US 8724622

Here is a concise summary of US patent 8724622:

US Patent: 8724622

• Title: System and method for instant VoIP messaging
• Current Assignee: Uniloc 2017 LLC
• Original Assignee: Empire IP LLC
• Inventor: Michael J. Rojas
• Filing Date: 2012-07-11 (Application number US13/546,673)
• Issue Date (Publication Date): 2014-05-13
• Abstract: Methods, systems, and programs for instant voice messaging over a packet-switched network are provided. A method for instant voice messaging may comprise receiving an instant voice message having one or more recipients, delivering the instant voice message to the one or more recipients over a packet-switched network, temporarily storing the instant voice message if a recipient is unavailable; and delivering the stored instant voice message to the recipient once the recipient becomes available.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Please note: The provided patent text does not explicitly label a "Claims" section with numbered claims. However, under the "Definitions" section, several detailed descriptions of "an instant voice messaging system" and "a method for instant voice messaging" are presented. These descriptions closely resemble the structure and content of independent claims. I am interpreting these as the independent claims for the purpose of this analysis.

Independent System Claims (as inferred from "Definitions"):

1. System for Instant Voice Messaging (Basic): A system for sending instant voice messages over a packet-switched network, including a client that selects recipients, creates a voice message, and sends it over the network. The system also includes a server that receives the message and sends it to the selected recipients, who can then play the message.
2. System for Instant Voice Messaging with PSTN Support: Similar to the basic system, but this system explicitly includes a traditional PSTN telephone to provide the audio input for the instant voice message.
3. System for Instant Voice Messaging with VoIP Telephone Input: Similar to the basic system, but this system explicitly includes a VoIP telephone to provide the audio input for the instant voice message.
4. System for Global Instant Voice Messaging (Client-Initiated to External): A system for instant voice messaging across multiple packet-switched networks. A client on a local network selects recipients on an external network, generates a voice message, and sends it. A server on the external network receives and delivers the message to the external recipients.
5. System for Global Instant Voice Messaging with PSTN Support (Client-Initiated to External): Similar to the global system above, but the audio input for the voice message is provided by a PSTN telephone connected to the local network.
6. System for Global Instant Voice Messaging with VoIP Telephone Input (Client-Initiated to External): Similar to the global system above, but the audio input for the voice message is provided by a VoIP telephone connected to the local network.
7. System for Global Instant Voice Messaging (External Client to Local Recipients): A system for instant voice messaging across multiple packet-switched networks where a client on an external network selects recipients on a local network. The client sends the voice message to an external server system, which then routes it to a local server. The local server delivers the message to the local recipients.

Independent Method Claims (as inferred from "Definitions"):

1. Method for Instant Voice Messaging (Basic): A method for sending instant voice messages over a packet-switched network, involving a client selecting recipients, generating a voice message, and transmitting it to a server. The server then receives the message, delivers it to the recipients, and the recipients audibly play it.
2. Method for Instant Voice Messaging with PSTN Support: Similar to the basic method, but this method specifies providing audio input via a PSTN telephone for generating the instant voice message at the client.
3. Method for Instant Voice Messaging with VoIP Telephone Input: Similar to the basic method, but this method specifies providing audio input via a VoIP telephone for generating the instant voice message at the client.
4. Method for Global Instant Voice Messaging with PSTN Support: A method for instant voice messaging across multiple packet-switched networks. It involves providing audio via a PSTN telephone on a local network, a client selecting external recipients on an external network, generating a voice message using the PSTN audio, and transmitting it over both networks. A server on the external network receives and delivers the message, and the recipients audibly play it.
5. Method for Global Instant Voice Messaging with VoIP Telephone Input: Similar to the global method above, but the audio input is provided by a VoIP telephone connected to a local network.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

Based on the provided authoritative patent text, there is no litigation listed for US8724622 in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets specifically for the year 2026. The most recent CAFC case listed for this patent family is case number 23-1023, indicating a filing in 2023.

Uncertainty Note:

The patent text provided as authoritative includes descriptions of "systems" and "methods" under a "Definitions" section, which I have interpreted as the independent claims. This interpretation is based on the structure and language typically found in patent claims, but the absence of a clearly delineated "Claims" section with numbering (e.g., "Claim 1. An instant voice messaging system...") introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the exact official claim structure as it would appear in the granted patent document.