US 12133078

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 12133078:

Patent Number: US12133078B2

Title: System and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of an electronic device

Assignee: Yondr Inc

Inventors: Graham Dugoni

Filing Date: March 14, 2024

Issue Date: October 29, 2024

Abstract: A system and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of a mobile electronic device are provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be a case sized to receive a mobile electronic device, the case having a locking means to at least partially secure an opening thereof. When engaged, the locking means may be physically impenetrable by the user of the mobile electronic device and may further be configured to engage and disengage in the presence of one or more pre-determined conditions. For example, the lock may engage when the case is detected within a certain geographical region or even during a specified time. It is contemplated that providing disclosed systems and apparatuses may reduce undesirable behavior at communal events by eliminating distractions posed by mobile electronic devices and preventing unauthorized recordings, which together may enhance overall engagement at and enjoyment of such events.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Case for limiting control based on geographic region): This claim describes a case designed to hold a mobile device. It has a shell with an opening and a lock near that opening. When locked, the mobile device inside becomes at least partially inaccessible. The key feature is that this lock is configured to unlock only when a specific, pre-determined condition related to a geographic region is met.
• Claim 9 (Case for securing opening based on geographic region): Similar to Claim 1, this claim also describes a case for a mobile device with a shell and a lock. The lock is positioned to at least partially secure the opening, making the device at least partially inaccessible when locked. This lock is also configured to unlock based on a pre-determined condition associated with a geographical region.
• Claim 15 (System with case and geographically-triggered lock): This claim describes a system that includes a case for a mobile electronic device. The case has a front and rear panel secured together to form an opening. A lock is near this opening and, when engaged, prevents the user from accessing the mobile electronic device. This lock is designed to remain locked until a pre-determined condition is met, specifically when the case is physically outside of a defined geographical region.

Litigation:
As of April 26, 2026, direct CAFC 2026 dockets for patent US12133078B2 were not found in the search results. However, the Google Patents information for US12133078B2 indicates active litigation. This includes:

• A PTAB case, PGR2025-00070, which has been filed and marked as a settlement.
• A US case filed in the Texas Western District Court (case number 1:24-cv-01326).
• A US case filed in the California Central District Court (case number 2:24-cv-09311).
  The legal status of the patent is "Active".