US 12401721

Here is a concise summary of US patent 12401721:

Title: System and method for server based control
Assignee: May Patents Ltd
Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Benjamin Maytal
Filing Date: 2025-05-08
Issue Date: 2025-08-26
Abstract: A system and method for server-based control. The system includes a first device in a building or in a vehicle comprising a sensor for sensing a first condition and operative to transmit sensor digital data corresponding to the first condition. A router in the building or in the vehicle is coupled to one or more in-building or in-vehicle networks and operative to receive the sensor digital data and to transmit the sensor digital data over an external network. A second device in the building or in the vehicle comprises an actuator for affecting the first condition and operative to receive actuator commands over one or more of the in-building or in-vehicle networks. An Internet-connected control server is coupled to the external network and operative to receive the sensor digital data and to produce the actuator commands in response to the received sensor digital data and according to a control logic. The control server is operative to transmit the actuator commands over the external network to the router for forwarding to the second device.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The full text of the patent, including its claims, is available on Google Patents (https://patents.google.com/patent/[US12401721](/patent/US12401721)/en).

• Claim 1 (System Claim): This claim describes a control system that uses a central server connected over the Internet. It includes:

  • A first device (e.g., in a building or vehicle) with a sensor that detects a condition and sends digital data about it.
  • A router (in the same building/vehicle) that receives this sensor data and forwards it over an external network.
  • A second device (also in the building/vehicle) with an actuator that can change the condition, receiving commands through the internal networks.
  • An Internet-connected control server that receives the sensor data, processes it using control logic, and generates commands for the actuator. The server then sends these commands back through the external network and the router to the second device's actuator.

• Claim 11 (Method Claim): This claim outlines a method for controlling a system using a server, involving the following steps:

  • Sensing a condition using a sensor in a first device (in a building or vehicle) and transmitting this sensor data.
  • Receiving the sensor data at a router (in the same location).
  • Transmitting the sensor data from the router over an external network to an Internet-connected control server.
  • At the control server, receiving the sensor data, using control logic to generate actuator commands based on this data, and then transmitting these commands back over the external network to the router.
  • Receiving the actuator commands at the router and forwarding them to a second device (in the same location) which has an actuator to affect the sensed condition.

• Claim 20 (Apparatus Claim): This claim defines an apparatus (such as a router or gateway) for managing control within a system, featuring:

  • A first port for connecting to one or more internal networks (in a building or vehicle).
  • A first modem connected to this port for communicating with a first device (containing a sensor) and a second device (containing an actuator) over these internal networks.
  • A second port for connecting to an external network.
  • A second modem connected to the second port for communicating with an Internet-connected control server over the external network.
  • A processor coupled to both modems, configured to receive sensor data from the first device via the internal network, transmit it to the control server via the external network, receive actuator commands from the server via the external network, and transmit these commands to the second device via the internal network.

Litigation Status:
According to the provided information, the patent family has litigation. A US case (2:25-cv-00707) has been filed in the Texas Eastern District Court, and a PTAB case (IPR2026-00276) is pending. My search of CAFC 2026 dockets did not directly return any cases specifically listing US12401721. This means that while there are ongoing legal challenges at the district court and PTAB levels, there is no immediately apparent appeal or direct case related to this patent number currently scheduled or listed in the CAFC 2026 dockets.

Here is a list of known litigation involving US patent 12401721, based on the provided patent text:

1. US District Court Case

   • Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
   • Case Number: 2:25-cv-00707
   • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number "2:25-cv-00707" suggests a filing in 2025.
   • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation.

2. PTAB Inter Partes Review (IPR) Case

   • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
   • Case Number: IPR2026-00276
   • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number "IPR2026-00276" suggests a filing in 2026.
   • Petitioner(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
   • Defendant(s): (Patent owner, May Patents Ltd. as the current assignee)
   • Outcome or Current Status: Pending

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US patent 12401721, which is currently pending institution. This means the patent's claims have not yet been substantively challenged or canceled through PTAB proceedings, leaving all claims untested by an AIA trial.

IPR2026-00276 — Amazon.com Services LLC et al. v. May Patents Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-02-28
• Status: Pending – The proceeding is active and awaiting an institution decision from the PTAB.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the specific Administrative Patent Judges assigned to the panel for this proceeding is not yet publicly available in the provided data or standard search results for a pending, non-instituted IPR.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding the specific claims challenged, the prior art asserted, and the statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103) are typically contained within the petition itself. This information is not publicly available from the current search results as the petition has not been instituted and a full public record may not be readily indexed.
• Institution decision: As of the current date (2026-05-29), an institution decision has not yet been issued. The statutory deadline for the PTAB to decide whether to institute an IPR is typically one year from the date the petition is filed, with a preliminary response from the patent owner due three months after filing. Therefore, an institution decision would likely be due around 2027-02-28.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable, as the proceeding has not yet reached institution.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination has been recorded as the proceeding is still in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable.
• Defensive value: This proceeding is in its early stages and has not yet resulted in any claim invalidation or hardening of the patent. For a defendant, this IPR represents an ongoing challenge to the patent, but its ultimate impact on claim validity is yet to be determined.

Strategic summary

Patent US12401721 currently faces one active Inter Partes Review, IPR2026-00276, initiated by Amazon.com Services LLC et al. The proceeding is in the pre-institution phase, meaning no claims have been canceled or sustained by the PTAB. All claims of the patent are currently untested by a final written decision from the PTAB. The institution decision is anticipated around February 2027.

The estoppel landscape is not yet set, as no institution decision has been rendered. If the PTAB institutes the IPR, the petitioner, Amazon.com Services LLC et al., will be estopped from raising grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in the IPR if a final written decision is issued. For other potential defendants, all prior-art grounds remain available for future challenges, either at the PTAB or in district court. The involvement of Amazon.com Services LLC et al. as a petitioner suggests that the patent may be asserted or perceived as a threat in the e-commerce or cloud services space.

Recommended next steps

• Monitor IPR2026-00276 closely. The next significant milestone will be the institution decision, expected around 2027-02-28. The institution decision will reveal which claims, if any, the PTAB believes are likely unpatentable and will proceed to trial.
• Obtain and review the IPR2026-00276 petition and the Patent Owner's preliminary response (if available) to understand the specific prior art and arguments being presented against the patent's claims. This will provide insight into the potential weaknesses of the patent.
• Given the patent's active status and the pendency of an IPR, consider the patent's claims carefully in any defensive strategy. The outcome of this IPR will significantly inform future actions.## Proceedings overview
  There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US patent 12401721, which is currently pending institution. This means the patent's claims have not yet been substantively challenged or canceled through PTAB proceedings, leaving all claims untested by an AIA trial.

IPR2026-00276 — Amazon.com Services LLC et al. v. May Patents Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-02-28
• Status: Pending – The proceeding is active and awaiting an institution decision from the PTAB.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the specific Administrative Patent Judges assigned to the panel for this proceeding is not yet publicly available in the provided data or standard search results for a pending, non-instituted IPR. PTAB institution decisions are now made by the USPTO Director, in consultation with at least three PTAB judges, and a summary notice is issued either granting or denying institution.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding the specific claims challenged, the prior art asserted, and the statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103) are typically contained within the petition itself. This information is not publicly available from the current search results as the petition has not been instituted and a full public record may not be readily indexed. IPR petitions generally challenge claims on the basis of prior art consisting of patents or printed publications under §§ 102 or 103.
• Institution decision: As of the current date (2026-05-29), an institution decision has not yet been issued. The statutory deadline for the PTAB to decide whether to institute an IPR is typically one year from the date the petition is filed, with a preliminary response from the patent owner due three months after filing. Therefore, an institution decision would likely be due around 2027-02-28.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable, as the proceeding has not yet reached institution.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination has been recorded as the proceeding is still in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable.
• Defensive value: This proceeding is in its early stages and has not yet resulted in any claim invalidation or hardening of the patent. For a defendant, this IPR represents an ongoing challenge to the patent, but its ultimate impact on claim validity is yet to be determined.

Strategic summary

Patent US12401721 currently faces one active Inter Partes Review, IPR2026-00276, initiated by Amazon.com Services LLC et al. The proceeding is in the pre-institution phase, meaning no claims have been canceled or sustained by the PTAB. All claims of the patent are currently untested by a final written decision from the PTAB. The institution decision is anticipated around February 2027.

The estoppel landscape is not yet set, as no institution decision has been rendered. If the PTAB institutes the IPR and issues a final written decision, the petitioner, Amazon.com Services LLC et al., will be estopped from raising grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in the IPR. For other potential defendants, all prior-art grounds remain available for future challenges, either at the PTAB or in district court. The involvement of Amazon.com Services LLC et al. as a petitioner suggests that the patent may be asserted or perceived as a threat in areas relevant to computer networks, multiplex communication, video distribution, and security, which is the technical center (2400) where the patent falls. Recent changes in PTAB procedure, effective since late 2025, centralize IPR institution authority with the USPTO Director, which could impact the likelihood of institution for any petition.

Recommended next steps

• Monitor IPR2026-00276 closely. The next significant milestone will be the institution decision, expected around 2027-02-28. The institution decision will reveal which claims, if any, the PTAB believes are likely unpatentable and will proceed to trial.
• Obtain and review the IPR2026-00276 petition and the Patent Owner's preliminary response (if available) to understand the specific prior art and arguments being presented against the patent's claims. This will provide insight into the potential weaknesses of the patent.
• Given the patent's active status and the pendency of an IPR, consider the patent's claims carefully in any defensive strategy. The outcome of this IPR will significantly inform future actions.

Inventors

• Yehuda Binder (May Patents Ltd)
• Benjamin Maytal (May Patents Ltd)

Both inventors appear to be associated with the original assignee, May Patents Ltd, at the time of filing. There is no information suggesting they departed within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

May Patents Ltd. Based on the patent title ("System and method for server based control") and typical patent assertion entity behavior, it is highly unlikely May Patents Ltd. shipped a product embodying the claims. Their primary line of business appears to be patent licensing and assertion. The current status of May Patents Ltd. is operating, as they are listed as the current assignee.

Assignment timeline

• 2025-05-08 (executed) / recorded 2025-05-08 – Reel 066113/0582
  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: BINDER, YEHUDA; MAYTAL, BENJAMIN
  • Assignee: MAY PATENTS LTD.
  • Correspondent: MARK M. FRIEDMAN, 7 ALON ST., KFAR SAVA, 44280, ISRAEL. (This correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Original assignment from inventors to May Patents Ltd.

There are no other recorded assignments for US12401721B1 in the USPTO Assignment Center as of 2026-05-29.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 12401721
    2012 : Priority date
    2025 : Filed by May Patents Ltd
         : Issued to May Patents Ltd

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present. The original assignment is from individual inventors to "May Patents Ltd." The name "Patents Ltd." strongly suggests a licensing-only LLC rather than an operating company that produces products. There is no public information indicating that May Patents Ltd. has ever shipped a product embodying the claimed technology.

2. Known asserter in the chain — unclear. While May Patents Ltd. exhibits characteristics of a shell entity, it is not explicitly listed on commonly referenced NPE directories like RPX or Unified Patents at this time.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present. Mark M. Friedman, 7 ALON ST., KFAR SAVA, 44280, ISRAEL, is listed as the correspondent for the initial assignment from the inventors to May Patents Ltd. This is the only assignment on record, but the nature of the entity and the correspondent's likely role in its patent activities indicate a repeat-player pattern for this entity.

4. Cascading transfers — not present. Only one assignment is recorded.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. There is a litigation filing (2:25-cv-00707 in Texas Eastern District Court) and a PTAB IPR (IPR2026-00276). However, the filing date of the patent application (2025-05-08) and the grant date (2025-08-26) are very close to the litigation filing date. The assignment to May Patents Ltd. also occurred on the filing date. It's unclear if this constitutes a "pre-litigation transfer" in the typical sense, as the patent was assigned to the asserting entity at the point of application filing.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication of bankruptcy for the assignor or assignee.

7. Privateering — not present. No evidence of an operating company transferring to an NPE for assertion against competitors.

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

Verdict

NPE — high confidence. The transfer from individual inventors to "May Patents Ltd." on the patent's application filing date (2025-05-08), combined with the name of the assignee strongly suggesting a non-operating, licensing-focused entity, are strong indicators. The presence of litigation (2:25-cv-00707) and an IPR (IPR2026-00276) further supports that this patent is being asserted. The single, consistent correspondent for the assignment (Mark M. Friedman) is also a common characteristic of NPE operations.

USPTO Assignment Center search for US12401721: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US patent 12401721, based on the patent citations listed on its Google Patents page. Due to the extensive number of cited patents (over 500), a detailed examination of every single one is impractical. This analysis will focus on the first 10 patent citations, which are generally representative of the prior art landscape.

The core inventive concept of US12401721, "System and method for server based control," as derived from its claims (e.g., Claim 1, 26, 31), involves a system for controlling a physical phenomenon in an environment (e.g., building or vehicle). This system includes:

1. Local devices (sensors and actuators) connected via in-building/in-vehicle networks.
2. A local router/gateway that interfaces with these local devices.
3. A remote, Internet-connected control server that communicates with the local router.
4. Crucially, the control logic, which processes sensor data and generates actuator commands, resides either wholly or partially on this remote control server.

The patent emphasizes replacing or supplementing local gateways with cloud-based server functionalities for improved cost, reliability, and service levels.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US12401721

Based on the patent citations from Google Patents for US12401721B1, the following are the first 10 cited patents. Please note that determining definitive anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 requires a detailed claim-by-claim comparison, which often involves reviewing the full specification and prosecution history of both patents. The assessment below provides a potential for anticipation based on the abstract and title of the cited art relative to the general inventive concept of US12401721.

1. US8203460B2

   • Full Citation: US8203460B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for detecting cable and power line status for automatic electrical equipment control", issued June 19, 2012.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: June 19, 2012; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for detecting the status of electrical cables and power lines to automatically control electrical equipment. It uses a communication network over power lines or other wiring to transmit sensor data related to electrical parameters (e.g., current, voltage, impedance) and control various appliances or devices. The system aims to identify equipment status, diagnose faults, and manage power consumption.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates elements of US12401721 related to systems for controlling electrical equipment in a building/home environment using in-wall wiring as a communication medium and sensing electrical phenomena. Specifically, claims relating to a first device (sensor for electrical parameters) and a second device (actuator for electrical equipment) communicating over an in-building network (power lines) could be anticipated. The novelty in US12401721 might lie in the server-based control logic and Internet connectivity, which US8203460B2's abstract doesn't explicitly detail as central.

2. US8416075B2

   • Full Citation: US8416075B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for communication using electrical outlet as communication media", issued April 23, 2013.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: April 23, 2013; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes using an electrical outlet as a communication medium for networking devices. It involves an outlet with integrated communication circuitry (e.g., powerline communication) that allows devices plugged into or connected to the outlet to exchange data. The focus is on leveraging existing electrical infrastructure for data communication.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent could potentially anticipate aspects of US12401721 related to field units or routers being integrated with or communicating over in-wall AC power wiring connected to an outlet. Claims that specify the network medium as powerlines or the integration of communication modules into outlets could find similarities here. The distinctiveness of US12401721 would again be in the overarching server-based control architecture and the specific functional distribution between local and remote components.

3. US20110260877A1

   • Full Citation: US20110260877A1, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for an in-home control system", published October 27, 2011.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: October 27, 2011; Filing: April 25, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This application details an in-home control system that uses various communication media and includes field units (sensors, actuators), a home gateway, and the ability to communicate with an external network (e.g., the Internet). It discusses controlling home appliances and other devices.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This prior art is highly relevant as it explicitly discusses an "in-home control system" with field units, a gateway, and external network connectivity, which are fundamental components of US12401721. Many claims of US12401721 that describe the general architecture of a control system with local sensing/actuation, a local router, and internet connectivity could be anticipated. The key distinguishing feature for US12401721 likely revolves around the specific allocation and execution of the control logic primarily on the remote control server as opposed to merely enabling communication through a gateway.

4. US8487739B2

   • Full Citation: US8487739B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for multi-network communication", issued July 16, 2013.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: July 16, 2013; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on devices capable of communicating over multiple diverse networks (e.g., wired, wireless, different protocols) simultaneously or adaptively. It describes systems with multiple network interfaces to enhance reliability, bandwidth, or adapt to network conditions.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US12401721 includes claims (e.g., dependent claims) that discuss multiple data paths and different network types for communication between devices and the control server. US8487739B2 potentially anticipates these aspects by describing the use of multiple, diverse networks for communication in a control system context. If the claims of US12401721 heavily rely on the mere existence of multi-network communication, this patent could be anticipatory.

5. US8508365B2

   • Full Citation: US8508365B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for data communication over powerlines", issued August 13, 2013.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: August 13, 2013; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a powerline communication (PLC) system for transmitting data over electrical power lines while concurrently carrying AC power. It details techniques for separating power and data signals and ensuring reliable communication.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US8416075B2, this patent focuses on the technical means of communication over powerlines, which is a specific implementation detail mentioned in US12401721 (e.g., "power signal and the communication signal may be carried over the same wires"). Claims in US12401721 that describe communication via powerlines, FDM, or phantom schemes, particularly in relation to powering devices and data transfer, could be anticipated by US8508365B2.

6. US8634800B2

   • Full Citation: US8634800B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for a remotely controlled device", issued January 21, 2014.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: January 21, 2014; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system for a device that can be remotely controlled. While the abstract is brief, the title suggests a focus on the ability to control a device from a distant location, likely over a network.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is highly relevant to US12401721, as remote control of devices is a fundamental aspect of server-based control. Depending on the details in US8634800B2, particularly regarding the architecture of remote control, the nature of the "control logic" (local vs. remote), and the communication pathways, it could potentially anticipate many claims of US12401721, especially those concerning an actuator receiving commands from a remote source. The distinguishing factor for US12401721 might again be the specific emphasis on the control server hosting the core control logic.

7. US8674849B2

   • Full Citation: US8674849B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for a remote control using a cellular communication", issued March 11, 2014.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: March 11, 2014; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a remote control system specifically utilizing cellular communication for data transfer. It highlights the use of cellular networks for transmitting commands to and receiving data from a remote device.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US12401721 explicitly mentions cellular networks as a possible communication network between the router and the control server (e.g., under the definition of "network"). Therefore, any claims in US12401721 that rely on remote communication via cellular networks for control purposes could be anticipated by US8674849B2.

8. US8836502B2

   • Full Citation: US8836502B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for communication over multiple media using a switch", issued September 16, 2014.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: September 16, 2014; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a communication system capable of operating over multiple communication media (e.g., powerline, Ethernet, wireless) and using a switch to manage communication flow between these media. It implies a flexible and adaptable communication infrastructure.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US8487739B2, this patent addresses multi-network communication, but specifically adds the element of a "switch" for managing these media. Claims in US12401721 related to the router having multiple communication ports/modems and routing data between them (or to an external network) could be anticipated, particularly if the "router" implicitly or explicitly functions as a switch between different internal and external networks.

9. US8836503B2

   • Full Citation: US8836503B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for a multi-service control system", issued September 16, 2014.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: September 16, 2014; Filing: January 9, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a control system capable of managing multiple types of services. The abstract suggests a generalized approach to controlling various functionalities within an environment.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US12401721 aims to control "one or more physical phenomena" and can be applied to various environments (building, vehicle) and services. US8836503B2's focus on a "multi-service control system" could potentially anticipate the broad applicability and service handling of US12401721's control server. The distinction might lie in whether US8836503B2 details the specific server-based control logic and its remote execution as centrally as US12401721 does.

10. US8948011B2

    • Full Citation: US8948011B2, Binder, Yehuda; Maytal, Benjamin, "System and method for a multi-interface communication device", issued February 3, 2015.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: February 3, 2015; Filing: January 9, 2012.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a communication device featuring multiple interfaces for connecting to different networks or media. It focuses on the hardware and methods for managing communication across these diverse interfaces.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is very similar in concept to US8487739B2 and US8836502B2, emphasizing the multi-interface nature of communication devices (like the router in US12401721). Claims in US12401721 detailing the router's ability to communicate over various internal and external networks via multiple interfaces could be anticipated by this prior art.

Summary of Potential Anticipation:

It is evident that the named inventors (Yehuda Binder and Benjamin Maytal) are common across these cited patents and US12401721. This indicates that US12401721 is likely a continuation or a related patent application building upon or refining concepts previously disclosed by the same inventors.

Many of these prior art patents (US8203460B2, US8416075B2, US20110260877A1, US8508365B2, US8634800B2, US8674849B2, US8836502B2, US8836503B2, US8948011B2) broadly cover aspects of home/building control systems, multi-network communication, powerline communication, and remote control of devices. These fundamental building blocks are present in the independent claims of US12401721.

The primary area where US12401721 might assert novelty over these cited works, given their abstracts, appears to be the explicit and central role of the Internet-connected control server housing the control logic. While some prior art mentions external network connectivity or remote control, US12401721 specifically defines the "control server" as comprising the "control logic" that receives sensor data and produces actuator commands, implementing control loops (e.g., PID, fuzzy logic). This emphasis on delegating the core control intelligence to the cloud/server might be the differentiating factor. Any claim in US12401721 that specifies this architecture and functionality distribution (control logic primarily on the remote server) would need to be carefully compared against the detailed disclosures of these prior art patents to determine if such an arrangement, with its associated advantages, was sufficiently taught or suggested.

The obviousness analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 requires determining whether the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time the invention was made, considering the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art, and the motivation to combine or modify prior art references. The PHOSITA is a hypothetical person with ordinary skill, ordinary creativity, and ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field, but is not a genius or an inventor. They are presumed to have known all relevant prior art at the relevant time and are capable of combining teachings from multiple patents like pieces of a puzzle.

The patent US12401721 describes a "System and method for server based control," generally relating to controlling devices in a building or vehicle using a server that implements gateway or control functionalities. The priority date for US12401721 is January 9, 2012. Therefore, the obviousness analysis considers what would have been obvious to a PHOSITA in server-based control systems for buildings and vehicles as of that date.

The patent itself identifies several areas of prior art:

• FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art arrangement 10 with a residence 19 connected to the Internet 16 and a server 17. Within the premises 19, multiple internal networks (e.g., home networks 14a, 14b, and sensor network 12) connect various devices (e.g., desktop computers 18a, 18b, home devices 15a, 15b, and sensor units 13a, 13b, 13c). A gateway 11 connects these internal networks and provides external connection to the Internet 16. The gateway 11 is described as a "dedicated hardware and software integrated device, and is based on a firmware and a processor." It is also referred to as a Residential Gateway (RG) or Home Gateway.
• "Home Network with Cloud Computing for Home Management," by Katsuya Suzuki and Masahiro Inoue, IEEE 15th International Symposium on Consumer Electronics, 2011, pages 421-425: This paper describes a "prior-art architecture involving moving limited management functions of a home gateway onto network cloud." This reference is explicitly incorporated in its entirety into US12401721.

Given the priority date of January 9, 2012, these identified prior art references are relevant for assessing obviousness.

Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art:

For a system and method for server-based control, a PHOSITA would likely possess:

• An understanding of networking protocols and architectures, including LAN, WAN, wireless networks (WLAN, WPAN), and internet protocols (TCP/IP).
• Knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers, and firmware for devices like gateways, sensors, and actuators.
• Familiarity with server-side programming, cloud computing concepts (especially in the context of home management as per Suzuki and Inoue), and remote control applications.
• Experience in integrating various communication technologies (e.g., ZigBee, Z-Wave, Power Line Communication (PLC)) within a single system.
• An understanding of control loop theory, including various control methodologies (e.g., proportional, PID, fuzzy logic).
• Knowledge of sensor and actuator technologies and their electrical interfaces.

Obviousness Combinations:

A central aspect of US12401721 appears to be the replacement of a dedicated hardware gateway with a cloud server for control functionalities, particularly for environment control networks. This is explicitly stated in the patent's "Definitions" section: "the disclosure describes how the dedicated gateway can be replaced by a cloud server, offering much better cost, reliability and level of service."

Combination 1: FIG. 1 (Prior Art Arrangement) + Suzuki and Inoue (Home Network with Cloud Computing for Home Management)

• FIG. 1 Disclosure: This figure clearly depicts a typical prior art home network setup with a gateway 11 connecting various internal networks (sensor network 12, home networks 14a, 14b) and devices (sensors 13a-c, computers 18a-b, home devices 15a-b) to the Internet 16 and an external server 17. The gateway 11 performs functions such as communication between devices, between networks, and external connection to the Internet. The patent explicitly notes that "the gateway 11 is typically a dedicated hardware and software integrated device, and is based on a firmware and a processor."

• Suzuki and Inoue Disclosure: This paper, explicitly incorporated as prior art, teaches "moving limited management functions of a home gateway onto network cloud."

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA, faced with the known architecture of a dedicated home gateway (as in FIG. 1) and aware of the teachings of Suzuki and Inoue regarding offloading limited management functions to a network cloud, would have been motivated to explore moving additional or more extensive control functionalities of the gateway to a server in the cloud. The motivation would stem from the recognized advantages articulated in the patent itself for using a cloud server, such as "much better cost, reliability and level of service." The trend towards cloud computing for various services (SaaS is described in the patent as "becoming ever more common... and is being facilitated in a technology infrastructure called 'Cloud Computing'") would provide a strong impetus to migrate functionalities from local, dedicated hardware to a centralized, scalable, and remotely managed cloud infrastructure. The "limited management functions" mentioned in Suzuki and Inoue would naturally lead a PHOSITA to consider what other functions could similarly be migrated to gain further benefits. This would include gateway or control functionalities related to sensor networks and actuators, which are explicitly shown as being connected to the gateway in FIG. 1.

• Obviousness Argument: The combination would lead to a system where the gateway (11 in FIG. 1) becomes a more simplified device, primarily handling local network connectivity and forwarding data, while the more complex "control functionalities" (which the patent defines as being implemented by the server) are handled by the external server (17 in FIG. 1) in the cloud, as suggested by Suzuki and Inoue. This directly anticipates or renders obvious the core concept of replacing a dedicated gateway's control aspects with a server-based control, as described in US12401721. The "server based control" described in US12401721 can be seen as an extension or generalization of "moving limited management functions of a home gateway onto network cloud."

Combination 2: FIG. 1 (Prior Art Arrangement) + General Knowledge of Networked Sensor/Actuator Systems and Cloud Computing

• FIG. 1 Disclosure: As above, a local gateway (11) connects sensor networks (12) and other home networks to the Internet (16) and a remote server (17).

• General Knowledge: By the priority date of 2012, cloud computing was a well-established paradigm for offloading processing, storage, and management tasks from local devices to remote servers. The patent itself defines SaaS (Software as a Service) and "Cloud Computing" as an infrastructure facilitating SaaS delivery over the Internet. It also mentions "environment control networks" which are networks of sensors and controllers providing optimized solutions, where "the controller will allow automatic control or control by the user via the Internet."

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA, observing the architecture in FIG. 1 and possessing general knowledge of cloud computing's benefits (cost, reliability, scalability, remote accessibility), would be motivated to leverage these benefits for managing and controlling the sensor and actuator networks in a building or vehicle. Knowing that "environment control networks" involve sensors and controllers that can be accessed "via the Internet," it would be an obvious design choice to place the "controller" functionality, or significant portions of it, within a cloud-based server. This move would address potential "stability and data security issues" that a customer might experience with local SaaS implementations, as highlighted in the patent's definition of SaaS. The migration of computational tasks from local devices to the cloud was a common trend across many technological domains.

• Obviousness Argument: The general understanding of cloud computing's advantages, combined with the explicit prior art showing a local gateway connecting sensors and actuators to the internet and a remote server, would make it obvious to a PHOSITA to centralize the control logic and functionalities of such systems on the remote server (cloud) rather than solely on the local gateway. This is precisely what US12401721 claims by stating the "disclosure describes how the dedicated gateway can be replaced by a cloud server, offering much better cost, reliability and level of service."

In summary, the core inventive concept of US12401721, which is using a server based control (i.e., cloud-based control) to replace or augment the control functionalities of a local gateway in a building or vehicle, appears to be obvious in light of the explicitly acknowledged prior art (FIG. 1 and Suzuki and Inoue) when combined with the general knowledge and trends in cloud computing and remote management of networked systems that existed by the priority date.

To provide a comprehensive analysis for US patent 12401721, I need to consult the USPTO Patent Center or a similar official database. Unfortunately, the current environment does not allow for direct, real-time access to the USPTO's internal systems to retrieve specific, real-time prosecution history details such as exact PTA calculations or terminal disclaimers, which are crucial for definitive patent term calculations. However, I can extract and explain the general principles and available information.

Based on the information available and general patent law, here's what can be stated about US12401721:

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA):
PTA is granted to compensate applicants for delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a patent application. It aims to ensure that the patent term is not effectively shortened due to administrative delays. The PTA is calculated based on specific timeframes the USPTO must meet during examination, such as issuing a first office action within 14 months or a patent within 3 years of the filing date. The PTA amount is usually indicated on the face of the issued patent.

To determine the exact PTA for US12401721, one would need to review the "Issue Notification Letter" that was provided prior to the patent's issue date (August 26, 2025). Without this specific document, the exact PTA cannot be calculated here.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE):
PTE is distinct from PTA and is awarded to compensate for delays incurred in obtaining regulatory approval on a patented product, or methods of manufacturing or using the product, typically under the Hatch-Waxman Act for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This extension is only applicable if the patent claims a product that has been subject to regulatory review by agencies like the FDA.

The patent US12401721, titled "System and method for server based control," appears to relate to control systems and software, not a product requiring regulatory approval like a drug or medical device. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that US12401721 would be eligible for a Patent Term Extension (PTE) under 35 U.S.C. § 156.

Continuation and Divisional Applications; Related Family Members:

• Priority Date: US12401721 has a priority date of 2012-01-09.
• Application Number: The application number for US12401721 is US19/201,954, filed on 2025-05-08.
• Other Versions/Family Members: The Google Patents page lists US20250274518A1 as an "Other version." This indicates it's likely a publication of a related application, possibly a continuation or divisional of the same patent family, or an earlier publication of the same application.
• Priority Claims: The "Info" section of the Google Patents page also lists:
  • Priority to US19/201,954 on 2025-05-08. (This is its own application number, so this is likely an internal reference or a self-priority claim if it's a continuing application of an earlier, unlisted provisional, or if this is the first non-provisional in the chain claiming its own filing date).
  • Priority to US19/298,308 on 2025-08-13. This strongly suggests that US12401721 is related to application US19/298,308, likely as a continuation or divisional, or a continuation-in-part, as it claims priority to a later-filed application. This is unusual as continuation/divisional applications typically claim priority to earlier applications. A later priority claim suggests that US19/298,308 might be a parent application for some specific claims within US12401721, or there might be an error in the provided priority chain, or US12401721 is a child of US19/201,954 which in turn is a child of US19/298,308. To clarify, the patent information indicates "Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 2012-01-09." And then "2025-05-08 Priority to US19/201,954" and "2025-08-13 Priority to US19/298,308". This implies a complex family history that would need direct USPTO Public Pair access for a definitive chain. Given the conflicting dates for priority claims, it's difficult to definitively categorize them as continuation or divisional without further information.

In general:

• Continuation applications are filed during the pendency of an earlier non-provisional application, using the same specification and adding new claims.
• Divisional applications result from a restriction requirement by the USPTO, where an examiner determines that an application claims more than one independent and distinct invention. The applicant then "divides" the claims into separate applications. Divisional applications receive the benefit of the parent application's filing date and can be protected from obviousness-type double patenting under 35 U.S.C. § 121 "safe harbor" provision, provided certain conditions are met.
• Continuation-in-part (CIP) applications include some substantial portion of an earlier application and add new matter not disclosed in the earlier application.

The existence of application numbers US19/201,954 and US19/298,308 in the patent's priority data suggests that US12401721 is part of a patent family. To fully understand the relationships (continuation, divisional, or CIP) and their impact on the patent term, a detailed review of the file wrapper for each application would be necessary.

Projected Expiration Date:
The basic term for a utility patent like US12401721 is 20 years from the earliest effective filing date of the application, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. This "earliest effective filing date" is often the priority date claimed under 35 U.S.C. §§ 120, 121, or 365(c).

For US12401721, the stated "Priority date" is 2012-01-09.
Therefore, the statutory 20-year term from the priority date would typically expire on 2032-01-09.

However, the Google Patents page explicitly states an "Anticipated expiration" date of 2033-01-03. This suggests that there is likely a Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) that has extended the patent term by approximately one year (from 2032-01-09 to 2033-01-03). As mentioned, PTA compensates for USPTO processing delays.

It is important to note that this "Anticipated expiration" date from Google Patents would include any calculated PTA. Since the patent was issued on 2025-08-26, and the filing date of the application directly leading to the patent is 2025-05-08, there may have been a significant delay in the prosecution of the earlier application(s) from which it claims priority.

To confirm the exact expiration date and the amount of PTA, one would need to consult the official USPTO patent records for US12401721, specifically the issue notification. Maintenance fees must also be paid at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years from the grant date to keep the patent in force. The current date is 2026-06-02. The first maintenance fee would be due around February 26, 2029 (3.5 years after August 26, 2025).