US 11134316

US Patent 11134316B1 provides methods, systems, and computer-readable media for integrated shopping and social interaction within long-form entertainment.

Here's a concise summary:

• Title: Integrated shopping within long-form entertainment
• Assignee: Shopsee Inc.
• Inventors: Charley Pavlosky, Traci Gilland, Tony Fannin, Eric Wickens, John Patrick Wooton
• Filing Date: 2017-12-27
• Issue Date: 2021-09-28
• Abstract: The invention describes a computer-implemented method for processing video media, specifically long-form entertainment, to generate one or more interactive video layers. This processing involves associating product information with objects within video frames, thereby forming "items of interest." This product information, which can include images, names, and descriptions, can be time-sensitive and geographically targeted. The method also includes tracking these items throughout the video and assigning selectable visual indicators. Furthermore, the invention encompasses a social media layer for user interaction and a third interactive layer providing deeper immersion into the entertainment's environment, including games, bonus content, and merchandise. These interactive layers aim to provide a seamless entertainment and marketing experience, immune to ad blocking, by allowing users to purchase items or engage socially without interrupting the viewing experience.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent includes multiple independent claims covering different aspects of the invention:

• Claim 1 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for delivering video data that integrates two interactive layers to a user. The user can choose to turn these layers on or off. The first layer is an interactive video layer (e.g., for shopping), and the second is another interactive video layer (e.g., for social media).

  • Plain-Language Overview: A method where a system provides video content with a selectable shopping layer and a social media layer. Viewers can enable or disable these interactive layers to enhance their viewing and purchasing or social experience.

• Claim 16 (Method Claim): This claim details a method for creating and distributing the interactive shopping and social media layers. It involves receiving video media, identifying objects within it, associating product information with these objects to create "items of interest," tracking these items, and assigning selectable visual indicators. Both the interactive shopping layer and a social media layer are then provided for distribution with the video.

  • Plain-Language Overview: A method for making video content interactive by automatically or manually identifying objects in the video, linking them to product information, and tracking them. This creates a shopping layer with clickable indicators. Additionally, a social media layer is integrated, and both are distributed alongside the video.

• Claim 20 (Computer-Readable Medium Claim): This claim covers a computer-readable medium (e.g., software) that, when executed by a processor, performs the steps outlined in Claim 1. That is, it enables the generation and provision of video data with interactive shopping and social layers, allowing users to control their display.

  • Plain-Language Overview: Computer software or data stored on a medium that, when run, makes a system deliver video with an interactive shopping layer and a social media layer, allowing users to choose whether to view them or not.

• Claim 35 (Computer-Readable Medium Claim): This claim covers a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, performs the steps outlined in Claim 16. Specifically, it involves the processes of receiving, processing, associating, tracking, assigning, and providing the interactive shopping and social media layers with the video media.

  • Plain-Language Overview: Computer software or data on a storage medium that, when executed, processes video to identify items, link them to product information, track them, and create clickable shopping indicators. It also includes the functionality to integrate and provide a social media layer, all delivered with the video.

• Claim 36 (Computer-Implemented System Claim): This claim describes a computer-implemented system configured to perform the actions defined in Claim 16. The system comprises a digital processing device with a processor, operating system, memory, and a computer program with software modules for receiving video, processing it to generate the interactive shopping layer (associating product info, tracking, assigning indicators), and providing both the shopping and social media layers for distribution.

  • Plain-Language Overview: A computer system, including hardware and software, designed to take video, identify items within it, link those items to product details, track them, and create a clickable shopping experience. This system also integrates a social media function, distributing both interactive layers alongside the video content to viewers.

Litigation Dockets (CAFC 2026):

As of April 26, 2026, direct dockets for US Patent 11134316 specifically before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in 2026 are not explicitly identified in the search results. However, there are ongoing related legal actions:

• District Court Cases:

  • A case, Shopsee, Inc. v. TikTok Inc., No. 7:24-cv-00333, was filed in the Texas Western District Court. This case was later transferred to the California Northern District Court as ShopSee, Inc. v. TikTok, Inc. 3:25cv07759. A jury selection and trial for this case is set for October 5, 2026.
  • Another US case, 3:26-cv-00703, was filed in the California Northern District Court.

• PTAB Cases:

  • An Inter Partes Review (IPR) case, IPR2025-01485 (TikTok, Inc. v. ShopSee, Inc.), concerning US11134316B1 was filed on September 3, 2025, and terminated on January 16, 2026, without institution (procedural denial). The patent owner, ShopSee, Inc., had argued against institution based on factors like TikTok's delay in filing the petition after being sued and national security interests related to TikTok.

While these district court cases and PTAB proceedings could potentially lead to appeals at the CAFC, the search results do not currently show any active CAFC dockets for US11134316 in 2026.