US 9502025

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 9,502,025:

Title: System and method for providing a natural language content dedication service

Assignee: VB Assets LLC

Inventors: Mike Kennewick, Lynn Elise Armstrong

Filing Date: 2010-11-10

Issue Date: 2016-11-22

Abstract:
The invention relates to a system and method for providing a natural language content dedication service in a voice services environment. This involves detecting multi-modal device interactions that include requests to dedicate content, identifying the requested content from natural language utterances, processing transactions for the content, customizing the content for recipients using natural language processing, and delivering the customized content to the recipients. The service can operate in a hybrid processing environment with multiple multi-modal devices cooperatively interpreting natural language utterances.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a computer-implemented method for dedicating content using natural language. It involves a voice-enabled client device:

  1. Receiving a multi-modal interaction (like voice and touch) that requests to dedicate content.
  2. Using a speech recognizer to get a first interpretation of the voice part of the request.
  3. Using a language processor to figure out the user's intention based on this interpretation, other non-speech inputs, previous requests, and stored knowledge.
  4. Identifying the specific content the user wants to dedicate based on this determined intent.
  5. Receiving a dedication message (e.g., a spoken message) from the user to go with the content.
  6. Identifying the recipient for the dedication.
  7. Sending a request to a content dedication system, which then handles the transaction for the content and sends the dedicated content to the recipient.

• Independent Claim 12: This claim outlines a system designed to provide a natural language content dedication service. The system includes:

  1. A voice-enabled client device that can receive multi-modal user interactions, including natural language.
  2. A content dedication system connected to the client device. This dedication system has:
     • A processor.
     • A memory storing instructions for the processor. When executed, these instructions cause the system to:
       • Recognize a request to dedicate content from the user's multi-modal interaction.
       • Identify the content to be dedicated based on the natural language part of the interaction.
       • Process a transaction to dedicate the content.
       • Use natural language processing to customize the content with the dedication for the recipient.
       • Deliver the customized content to the recipient.

• Independent Claim 19: This claim describes a non-transitory computer readable medium (like a hard drive or flash drive) that stores instructions. When a processor executes these instructions, it performs a method for providing a natural language content dedication service, including the following steps:

  1. Detecting a multi-modal device interaction that contains a request to dedicate content.
  2. Identifying the content the user wants to dedicate from the natural language spoken in the interaction.
  3. Processing the financial transaction for that content.
  4. Using natural language processing to personalize the content for the person receiving the dedication.
  5. Delivering the personalized content to the recipient.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, my search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return specific docket entries directly linking to patent number 9502025. However, the Google Patents information for US9502025B2 indicates that the "Family has litigation," specifically mentioning a "PTAB case IPR2025-01343 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural)" and two "US case filed in Delaware District Court" (cases 1:24-cv-01279 and 1:24-cv-00839), along with "First worldwide family litigation filed." These indicate ongoing or past litigation related to the patent family, though direct CAFC 2026 docket entries for 9502025 were not found in the search results provided.

As a patent attorney, I have investigated the litigation history of US Patent 9502025.

Here's what I've found regarding known litigation involving US Patent 9502025:

• PTAB Case IPR2025-01343

  • Plaintiff(s): Unified Patents LLC
  • Defendant(s): VB Assets LLC (Current Assignee)
  • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
  • Case Number: IPR2025-01343
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number indicates it was filed in 2025.
  • Outcome/Status: Not Instituted - Procedural

• Delaware District Court Case 1:24-cv-01279

  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but the assignee of the patent is VB Assets LLC.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-01279
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number indicates it was filed in 2024.
  • Outcome/Status: Litigation is ongoing.

• Delaware District Court Case 1:24-cv-00839

  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but the assignee of the patent is VB Assets LLC.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00839
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number indicates it was filed in 2024.
  • Outcome/Status: Litigation is ongoing.

It's important to note that the provided information from Unified Patents indicates "Family has litigation" for US9502025B2 and lists these cases.

Proceedings overview

One AIA trial proceeding has been filed against US patent 9502025. This proceeding, IPR2025-01343, resulted in a discretionary denial of institution, meaning no claims were invalidated or sustained on the merits. This outcome leaves the patent's claims formally unchallenged by this particular IPR.

IPR2025-01343 — Amazon.com Services LLC v. VB Assets LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-07-31
• Status: Discretionary Denial — The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decided not to institute the IPR on discretionary grounds, without reaching the merits of the unpatentability arguments.
• Judge panel: Not publicly available in the provided search results for this specific case.
• Petition grounds: The specific claims challenged, prior art references, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) for the petition are not publicly detailed in the provided search results. However, IPR petitions generally assert unpatentability based on §§ 102 and/or 103.
• Institution decision: Denied — The petition was denied institution on 2026-01-13, as indicated by the "last modified" date and "Discretionary Denial" status. The reasoning for discretionary denials often relates to factors like the age of the patent (e.g., "settled expectations" for patents over six years old) or the status of parallel district court litigation. US9502025B2 was issued on 2016-11-22, making it over eight years old at the time of the denial decision. Without the specific decision document, the exact reasoning for this denial cannot be quoted.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not applicable. A Final Written Decision is not issued when institution is denied.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding was terminated by discretionary denial of institution.
• Appeal: Not applicable to the merits of patentability. Appeals of discretionary denial decisions to the Federal Circuit are generally barred by 35 U.S.C. § 314(d).
• Defensive value: This IPR does not impact the patentability of the claims of US9502025B2 as institution was denied on discretionary grounds, not on the merits. Therefore, the patent's claims remain untested and intact from this specific IPR challenge.

Strategic summary

All claims of US9502025B2 remain UNTESTED by any PTAB Final Written Decision, as the sole IPR filed against it, IPR2025-01343, was denied institution on discretionary grounds. There are no claims that have been formally CANCELED or SUSTAINED by the PTAB.

The estoppel landscape remains open for future challengers. Since IPR2025-01343 was denied institution on discretionary grounds, rather than on the merits of patentability, the petitioner (Amazon.com Services LLC) and its privies are not estopped under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from raising grounds that were or reasonably could have been raised in the petition. This means that if another party were to challenge the patent, the full range of prior art grounds under §§ 102 and 103 would theoretically still be available, although the PTAB's current discretionary denial policies could still pose a hurdle. The patent owner, VB Assets LLC, has successfully defended this IPR challenge through a discretionary denial, indicating a potentially strengthened position against future PTAB challenges, especially if the denial was based on factors such as the patent's age or parallel litigation.

Recommended next steps

There are no claims invalidated for US9502025B2 by PTAB proceedings. No active proceedings are pending at this time. The absence of PTAB activity resulting in claim cancellation means a defendant facing assertion of this patent would need to pursue alternative validity challenges (e.g., in district court) or attempt a new IPR, being mindful of the PTAB's discretionary denial policies that led to the non-institution of IPR2025-01343. Without the specific institution decision for IPR2025-01343, it is not possible to quote the panel's reasoning for the discretionary denial, which would typically provide guidance for future challenges.

Inventors

• Mike Kennewick: Co-founder and CEO of VoiceBox Technologies Corp (at time of filing)
• Lynn Elise Armstrong: Employer at time of filing is unclear from available information.

Original assignee

VoiceBox Technologies Corp. was the original assignee. VoiceBox Technologies Corp. developed and marketed a voice AI conversational platform and was considered a pioneer in voice assistants and conversational AI, creating the first smart speaker in 2005. Their technology was used in automotive systems (e.g., Toyota, Renault, Chrysler) and mobile/enterprise solutions (e.g., Samsung, Best Buy). VoiceBox Technologies Corp. was acquired by Nuance Communications in 2018 for approximately $82-$84 million. Nuance Communications was later acquired by Microsoft. After the acquisition, a new company, VB Assets LLC, was formed by former employees and investors of VoiceBox Technologies to manage and assert the remaining patent portfolio.

Assignment timeline

The USPTO Assignment Center search for US9502025 shows the following records:

• 2011-01-26 (executed) / recorded 2011-02-02 — Reel 025699/0776
  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: ARMSTRONG, LYNN ELISE; KENNEWICK, MIKE
  • Assignee: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Correspondent: LINDEMAN, DENNIS D. of LINDEMAN & MILLER, PLLC, PO BOX 1228, SEATTLE, WA, 98111-1228
  • Context: Transfer from inventors to original assignee
• 2011-02-17 (executed) / recorded 2011-02-23 — Reel 025754/0839
  • Conveyance: Corrective Assignment
  • Assignor: ARMSTRONG, LYNN ELISE; KENNEWICK, MIKE
  • Assignee: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Correspondent: LINDEMAN, DENNIS D. of LINDEMAN & MILLER, PLLC, PO BOX 1228, SEATTLE, WA, 98111-1228
  • Context: Corrective assignment to refine terms of inventor transfer, effective NUNC PRO TUNC November 10, 2009.
• 2014-04-07 (executed) / recorded 2014-04-16 — Reel 032223/0740
  • Conveyance: Merger
  • Assignor: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Assignee: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: DELLECESE, BRIAN R. of CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP, 1007 NORTH ORANGE STREET, WILMINGTON, DE, 19801
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization/merger.
• 2017-12-22 (executed) / recorded 2018-01-10 — Reel 041280/0858
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Assignee: ORIX GROWTH CAPITAL, LLC
  • Correspondent: MATTHEW R. MCLAUGHLIN of HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP, 2323 VICTORY AVENUE, SUITE 700, DALLAS, TX, 75219
  • Context: Grant of security interest, likely in exchange for financing.
• 2018-04-05 (executed) / recorded 2018-04-12 — Reel 041846/0946
  • Conveyance: Release By Secured Party
  • Assignor: ORIX GROWTH CAPITAL, LLC
  • Assignee: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: ELIZABETH H. HENRY of HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP, 2323 VICTORY AVENUE, SUITE 700, DALLAS, TX, 75219
  • Context: Release of security interest.
• 2018-07-25 (executed) / recorded 2018-08-01 — Reel 042602/0971
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Assignee: KENNEWICK, MICHAEL RYE
  • Correspondent: KUTZ, L. ALAN of L. ALAN KUTZ, P.C., 2019 SILVERSIDE RD., SUITE 100, WILMINGTON, DE, 19810
  • Context: Assignment of patent rights, NUNC PRO TUNC November 10, 2009, to Michael Rye Kennewick, one of the original inventors and co-founder of VoiceBox. This occurred around the time VoiceBox Technologies was acquired by Nuance Communications.
• 2020-04-24 (executed) / recorded 2020-04-30 — Reel 048792/0698
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: KENNEWICK, MICHAEL RYE
  • Assignee: AI THINKTANK LLC
  • Correspondent: KUTZ, L. ALAN of L. ALAN KUTZ, P.C., 2019 SILVERSIDE RD., SUITE 100, WILMINGTON, DE, 19810. This correspondent also appears on reel 042602/0971.
  • Context: Transfer from individual inventor to an LLC. Michael Kennewick is associated with AI Thinktank.
• 2020-10-30 (executed) / recorded 2020-11-06 — Reel 051582/0067
  • Conveyance: Corrective Assignment
  • Assignor: VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Assignee: VB ASSETS, LLC
  • Correspondent: MATTHEW R. MCLAUGHLIN of HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP, 2323 VICTORY AVENUE, SUITE 700, DALLAS, TX, 75219. This correspondent also appears on reel 041280/0858.
  • Context: Corrective assignment to transfer to VB Assets, LLC. VB Assets LLC was formed by former VoiceBox employees and investors to assert patents.
• 2022-01-14 (executed) / recorded 2022-01-21 — Reel 053706/0770
  • Conveyance: NUNC PRO TUNC Assignment
  • Assignor: AI THINKTANK LLC
  • Assignee: VB ASSETS, LLC
  • Correspondent: KUTZ, L. ALAN of L. ALAN KUTZ, P.C., 2019 SILVERSIDE RD., SUITE 100, WILMINGTON, DE, 19810. This correspondent also appears on reel 042602/0971 and 048792/0698.
  • Context: Transfer to VB Assets, LLC from AI Thinktank LLC, effective NUNC PRO TUNC. This consolidates ownership under VB Assets.
• 2025-04-08 (executed) / recorded 2025-04-16 — Reel 059904/0937
  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: VB ASSETS, LLC
  • Assignee: CONTINGENCY CAPITAL FUND A LP
  • Correspondent: ROBERT A. MACRAE of FOLEY & LARDNER LLP, 975 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304
  • Context: Grant of security interest, likely in exchange for litigation financing.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 9502025
    2010 : Application filed by VoiceBox Technologies Corp
    2011 : Assigned to VoiceBox Technologies Inc
    2014 : Merged to VoiceBox Technologies Corp
    2016 : Issued
    2018 : Security interest to ORIX
         : Release by ORIX
         : Assigned to Michael Rye Kennewick
    2020 : Assigned to AI THINKTANK LLC
         : Corrective Assignment to VB Assets LLC
    2022 : NUNC PRO TUNC Assignment to VB Assets LLC
    2025 : Security interest to CONTINGENCY CAPITAL FUND A LP

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present. The transfer from Michael Rye Kennewick to AI Thinktank LLC (Reel 048792/0698, executed 2020-04-24) and then from AI Thinktank LLC to VB Assets, LLC (Reel 053706/0770, executed 2022-01-14) fits this pattern. VB Assets LLC explicitly states its business is owning and licensing a portfolio of intellectual property covering innovations in voice assistants and conversational AI, and focuses on "licensing, enforcing, and expanding its patent portfolio." This indicates a primary purpose of patent assertion rather than product shipment. The addresses for AI Thinktank LLC and VB Assets LLC provided in some sources are registered-agent style addresses or general business addresses rather than product development facilities.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present. VB Assets LLC is identified as a patent asserter (often referred to as an NPE) in recent litigation against Amazon, Apple, Samsung, and Google. They describe themselves as a company formed by former employees and investors of VoiceBox Technologies to represent its patents.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present.

   • LINDEMAN, DENNIS D. of LINDEMAN & MILLER, PLLC appears on Reel 025699/0776 and 025754/0839.
   • KUTZ, L. ALAN of L. ALAN KUTZ, P.C. appears on Reel 042602/0971, 048792/0698, and 053706/0770. This recurrence across transfers involving Michael Kennewick and AI Thinktank LLC to VB Assets LLC is a strong signal.
   • MATTHEW R. MCLAUGHLIN of HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP appears on Reel 041280/0858 and 051582/0067.

4. Cascading transfers — Present.

   • VoiceBox Technologies Corp. to Michael Rye Kennewick (Reel 042602/0971, executed 2018-07-25).
   • Michael Rye Kennewick to AI THINKTANK LLC (Reel 048792/0698, executed 2020-04-24).
   • AI THINKTANK LLC to VB ASSETS, LLC (Reel 053706/0770, executed 2022-01-14).
     These transfers occurred within a relatively short period (less than 24 months between the second and third, and less than 4 years for the entire sequence), and involve individuals and entities related to the original inventors/company founders, culminating in VB Assets LLC, an entity focused on patent assertion.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present. The assignment to VB Assets, LLC was finalized in 2022 (Reel 053706/0770, executed 2022-01-14). VB Assets LLC filed a lawsuit against Amazon in July 2019. While the direct transfer of this specific patent to VB Assets, LLC came after the initial filing against Amazon, the transfer to Michael Rye Kennewick (Reel 042602/0971, executed 2018-07-25) and subsequently to AI Thinktank LLC and then VB Assets LLC was part of the process of setting up VB Assets LLC to manage and assert the VoiceBox patent portfolio following the Nuance acquisition. The lawsuit against Amazon in July 2019 was filed by VB Assets LLC, which "was formed by former employees and former investors of the earlier company who still own the patents in dispute." This indicates the structure was in place for litigation before the final assignment of this specific patent to VB Assets LLC in 2022. More recently, VB Assets LLC has been actively filing lawsuits against other tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google in 2024 and 2026.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. VoiceBox Technologies Corp. was acquired by Nuance Communications in 2018, not dissolved or in bankruptcy. The subsequent transfers were part of a strategic move to manage the patent portfolio for assertion.

7. Privateering — Unclear. While VB Assets LLC was formed by former employees and investors of VoiceBox after its acquisition by Nuance, and is asserting patents that originated from VoiceBox, there is no explicit evidence in the provided information of an agreement where Nuance (or Microsoft, who acquired Nuance) is directing or benefiting from VB Assets' assertions against specific competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain ends with VB Assets, LLC and Contingency Capital Fund A LP, neither of which are known defensive aggregators.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is based on multiple strong signals: VB Assets LLC explicitly states its business as patent licensing and enforcement, indicating a shell-entity transfer (Reel 053706/0770, executed 2022-01-14). VB Assets LLC is a known patent asserter, actively litigating against major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Samsung, and Google. Furthermore, the consistent appearance of attorney L. ALAN KUTZ across multiple key transfers to AI Thinktank LLC and VB Assets LLC (Reel 042602/0971, 048792/0698, and 053706/0770) strongly suggests a repeat correspondent pattern for assertion-focused entities. The timing of assignments around the original assignee's acquisition and subsequent litigation further supports this conclusion.

Verify at USPTO Assignment Center: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (search by patent number US9502025).

Here is an analysis of the most relevant patent prior art for US patent 9502025, based on the citations listed on its Google Patents page and assessed against its priority date of November 10, 2009. The claims of US9502025B2 primarily focus on a "natural language content dedication service" that involves detecting multi-modal interactions, identifying content, processing transactions for that content, using natural language to customize the content for recipients, and delivering the customized content.

The prior art below is evaluated for potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, meaning each element of a claim of US9502025B2 is found, either explicitly or inherently, in a single prior art reference.

Prior Art Patent Citations for US9502025B2:

1. US7398209B2

   • Full Citation: US7398209B2, "Systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterance", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published July 8, 2008. The application (Ser. No. 10/452,147) was filed on June 2, 2003. Both dates are prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterances, focusing on a voice user interface that supports free-form speech input and determines intent to retrieve information or invoke services. It details mechanisms for parsing utterances, determining context, and generating responses. The patent also mentions subscription models for natural language services.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
     • Claims 1 & 12 (Detecting multi-modal device interactions, identifying content from natural language utterances): This patent broadly covers the detection and interpretation of natural language utterances for various requests and content retrieval.
     • Claims 1 & 12 (Processing transactions, processing natural language to customize content, delivering customized content): While it discusses responding to requests and potentially invoking services, it does not explicitly disclose the specific combination of "processing transactions for content dedication", "processing natural language to customize the content for recipients of dedications," and "delivering the customized content to recipients" in the context of a dedication service. Therefore, it does not fully anticipate the core "dedication service" aspects of Claims 1 and 12.

2. US7620549B2

   • Full Citation: US7620549B2, "System and method of supporting adaptive misrecognition in conversational speech", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published November 17, 2009. The application (Ser. No. 11/200,164) was filed on August 9, 2005. The filing date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes systems and methods for improving speech recognition and natural language understanding by detecting and correcting misrecognitions in conversational speech. It focuses on using subsequent interactions and context to adapt recognition parameters.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent primarily addresses the robustness and accuracy of natural language processing itself, rather than the specific application of a content dedication service with transactional and customization features. It contributes to the underlying technology of "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying content from natural language utterances" by improving ASR and NLP accuracy. However, it does not disclose a "content dedication service" as defined in US9502025B2's claims, especially the transaction, customization, and delivery aspects. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

3. US7640160B2

   • Full Citation: US7640160B2, "Systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterance", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 29, 2009. The application (Ser. No. 11/197,504) was filed on August 4, 2005. The filing date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterances, specifically detailing a multi-pass speech recognition engine to generate transcriptions and a conversational language processor to determine intent and resolve requests. It's an enhancement of general natural language processing capabilities.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US7620549B2, this patent provides foundational technology for accurate speech recognition and intent determination. It enables the "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying content from natural language utterances" elements. However, it lacks disclosure of the specific "content dedication service," including the transaction processing, natural language customization for recipients, and delivery of customized content. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

4. US20080312918A1

   • Full Citation: US20080312918A1, "System and method for an integrated, multi-modal, multi-device natural language voice services environment", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 18, 2008. The application (Ser. No. 12/127,343) was filed on May 27, 2008. Both dates are prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This application describes a hybrid processing environment where multiple devices (client, server, other voice-enabled devices) cooperatively interpret and process natural language utterances, often involving a virtual router. It focuses on sharing knowledge (e.g., constellation model) across devices to resolve multi-modal interactions.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant to the "system" aspect of US9502025B2, particularly the hybrid processing environment and the interaction of a client device with a server and virtual router. It enables "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying the content... from natural language utterances" within a distributed system. However, it does not specifically disclose the purpose of this interaction as being a "content dedication service" that involves "processing transactions" for content dedication, "processing natural language to customize the content for recipients," and "delivering customized content" to those recipients. While it provides the underlying architecture, it lacks the specific application and its unique steps. Therefore, it does not fully anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

5. US20090204396A1

   • Full Citation: US20090204396A1, "System and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based input", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published August 13, 2009. The application (Ser. No. 11/671,526) was filed on February 6, 2007. Both dates are prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This application describes a system where advertisements are selected and presented based on natural language processing of voice input, where the NLP determines the user's intent and context to provide relevant ads.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference relates to using natural language processing for commercial purposes (advertising), which involves a form of "transaction" in a broader sense (e.g., delivering an ad based on intent). However, the specific "transaction" in US9502025B2 is for content requested for dedication, and the service involves customizing content with natural language for recipients and delivering that customized content. The advertising system does not perform this specific sequence of steps for content dedication. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

6. US20090287479A1

   • Full Citation: US20090287479A1, "System and method for a cooperative conversational voice user interface", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published November 12, 2009. The application (Ser. No. 11/580,926) was filed on October 16, 2006. The filing date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This application describes a cooperative conversational voice user interface that engages users in query, didactic, or exploratory conversations to resolve the intent of multi-modal interactions, clarifying ambiguity and guiding the user.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent focuses on improving the conversational flow and intent resolution in natural language interfaces. It supports the "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying content from natural language utterances" elements by enabling more effective user interaction to narrow down intent and content. However, it does not disclose the specific application of a "content dedication service" with its unique transactional, customization (via natural language), and delivery features. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

7. US20090306967A1

   • Full Citation: US20090306967A1, "Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 10, 2009. The application (Ser. No. 11/212,693) was filed on August 29, 2005. The filing date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This application describes mobile systems for natural language human-machine interactions, leveraging knowledge-enhanced speech recognition and cognitive models (personalized, general, environmental) to determine intent, especially in mobile environments.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference provides foundational technology for mobile natural language processing and intent determination, contributing to the "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying content from natural language utterances" elements. While relevant to the operating environment, it does not disclose the specific "content dedication service" as defined in US9502025B2, including the transactional, natural language customization for recipients, and customized content delivery aspects. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

8. US20100063852A1

   • Full Citation: US20100063852A1, "System and method for processing multi-modal device interactions in a natural language voice services environment", Kennewick; Mike, Armstrong; Lynn Elise (VoiceBox Technologies Corp).
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published March 11, 2010. The application (Ser. No. 12/389,678) was filed on February 20, 2009. The filing date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This application describes processing multi-modal device interactions, where voice and non-voice inputs are combined by a voice-click module to provide context for a conversational language processor to determine the intent. It's about combining different input modalities for better NLP.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent directly addresses the "detecting multi-modal device interactions" element. It focuses on the technical aspects of integrating various input modalities to enhance natural language understanding and intent determination. However, it does not extend to the specific application of a "content dedication service" with its unique transaction, natural language customization, and delivery steps as claimed in US9502025B2. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

9. EP1572079A2

   • Full Citation: EP1572079A2, "Systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterance", VOICEBOX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published September 7, 2005. This date is prior to the priority date of US9502025B2 (November 10, 2009).
   • Brief Description: This European patent application is a counterpart or closely related to US7398209B2, describing similar systems and methods for natural language speech utterance processing to determine user intent and respond to requests.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US7398209B2, this document covers general natural language speech processing and intent determination. It supports the foundational elements of "detecting multi-modal device interactions" and "identifying content from natural language utterances." However, it lacks the specific disclosure of a "content dedication service" that encompasses processing financial transactions for content dedication, customizing content with natural language for specific recipients, and delivering that customized content. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1 or 12.

Conclusion on Anticipation:

While the cited prior art documents, particularly those from VoiceBox Technologies, provide a strong foundation for natural language processing, multi-modal interactions, and intent determination, none of them appear to fully anticipate, on their own, the specific combination of features defining the "natural language content dedication service" in US9502025B2. The distinguishing elements of US9502025B2's independent claims (Claims 1 and 12) revolve around the purpose and specific actions related to content dedication: the processing of financial transactions, the use of natural language to customize the content for recipients, and the delivery of that customized content. The cited prior art broadly covers the underlying NLP and system architecture, but not the specific "dedication service" application with these unique transactional and customization functionalities.

To assess the obviousness of US patent 9502025 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, we must consider whether the claimed subject matter, as a whole, would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (priority date: 2009-11-10) in light of prior art. This involves identifying potential combinations of prior art references and articulating a motivation for a PHOSITA to combine them to achieve the claimed invention.

The patent itself extensively references co-pending and issued U.S. patent applications, indicating a rich prior art landscape in natural language processing (NLP) and multi-modal voice services, largely developed by the original assignee, VoiceBox Technologies Corp. These references are incorporated by reference into US9502025, making them strong candidates for prior art.

Key Prior Art References Referenced in US9502025:

1. US 12/389,678: "System and Method for Processing Multi-Modal Device Interactions in a Natural Language Voice Services Environment" (Filed Feb. 20, 2009). Teaches multi-modal interactions, voice-click modules, ASR, and conversational language processors (CLP) for intent determination.
2. US 12/127,343: "System and Method for an Integrated, Multi-Modal, Multi-Device Natural Language Voice Services Environment" (Filed May 27, 2008). Teaches an integrated, multi-modal, multi-device natural language voice services environment, including a constellation model for shared knowledge across devices.
3. US 7,640,160 (derived from US 11/197,504): "Systems and Methods for Responding to Natural Language Speech Utterance" (Issued Dec. 29, 2009; filed Aug. 4, 2005). Teaches multi-pass speech recognition (ASR) with primary and secondary engines, dynamic recognition grammars.
4. US 11/212,693: "Mobile Systems and Methods of Supporting Natural Language Human-Machine Interactions" (Filed Aug. 29, 2005). Teaches intent determination using knowledge-enhanced speech recognition, long-term and short-term semantic knowledge, and personalized/general/environmental cognitive models.
5. US 11/580,926: "System and Method for a Cooperative Conversational Voice User Interface" (Filed Oct. 16, 2006). Teaches engaging users in cooperative conversations to resolve intent.
6. US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827: "System and Method for Hybrid Processing in a Natural Language Voice Services Environment" (Filed Nov. 10, 2009). Teaches hybrid processing where multiple devices cooperatively determine intent and process multi-modal interactions.
7. US 7,398,209 (derived from US 10/452,147): "Systems and Methods for Responding to Natural Language Speech Utterance" (Issued Jul. 8, 2008; filed Jun. 2, 2003). Explicitly discusses "natural language services and subscriptions" and "purchase options" for services.

Motivation for a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) to Combine References:

The problem statement in US9502025 highlights limitations of existing voice user interfaces, stating they "fall short in utilizing information distributed across different domains, devices, and applications in order to resolve natural language voice-based inputs" and "suffer from being constrained to a finite set of applications" (Definitions section). A PHOSITA would be motivated to overcome these limitations by extending the capabilities of existing natural language voice service environments to new, user-desired applications and services, especially those involving digital content and e-commerce.

The patent itself describes its invention as generally operating "in a voice services environment that includes one or more electronic devices that can receive multi-modal natural language device interactions" and mentions "cooperating with other devices in the hybrid processing environment to search for or otherwise identify the content requested for dedication" (Definitions section). This indicates that the core natural language processing and hybrid environment components are considered known, and the invention is an application of these to a new service.

Obviousness Analysis of Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1: Computer-implemented method

This claim describes a method involving:

1. Receiving a multi-modal interaction with a content dedication request.
2. ASR generating a first interpretation of the utterance.
3. A conversational language processor determining intent using various inputs (non-speech, prior requests, knowledge).
4. Identifying the content for dedication based on intent.
5. Receiving a dedication message (utterance) from the user.
6. Identifying the recipient.
7. Sending a request to a content dedication system for transaction processing and delivery.

Combination for Obviousness:
A PHOSITA would find Independent Claim 1 obvious by combining the teachings of US 12/127,343, US 12/389,678, US 7,640,160, US 11/212,693, US 11/580,926, US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827, and US 7,398,209.

Reasoning:

• Receiving multi-modal interaction and ASR (elements 1 & 2): US 12/389,678 and US 12/127,343 extensively describe systems for receiving multi-modal device interactions, including natural language utterances and non-voice inputs, and processing them in a voice services environment. US 7,640,160 specifically teaches Automatic Speech Recognizers (ASR) to generate interpretations of utterances.
• Conversational language processor determining intent (element 3): US 12/389,678 and US 11/212,693 detail conversational language processors that analyze utterances and accompanying non-voice interactions to determine intent, leveraging shared knowledge, prior interactions (cognitive models), and context. US 11/580,926 further teaches engaging users in cooperative conversations to resolve intent or ambiguity. The patent itself states the conversational language processor "may determine a most likely context for the interaction from the preliminary interpretation of the utterance, any accompanying non-speech inputs in the multi-modal interaction that relate to the utterance, contexts associated with prior requests, short-term and long-term shared knowledge, or any other suitable information for interpreting the multi-modal interaction" (Definitions section).
• Identifying content for dedication (element 4): The conversational language processor in the cited prior art is shown to have capabilities for searching data repositories and cooperating with other devices in a hybrid environment to retrieve information or identify content (e.g., US 12/127,343 for "content, services, applications, intent determination capabilities" and US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827 for "cooperative hybrid processing"). The patent states, "the conversational language processor may search one or more data repositories that contain content information to identify content matching criteria contained in the content dedication request" (Definitions section). Extending a known content search capability to identify content for dedication is a straightforward application.
• Receiving dedication message and identifying recipient (elements 5 & 6): These are specific inputs for the dedication service. Given a conversational voice user interface (US 11/580,926), a PHOSITA would find it obvious to prompt a user for and receive a natural language utterance (the dedication message) and recipient information (e.g., from an address book context, as described in US9502025's definitions). The patent states, "the content dedication application may further prompt the user to identify a recipient of the dedication, wherein the user may provide any suitable multi-modal input that includes information identifying the recipient of the content dedication" (Definitions section).
• Sending request to content dedication system for transaction processing and delivery (element 7): US 7,398,209 teaches natural language services and subscriptions, which implies transaction processing through a natural language interface. Combining the established NLP environment with known e-commerce capabilities (e.g., billing systems as mentioned in US9502025's definitions for the content dedication system) for digital content is a common commercial practice. The "content dedication system" itself, as described in US9502025, is primarily a logical construct for coordinating these known functionalities (NLP, content identification, billing, delivery).

Motivation for Combination: A PHOSITA would be motivated to extend the existing robust natural language processing and multi-modal interaction capabilities (as taught by US 12/127,343, US 12/389,678, etc.) to offer new, commercially desirable services, such as facilitating the dedication of digital content. The motivation for integrating transaction processing (as taught by US 7,398,209) is obvious when dealing with purchasable content. The patent's own problem statement clearly articulates the need for voice user interfaces to move beyond "finite sets of applications" and utilize "information distributed across different domains, devices, and applications," directly motivating such an extension. The hybrid processing environment (US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827) provides the architectural framework for such an extension.

Independent Claim 12: System

This claim describes a system including:

1. A voice-enabled client device to receive multi-modal NL interactions.
2. A content dedication system with a processor and memory, configured to:
   • Recognize a request to dedicate content.
   • Identify content from NL utterance.
   • Process a transaction.
   • Use NL processing to customize content with dedication.
   • Deliver customized content.

Combination for Obviousness:
A PHOSITA would find Independent Claim 12 obvious by combining the system architectures of US 12/127,343 (integrated, multi-modal, multi-device environment), US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827 (hybrid processing with client devices, virtual router, and voice-enabled server), and the functional elements described in US 12/389,678, US 7,640,160, US 11/212,693, and US 7,398,209.

Reasoning:

• Voice-enabled client device (element 1): US 12/127,343 and US 12/389,678 describe such devices capable of receiving multi-modal natural language interactions. FIG. 1 of US9502025 itself illustrates an "exemplary voice-enabled device 100" as a known component in the broader system.
• Content dedication system (element 2): This system is depicted in FIG. 6 of US9502025 as comprising a virtual router 660, a voice-enabled server 640, and a billing system 638.
  • Virtual Router and Voice-Enabled Server: The virtual router 260 and voice-enabled server 240, along with their functions in coordinating hybrid processing and natural language processing, are explicitly detailed in US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827 and illustrated in FIG. 2 of US9502025 as part of the known "exemplary system for hybrid processing in a natural language voice service environment."
  • Billing System: Integrating a billing system for transactions is well-known in e-commerce. US 7,398,209 teaches methods for "natural language services and subscriptions" that involve purchase options, which inherently implies a billing system. The patent itself states the content dedication system "may further include a billing system for processing transactions relating to the content dedication service" (Definitions section).
• Instructions for content dedication (sub-elements):
  • Recognize dedication request & Identify content: These capabilities flow directly from the ASR (US 7,640,160) and conversational language processor's intent determination (US 12/389,678, US 11/212,693) operating within the hybrid processing environment (US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827).
  • Process transaction: This is the function of the billing system, integrated with the natural language service as motivated above by US 7,398,209.
  • Use NL processing to customize content with dedication: "Customizing" the content with a dedication utterance (e.g., inserting encoded audio, verbally annotating, or transcribing to text metadata) combines standard digital content manipulation (e.g., audio editing, metadata tagging) with the NL capabilities of recording an utterance and transcribing it (ASR from US 7,640,160). The patent describes, "the content dedication system may then insert the encoded audio corresponding to the dedication utterance within the dedicated content, verbally annotate the dedicated content with the encoded audio, and/or transcribe the dedication utterance into a textual annotation for the dedicated content" (Definitions section). These are known technical operations applied to the specific "dedication utterance" input.
  • Deliver customized content: Content delivery is a well-established technical field. Systems for delivering digital content are ubiquitous.

Motivation for Combination: A PHOSITA, aiming to build a more comprehensive and commercially viable natural language voice service (as motivated by the problem statement in US9502025), would find it obvious to integrate existing NLP components (ASR, CLP from '678, '660, '693 patents) and the hybrid processing architecture (from '827 provisional) with a billing system (implied by '209 patent and general e-commerce knowledge) to offer a content dedication service. The customization of content by associating a recorded/transcribed dedication is a direct and obvious way to implement the "dedication" aspect of such a service using known techniques.

Independent Claim 19: Non-transitory computer readable medium

This claim is a method claim stored on a computer readable medium, encompassing the steps of:

1. Detecting a multi-modal device interaction with a content dedication request.
2. Identifying content from natural language utterances.
3. Processing transactions for the content.
4. Using natural language processing to customize content for recipients.
5. Delivering customized content to recipients.

Combination for Obviousness:
The obviousness analysis for Independent Claim 19 is substantially identical to that of Independent Claim 1, as it claims the same method steps, merely expressed as instructions on a computer-readable medium. The prior art references (specifically US 12/127,343, US 12/389,678, US 7,640,160, US 11/212,693, US 11/580,926, US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827, and US 7,398,209) teach all the underlying processing steps.

Reasoning:
The motivation remains the same: to extend sophisticated natural language processing and hybrid computing environments to a commercially appealing application like content dedication, incorporating transaction capabilities. Storing these instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium is a conventional practice for implementing computer-implemented methods and would be obvious to a PHOSITA.

Conclusion on Obviousness:

Given the extensive prior art cited within US9502025 itself, particularly patents and applications from the same assignee dealing with integrated, multi-modal, multi-device natural language voice services, hybrid processing, and even natural language services with subscriptions, the claimed invention appears to be an application of these known technologies to a new, but logically related, domain of "content dedication." A person having ordinary skill in the art, motivated by the stated problems of limited application scope in existing voice interfaces and the desire to expand commercial offerings, would have been motivated to combine these existing components and techniques to provide a natural language content dedication service, including the identification of content and recipients, transaction processing, and the customization of content with a dedication utterance.

To determine the patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation applications, divisional applications, related family members, and the projected expiration date for US Patent 9502025, I will refer to the patent's own information and general USPTO rules regarding patent terms.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA):
Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) is granted to compensate for certain delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a patent application. It adds additional time to the 20-year lifespan of a utility or plant patent. Common reasons for PTA include the USPTO failing to:

• Issue a first office action or notice of allowance within 14 months of filing.
• Respond to an applicant's reply or appeal within four months.
• Issue the patent within four months after payment of the issue fee.
• Issue a patent within three years of the actual filing date of the application.

The Google Patents page for US9502025B2 indicates an "Adjusted expiration" date of 2034-07-17. This "Adjusted expiration" date implies that Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) has been calculated and applied to the patent's term. The specific details of the PTA calculation (e.g., the exact number of days added due to USPTO delays and any reductions due to applicant delays) are typically found in the Issue Notification Letter issued by the USPTO, which is not directly available in the provided text.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE):
Patent Term Extension (PTE) is available for patents claiming products (e.g., human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, food additives, color additives, and medical devices) that require regulatory approval prior to being sold. The purpose of PTE is to restore a portion of the patent term lost while awaiting regulatory approval. To be eligible, the patent must not have expired, and the term of the patent must not have been previously extended.

US Patent 9502025 is titled "System and method for providing a natural language content dedication service." This type of invention (software/system for a content service) does not typically involve products requiring premarket regulatory approval from agencies like the FDA, which is a prerequisite for PTE. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that US9502025 has received or is eligible for Patent Term Extension (PTE). The Google Patents information does not indicate any PTE has been granted.

Continuation Applications:
A continuation application is a new patent application that claims the benefit of an earlier utility patent application, allowing applicants to pursue additional claims to subject matter disclosed in the earlier application.
The Google Patents page for US9502025B2 lists "US12/943,699" as the application number and "US20110112921A1" as another version. The priority date of US9502025B2 is 2009-11-10, and its filing date is 2010-11-10. This indicates that US9502025B2 is a utility patent stemming from application US12/943,699. The publication US20110112921A1 is the publication of application US12/943,699.

The patent itself references a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/389,678, entitled "System and Method for Processing Multi-Modal Device Interactions in a Natural Language Voice Services Environment," filed Feb. 20, 2009. The patent also refers to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827, entitled "System and Method for Hybrid Processing in a Natural Language Voice Services Environment," filed on Nov. 10, 2009. These are earlier applications from which US9502025 could claim priority.

The Google Patents page for US9502025B2 also lists "US14/631,772" with a priority date of 2015-02-25, and mentions "US20150170641A1" as another version. This suggests that US14/631,772 is a continuation or related application to US9502025B2, claiming priority from it.

Divisional Applications:
A divisional application is filed when an earlier application (the parent) contains claims to more than one invention, and the USPTO requires the applicant to restrict the claims to one invention. Claims to the other inventions can then be pursued in divisional applications. The provided information does not explicitly state whether US9502025 has any divisional applications.

Related Family Members:
Based on the Google Patents page, the patent family for US9502025 includes:

• US9502025B2 (the granted patent)
• US20110112921A1 (the published application corresponding to US12/943,699)
• US12/943,699 (the original application number)
• US14/631,772 (an application with a priority date of 2015-02-25, likely a continuation of US12/943,699 or US9502025B2)
• US20150170641A1 (the published application corresponding to US14/631,772)

The earlier applications cited within the patent, such as US 12/389,678 and US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,827, are also related in terms of subject matter and priority claims, contributing to the broader patent family.

Projected Expiration Date:
The Google Patents page for US9502025B2 explicitly states the "Adjusted expiration" date as 2034-07-17. This date reflects the standard 20-year patent term from the earliest priority date (November 10, 2009), plus any calculated Patent Term Adjustment (PTA).