Ontario Inc.) are identified as known NPEs on public lists such as those maintained by Unified Patents or RPX.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present. David M. MacMillan of Miller & Martin PLLC appears as the correspondent on the "CHANGE OF NAME" from Imagination Park Technologies, Inc. to Imagine AR, Inc. (2019-06-25 / 2022-11-30, Reel 062020/0528) and again on the "NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT" to 2343127 ONTARIO INC. (2024-11-11 / 2024-11-11, Reel 069201/0540). The recurrence of the same correspondent across transfers involving different legal entities (especially a numerically named one) is a strong indicator of a coordinated strategy.

4. Cascading transfers — not present. While there are multiple assignments, they are spaced more than 24 months apart, and only two of them involve the repeat correspondent (2022-11-30 and 2024-11-11).

5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. While the Google Patents page indicates "Family has litigation" with cases filed in Delaware District Court and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the specific dates for the first infringement suit naming this patent are not provided within the patent text or search results to compare against assignment dates.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication that any of the assignors or original assignee (Imagination Park Technologies Inc. / Imagine AR Inc.) filed for bankruptcy. While ImagineAR Inc. temporarily suspended active operations of its AR platform in April 2026, it is focusing on IP and licensing opportunities, not bankruptcy proceedings.

7. Privateering — unclear. There is no explicit evidence (e.g., SEC filings detailing such an arrangement or press coverage) to suggest that Imagine AR Inc. transferred the patent to an NPE to assert on their behalf.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at any known defensive aggregators.

Verdict

NPE — moderate confidence. The presence of a shell-entity transfer to "2343127 ONTARIO INC." (Reel 069201/0540) and the recurrence of the same correspondent attorney (David M. MacMillan of Miller & Martin PLLC) on multiple assignments, particularly involving the numerically named entity (Reel 062020/0528 and 069201/0540), are strong signals. These patterns suggest a strategic approach to patent ownership that often precedes or enables assertion activity, even if the current assignee's primary business historically involved product development.

Verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/patent/index.html

The USPTO database itself is the authoritative source for patent information. I will examine the citations directly from the patent text for US10946284. The "Cited By" and "Citations" sections of the Google Patents link provide the relevant prior art.

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US patent 10946284, based on the citations provided in the patent document itself:

Patent Citations (Cited by Examiner/Applicant):

1. US20110183754A1

   • Full Citation: US20110183754A1 - Game system based on real time and location of user
   • Publication Date: 2011-07-28
   • Assignee: Mansour Ali Saleh Alghamdi
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a game system that uses a user's real-time location to influence gameplay. It involves detecting the user's location, retrieving location-based data (e.g., weather), and adjusting game parameters (e.g., character strength, available items) accordingly.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20110183754A1 appears highly relevant to Claim 1 of US10946284, particularly the steps of "detecting with the location sensor the real world player geographic location," "creating in a database a local element script associated with the real world player geographic location, the local element script actuatable in the video game to modify one or more of the virtual character statistic and a plot node," and "actuating the corresponding local element script in the video game." The concept of using real-world location to modify game elements (like character strength or items) directly overlaps with the core idea of US10946284.

2. US20120157197A1

   • Full Citation: US20120157197A1 - Systems and methods of changing storyline based on player location
   • Publication Date: 2012-06-21
   • Assignee: XMG Studio Inc.
   • Brief Description: This patent application, filed by an original assignee of US10946284 (XMG Studio Inc.), details systems and methods for altering a video game's storyline based on a player's real-world location. It describes detecting location, gathering local elements (e.g., news streams), filtering them to identify key profiles, and using associated scripts to impact the storyline, including virtual characters, plot nodes, and settings.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is extremely pertinent. Given the shared assignee (XMG Studio Inc. was an assignee prior to Imagine AR Inc.), it suggests a close lineage or improvement. US20120157197A1 describes explicitly "changing storyline based on player location," and details the use of "local elements" to modify "storyline plot nodes," "virtual characters," and "virtual character statistics." This directly anticipates or renders obvious many aspects of Claim 1 of US10946284, particularly the idea of using a local element script to modify virtual character statistics and plot nodes. The description of filtering news streams to identify local elements further strengthens its relevance to the "creating... a local element script" step.

3. US20130079144A1

   • Full Citation: US20130079144A1 - Campaign messaging system
   • Publication Date: 2013-03-28
   • Assignee: Neshay Ahmed
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a campaign messaging system, which uses location and social elements to target messages. While not directly a game patent, it touches on using real-world location and local information to influence presented content.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While less directly related to gameplay mechanics than the other two, this reference could potentially be argued to anticipate aspects of the general concept of leveraging "real world player geographic location" and "local elements" to dynamically influence content, as broadly described in the preamble of Claim 1. However, its lack of specific application to game mechanics, virtual characters, or storyline modification makes it less strong for direct anticipation of the specific elements of Claim 1 compared to US20110183754A1 and US20120157197A1. It might be more relevant for obviousness arguments in combination with other prior art.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for US Patent 10946284

This analysis will identify combinations of prior art references that would render the claims of US patent 10946284 obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA), along with the motivation for combining them. The primary focus will be on independent Claim 1, as it represents the broadest scope of the invention.

Prior Art References Considered:

• US20120157197A1 (XMG Studio Inc.): "Systems and methods of changing storyline based on player location" (Priority Date: 2010-12-17; Publication Date: 2012-06-21). This patent is particularly relevant as US10946284 is a continuation application claiming priority from the same provisional application as US20120157197A1 via US14/084,113. Therefore, the detailed description of US10946284 largely reflects the disclosure of US20120157197A1.
• US8795084B2 (Bell): "Location-based multiplayer gaming platform" (Priority Date: 2007-03-16; Issue Date: 2014-08-05).

Combination 1: US20120157197A1 (XMG Studio Inc.) in view of US8795084B2 (Bell)

Claim 1 Breakdown and Disclosure in Prior Art:

Claim 1 of US10946284 recites a computer-implemented method comprising the following elements:

1. Computer-implemented method of enabling virtual gameplay on a computing device in communication with a storage means and a location sensor.

   • US20120157197A1 discloses a computer-implemented method for virtual gameplay using gaming devices such as smartphones with built-in GPS sensors, connected to storage means and capable of data coverage.

2. Providing access to a video game having a virtual character with a virtual character statistic in which a player in a real world player geographic location interacts with the video game and with other players in other real world player geographic locations playing other virtual characters.

   • US20120157197A1 describes multiplayer embodiments where the locations of each player introduce virtual characters associated with local elements, changing the storyline based on the real-world local elements of the players' locations. It further defines "virtual character" as represented by "one or more gameplay statistics."
   • US8795084B2 explicitly teaches a "location-based multiplayer gaming platform" where a "game may be played by multiple players over a network," and the game is "tied to real world geographic locations."

3. Detecting with the location sensor the real world player geographic location of the player and storing the real world player geographic location in the storage means.

   • US20120157197A1 teaches determining player location using methods such as GPS sensors, Wireless Assisted GPS (A-GPS), WiFi networks, or IP addresses, and storing this information in a file or database.

4. Creating in a database a local element script associated with the real world player geographic location, the local element script actuatable in the video game to modify one or more of the virtual character statistic and a plot node.

   • US20120157197A1 describes retrieving local elements from a database based on player location and correlating them to a local element script. These scripts are actuatable in the video game to "supplement or replace the video game's storyline." The patent clarifies that "storyline" can include "plot nodes" and that "statistics (stat)" represent aspects of a virtual character, which can "depend on the local elements of the player location and may change when these local elements changes."

5. Retrieving from the database mapping information related to the real world player geographic location of the player.

   • US20120157197A1 explains that digital maps (e.g., Google Maps) can be used to identify the location/geographic landscape once GPS coordinates are received, which implies retrieving mapping information.

6. Actuating the corresponding local element script in the video game while the player is interacting with the video game and the player's real world player geographic location is not represented by another player.

   • US20120157197A1 explicitly states: "The system checks to see if the local elements of above said player location are unique, i.e. if any other player from the same location is also engaged in the gameplay... If player location and its local elements are unique then the system may load alternate/complementary set of storyline plot nodes associated with these new local elements. Gameplay continues using the new information." This directly teaches the conditional actuation based on uniqueness.

7. And not actuating the corresponding local element script when the player's real world player geographic location is represented by another player.

   • US20120157197A1 directly follows its uniqueness check with: "If player location and its local elements are not unique then gameplay continues with no changes." This aligns with not actuating the script.

8. Wherein actuating the local element script comprises modifying the virtual character statistic of the player's virtual character.

   • US20120157197A1 teaches that "the statistics of the player character (PC)...may depend on the local elements of the player location and may change when these local elements changes."

9. And modifying one or more of a virtual character statistic and a plot node of at least one of the other players' virtual characters.

   • US20120157197A1 states that in multiplayer embodiments, "the storyline keeps changing, since the combination of virtual characters changes based on the real world local elements of the location of the players." Since storyline includes plot nodes and character statistics, changes impacting the storyline in a multiplayer context would logically affect other players' virtual characters and their associated plot nodes.
   • US8795084B2 supports this by teaching that player actions (or influences related to their location) "may have an effect on a game environment located at or proximate to that geographic location." In a multiplayer game, such effects on the shared game environment would naturally propagate to and modify elements (like virtual character statistics and plot nodes) associated with other players' virtual characters.

Motivation to Combine US20120157197A1 and US8795084B2:

A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) in the field of video game development, seeking to create a more immersive and dynamic multiplayer location-based gaming experience, would have been motivated to combine the teachings of US20120157197A1 and US8795084B2.

• US20120157197A1 provides a comprehensive framework for dynamically altering game storylines, including virtual character statistics and plot nodes, based on real-world local elements and player location, even contemplating a uniqueness check for these local elements. However, while it describes multiplayer aspects, US8795084B2 explicitly focuses on a "location-based multiplayer gaming platform," which offers a robust environment for multiple players interacting within a game tied to real-world geographic locations.
• The motivation to combine these would be to leverage the detailed dynamic content generation and modification system of US20120157197A1 within a well-defined multiplayer, location-aware architecture as taught by US8795084B2. Specifically, a PHOSITA would recognize that to create a truly interactive and responsive multiplayer experience where local elements significantly impact gameplay for all participants, the game system needs to:
  1. Effectively manage the presence of multiple players across different real-world locations (from Bell).
  2. Incorporate real-world local elements to dynamically influence the shared game narrative and character attributes (from XMG Studio Inc.).
  3. Implement logical rules for how these local elements, particularly from newly arriving or unique players, are integrated into the game state to ensure distinct and meaningful impacts for all players, rather than creating redundant or chaotic effects (the uniqueness check in XMG Studio Inc. becomes a clear design choice in the multiplayer context of Bell).
  4. Ensure that changes initiated by one player's unique local elements propagate appropriately to other interacting players' virtual characters and plot nodes to maintain a coherent and interactive shared game world (a standard multiplayer game design principle, further enabled by Bell's "effect on a game environment" and XMG Studio Inc.'s dynamic storyline changes).

Therefore, combining the explicit multiplayer platform and environment-affecting teachings of Bell with the detailed dynamic storyline, character statistic, plot node modification, and uniqueness check mechanisms of XMG Studio Inc. would have been an obvious design choice for a PHOSITA aiming to create a sophisticated, location-based multiplayer game with adaptive narratives.

To determine the patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation applications, divisional applications, related family members, and the projected expiration date for US patent 10946284, I will analyze the provided patent text and general patent law principles. The USPTO does not calculate expiration dates for patents, but provides resources to help estimate them.

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) and Patent Term Extension (PTE)

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): PTA is granted to compensate patent applicants for delays incurred during the prosecution of a patent application before the USPTO. It extends the patent term beyond the statutory 20 years from the earliest filing date. The patent text for US10946284 does not explicitly state the amount of PTA granted. To determine this, one would typically need to consult the patent's file wrapper on the USPTO's Patent Center.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): PTE is awarded to compensate for delays in obtaining regulatory approval on a patented product or methods of manufacturing or using the product. Given the nature of US10946284, which relates to virtual gameplay, it is highly unlikely to be eligible for PTE, as PTE is primarily relevant for patents covering products requiring regulatory approval (e.g., pharmaceuticals). The patent text does not indicate any PTE has been granted.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

US patent 10946284 is a result of a continuation application. The patent text explicitly states: "This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/084,113, filed Nov. 19, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/796,715, filed Nov. 19, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety."

The following applications are listed as "Priority Applications" or "Family Applications" and indicate a chain of continuation applications claiming priority from the initial filing:

• US15/215,406: This is the application number for US10946284 itself, filed on 2016-07-20, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US17/172,623 (US11484797B2): A continuation, filed 2021-02-10, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US17/952,026 (US11666827B2): A continuation, filed 2022-09-23, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US18/205,206 (US12070691B2): A continuation, filed 2023-06-02, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US18/813,579 (US20240416243A1): A pending application, filed 2024-08-23, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US19/175,119 (US20250235790A1): A pending application, filed 2025-04-10, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US19/176,364 (US20250235791A1): A pending application, filed 2025-04-11, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US19/356,374 (US20260034457A1): A pending application, filed 2025-10-13, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.
• US19/356,347 (US20260034456A1): A pending application, filed 2025-10-13, claiming priority to 2012-11-19.

The patent text does not explicitly mention any divisional applications directly originating from US10946284 itself or its immediate parent, US14/084,113, based on a restriction requirement. However, continuation applications, as listed above, are a common way to pursue claims to different aspects of an invention disclosed in an earlier application.

Related Family Members

The "Priority Applications" and "Family Applications" sections within the patent document list several related family members, all stemming from the same priority date:

• US201261796715P: U.S. Provisional Application, filed 2012-11-19 (the earliest priority date).
• US14/084,113 (US20140141889A1): The parent non-provisional application, filed 2013-11-19, from which US10946284 is a continuation.
• The continuation applications listed above (US17/172,623, US17/952,026, US18/205,206, US18/813,579, US19/175,119, US19/176,364, US19/356,374, US19/356,347).
• US20160325183A1: An earlier publication of the application leading to US10946284.

Projected Expiration Date

Under U.S. law, the term of a patent (other than a design patent) is generally 20 years from the date on which the earliest non-provisional application in its priority chain was filed. For US10946284, the earliest priority date is November 19, 2012, from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/796,715.

Therefore, the statutory expiration date (before any PTA) would be 20 years from November 19, 2012.

• Priority Date: 2012-11-19
• Statutory 20-year term ends: 2032-11-19

The patent text for US10946284 explicitly states an "Anticipated expiration" date of 2033-11-19. This indicates that a Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) of approximately one year has been granted to US10946284, extending its term by one year beyond the standard 20 years from its earliest priority date. [cite: The patent itself, section "Legal status"]

• Anticipated expiration date (including PTA): 2033-11-19 [cite: The patent itself, section "Legal status"]

This expiration date is critical, especially in patent families with continuation or divisional applications, for assessing potential obviousness-type double patenting (ODP) issues. If a patent has a terminal disclaimer, the expiration date specified in the disclaimer governs, and PTA does not extend the term beyond that disclaimed date. The provided text does not explicitly mention a terminal disclaimer for US10946284, but its presence would affect the final expiration.