US 8152059

A concise summary of US Patent 8,152,059, including a review of its independent claims, is provided below. This analysis also includes information regarding legal actions involving the patent.

Summary of U.S. Patent 8,152,059

Title: Secure commercial transactions system

Assignee: The patent is currently assigned to Only Card LLC. The original assignee was listed as "Individual".

Inventors: John T. Sparks

Filing Date: January 21, 2009

Issue Date: April 10, 2012

Abstract: The patent describes a secure financial transaction system centered around a card (such as a credit, ATM, or debit card) that incorporates a "panic" personal identification number (PIN) or a panic digit. When this panic feature is used at a commercial transaction machine, it triggers an emergency notification sequence, which can include sending emergency signals and video from the machine's location. The system also details the card's potential inclusion of biometric security features, the ability to store financial transaction records, and its capacity to interface with a personal computer. The abstract also notes that the device could take other forms, such as a ring or key chain.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

An independent claim represents the broadest definition of the invention. US Patent 8,152,059 has three independent claims.

• Claim 1: This claim describes a secure commercial transaction system built around a "transactional device" which can be a card, key fob, jewelry, or other personal items. This device contains a microprocessor, data storage, and a transmitter. To operate, the user must provide one of two signals for identification. The first signal activates a normal operational mode. The second, different signal activates a "panic" mode. When this second mode is activated, the device's transmitter sends out an automated transmission.

• Claim 11: This claim specifies that the transactional device from the system described in claim 1 is a card that has no visible data printed on it. This enhances security by not displaying account numbers or other identifying information.

• Claim 22: This claim builds on the card described in claim 11. It outlines a system where a transaction in the normal operating mode is not only stored on the card's memory but is also sent via email. When the user later retrieves the transaction data from the card's memory (for instance, by connecting it to a computer), the system can compare the stored data with the emailed data to check for any discrepancies.

Litigation Status

A search for litigation involving US Patent 8,152,059 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 indicates recent activity. While a direct, real-time search of court records requires access to the federal PACER system, publicly available information shows a lawsuit was filed on April 16, 2026, in the Georgia Northern District Court. The case is The Only Card, LLC v. Eternal, Inc. (2:26-cv-00115). In this case, The Only Card, LLC has asserted that Eternal, Inc.'s system for securely processing commercial transactions infringes on this patent. The case is currently listed as open.