US 8112504

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 8,112,504:

Title: System for disseminating media content representing episodes in a serialized sequence
Assignee: Personal Audio LLC
Inventors: James D. Logan, Daniel F. Goessling, Charles G. Call
Filing Date: March 4, 2009
Issue Date: February 7, 2012
Abstract: An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments. A usage log is compiled to record the subscriber's use of the provided program materials, to return data to the host for billing, to adaptively modify the subscriber's preferences based on actual usage, and to send subscriber-generated comments and requests to the host for processing.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

US8112504B2 contains several independent claims. Based on a review of the patent text, the independent claims are:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a system for distributing media content in a serialized sequence. It involves a server that stores program segments and related information (like a catalog and session schedule) for episodes in a series. The server is configured to send this information to a client device. The client device then requests and receives program segments that are not already stored locally. The client device then plays these segments according to the session schedule, allowing the user to interactively navigate (skip forward or backward) through them. A usage log on the client records what was played and this log is sent back to the server to update subscriber preferences and inform future content delivery.

  • Plain-language explanation: Imagine a podcast app. This claim covers a system where a central server holds many podcast episodes organized into series. It sends a list of episodes to your device, and your device then downloads the episodes it doesn't already have. You can listen to these episodes, skipping around as you like, and your device keeps track of what you listen to. This listening data is sent back to the server to help it recommend more episodes you might like in the future.

• Claim 18: This claim details a method for distributing media content representing episodes in a serialized sequence. It involves a host computer storing program segment data for serialized episodes, a program catalog, and subscriber preferences. The host compiles a session schedule for a specific subscriber based on their preferences and the program catalog. This schedule identifies program segments for upcoming sessions. The host then sends this session schedule, along with any necessary program segments, to a client player. The client player then reproduces the program segments according to the session schedule and records usage data (what was played and how). This usage data is then sent back to the host computer.

  • Plain-language explanation: This claim describes the steps a system takes to deliver serialized content (like a podcast series). A central computer stores all the episodes, a list of what's available, and what each user likes. It then creates a custom playlist for each user, based on their interests, and sends it to their device along with the actual episodes. The user's device plays the content and logs their listening habits, which are then sent back to the central computer to refine future recommendations.

• Claim 26: This claim describes a media player for acquiring and reproducing media program files which represent episodes in a series of episodes as those episodes become available. The media player includes a digital memory to store program files and a communications port for connecting to the internet to send data requests and receive program files. It also has an output unit (like a speaker or screen) for playing the media. The player is designed to receive a compilation file (a schedule of programs) and then request and receive individual program files identified in that compilation file if they are not already stored locally. The player also keeps a log of user interaction with the media files.

  • Plain-language explanation: This claim focuses on the user's device itself. It's a media player (like a smartphone or computer with specific software) that can download and play episodes from a series. It has storage for these episodes and an internet connection to get more. It receives a list of what to play, downloads anything it's missing, plays the content, and keeps a record of what the user does with it.

Litigation Status (as of April 26, 2026):
The patent US8112504B2 has a significant litigation history. It was involved in what was known as the "podcasting patent" case. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) issued a Final Written Decision finding the '504 patent unpatentable. This decision was affirmed by the Federal Circuit, rejecting Personal Audio's arguments, including challenges to the constitutionality of the IPR process. The District Court then vacated a jury's infringement verdict and entered judgment in favor of CBS. This was also affirmed by the Federal Circuit. Personal Audio LLC filed a petition for a writ of certiorari, which the United States Supreme Court denied, effectively ending the dispute. The patent's legal status is "Expired - Fee Related". Therefore, there are no active CAFC dockets for 2026 concerning this patent, as the litigation has concluded with the patent found unpatentable and its claims invalid.