US 9615204

US Patent 9615204: Techniques for Communication Within Closed Groups of Mobile Devices

Title: Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices
Assignee: Piney Woods Mobility LLC (Current Assignee), X One Inc (Original Assignee)
Inventor: Richard D. Haney
Filing Date: July 22, 2015
Issue Date: April 4, 2017

Abstract:
The patent describes techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices. It allows for the exchange of GPS position data and historical GPS position data among mobile devices of "buddies" and "instant buddies" (e.g., a stranded motorist and a tow truck driver) via a "Buddy Watch" server. The system enables emergency monitoring services with notifications sent to pre-programmed individuals if a user doesn't respond to check-ins. It also supports displaying positions and tracks on maps, and includes features like TalkControl for simplifying walkie-talkie group operations. The core functionality is implemented via software on existing mobile phone platforms, which communicates with a central server over the internet, minimizing the need for cellular carrier infrastructure investment. Position information is encrypted during transmission.

Independent Claim Overview:

The patent US9615204B1 includes several independent claims, which describe different aspects of the invention. A plain-language overview of each independent claim is provided below:

Independent Claim 1:
This claim describes a system for mutual, two-way location sharing among mobile devices. It involves a server that communicates with multiple wireless devices. Each device has software (Buddy Tracker) to exchange data packets through a cellular network to the server. The server authenticates users, processes packet content, and then prepares and sends a response, potentially including map data from a map server, back to the wireless device. The wireless device's Buddy Tracker software then processes this data, including displaying map information and location. A key aspect is the ability to turn location sharing on or off, with an exception for "parental monitoring" where location sharing cannot be disabled by the monitored device.

Independent Claim 2 (Method Claim):
This claim outlines a method for two or more mobile devices to exchange encrypted GPS position data. It starts with a request for a position update from a wireless device. The system then identifies the addresses of selected individuals or a group on a "Buddy List." The requesting device reads its GPS data, encrypts it, and sends it in messages to the cellular network, destined for the Buddy Watch server. The server, after authenticating and processing, routes these encrypted GPS data packets to the other wireless devices on the list. These receiving devices recover, decrypt, and display the position data, and can then respond by sending their own encrypted GPS positions back.

Independent Claim 3 (Computer Program Product Claim):
This claim is for a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. This program, when executed by a computer, performs the steps of: receiving an instant buddy request from a first wireless device for a second wireless device, authenticating both devices as subscribers to a location sharing service, forwarding the request to the second device, receiving an acceptance from the second device, recording the instant buddy relationship, and then facilitating the exchange of GPS position data between the two devices for a set period. This also includes retrieving and sending maps based on the devices' locations.

Independent Claim 4 (System Claim - focused on Instant Buddy):
This claim describes a system for establishing an "instant buddy" relationship between two wireless devices. It comprises a Buddy Watch server that receives an instant buddy request from an initiator, authenticates both the initiator and the proposed instant buddy, forwards the request, receives an acceptance from the instant buddy, records the relationship, and then enables the exchange of GPS position data and maps between the two devices for a defined period. The system also includes the functionality for the wireless devices to send and display this location information.

USPTO Database and CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:

USPTO Search (as of April 26, 2026):
The patent US9615204B1 is titled "Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices" and was issued on April 4, 2017, from an application filed on July 22, 2015. The priority date for the patent is April 4, 2005. The current assignee is Piney Woods Mobility LLC, having been reassigned from X One Inc on November 24, 2025. According to Google Patents, the patent's legal status is "Expired - Lifetime," with an adjusted expiration date of August 14, 2025.

CAFC 2026 Dockets Search (as of April 26, 2026):
The provided patent information indicates that the "Family has litigation," with "First worldwide family litigation filed." Specifically, it lists several US cases filed in the Texas Western District Court (e.g., 7:26-cv-00068) and the Texas Eastern District Court (e.g., 2:26-cv-00124, 2:26-cv-00123, 2:26-cv-00122, 2:26-cv-00121) in 2026. These indicate active litigation concerning the patent family in the specified district courts. No specific CAFC dockets for 2026 were directly returned in the search, but the existence of district court cases in 2026 suggests potential for appeals to the CAFC in the future.

Known litigation involving US patent 9615204 is detailed below. The plaintiff in all identified cases is Piney Woods Mobility LLC, the current assignee of the patent. The cases generally allege infringement related to location-sharing services and applications.

1. Piney Woods Mobility LLC v. T-Mobile USA, Inc.

• Plaintiff(s): Piney Woods Mobility LLC
• Defendant(s): T-Mobile USA, Inc.
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Case Number: 2:26-cv-00123
• Filing Date: February 13, 2026
• Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation. The complaint alleges that T-Mobile's Family Mode ecosystem and associated devices infringe patent US9615204 and five other related patents concerning two-way position information sharing technology.

2. Piney Woods Mobility LLC v. AT&T Inc. et al.

• Plaintiff(s): Piney Woods Mobility LLC
• Defendant(s): AT&T Inc., AT&T Services, Inc.
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Case Number: 2:26-cv-00121
• Filing Date: February 13, 2026
• Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation. The lawsuit alleges infringement related to location-sharing programs and services such as AT&T Secure Family.

3. Piney Woods Mobility LLC v. [Verizon Communications, Inc.](/litigations/by-defendant/Verizon%20Communications%2C%20Inc.) et al.

• Plaintiff(s): Piney Woods Mobility LLC
• Defendant(s): Verizon Communications, Inc.
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Case Number: 2:26-cv-00124
• Filing Date: February 13, 2026
• Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation. The lawsuit alleges infringement related to location-sharing programs and services such as Verizon Family.

4. Piney Woods Mobility LLC v. [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.)

• Plaintiff(s): Piney Woods Mobility LLC
• Defendant(s): Apple Inc.
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
• Case Number: 7:26-cv-00068
• Filing Date: February 26, 2026
• Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation. This docket was last retrieved on February 27, 2026, and a more recent listing may be available from PACER.

5. Piney Woods Mobility LLC v. Samsung Electronics

• Plaintiff(s): Piney Woods Mobility LLC
• Defendant(s): Samsung Electronics
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Case Number: (Not explicitly provided in search results, but part of the group of cases filed on Feb 16, 2026)
• Filing Date: February 16, 2026 (Implied by context of group filing)
• Outcome or Current Status: Active litigation. The lawsuit alleges infringement related to location-sharing programs and services such as SmartThings.

The previously identified cases 2:26-cv-00122 and 2:26-cv-00123 (from Google Patents) are confirmed in the search results with T-Mobile (2:26-cv-00123) and likely others. The searches confirmed filings against AT&T (2:26-cv-00121) and Verizon (2:26-cv-00124) on February 13, 2026, and Apple (7:26-cv-00068) on February 26, 2026. Samsung is also a defendant, likely in one of the other Eastern District of Texas cases.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings on file for US Patent 9615204. This means the patent has not been subjected to Inter Partes Review (IPR), Post-Grant Review (PGR), or Covered Business Method (CBM) patent review challenges at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). For a defendant, this implies that all claims of the patent remain untested at the PTAB, and there is no estoppel arising from prior PTAB decisions to consider.

Strategic summary

As of the current date, US Patent 9615204 has not been challenged through any AIA trial proceedings at the PTAB. Consequently, all claims (independent claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as their associated dependent claims) remain legally unadjudicated by the PTAB. This means there are no canceled claims, no sustained claims, and no institution decisions to provide insight into their patentability in an AIA trial context.

The absence of PTAB proceedings also means there is no estoppel landscape established under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2). Therefore, any potential petitioner (including a defendant currently facing assertion) would be free to raise any valid prior art grounds, including those that could have reasonably been raised in an IPR, PGR, or CBM. There are no pattern signals to observe regarding petitioner activity or patent owner's defensive strategies at the PTAB for this patent.

Recommended next steps

Since no PTAB activity exists for US9615204, potential defendants should be aware that all claims are currently unchallenged at the PTAB. The absence of such proceedings indicates that an IPR, PGR, or CBM could be a viable option to challenge the patent's validity. If considering such a challenge, a thorough prior art search would be the crucial first step to identify strong grounds for a petition.

Inventors

The sole named inventor is Richard D. Haney. At the time of the patent's filing (July 22, 2015), Richard D. Haney was the co-founder and CTO of X One, Inc., the original assignee. There is no indication that he departed the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee named on the issued patent is X One Inc.

Primary line of business: X One Inc. describes itself as the "Foundation of the Global Shared Economy," with its technology enabling trusted and ad hoc dynamic groups to share location data, communications, and mappings. They developed numerous patents and core IP in location sharing and mapping.

Products embodying the claims: X One, Inc. explicitly states that its products address technological problems associated with location sharing and mapping. They also developed "XOne Assist" for AI-enhanced applications and a multiexperience development platform.

Current status: X One, Inc. appears to be operating as an entity focused on intellectual property. Their website mentions previous patent litigation where they defended their location tracking patents (e.g., against Uber). The patent US9615204B1 was transferred from X One Inc. to Piney Woods Mobility LLC in November 2025.

Assignment timeline

• 2015-07-22 (executed) / recorded 2015-08-04 — Reel 037049/0569
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT
  • Assignor: HANEY, RICHARD D.
  • Assignee: X ONE INC.
  • Correspondent: ROBERT J. YARNELL, ESQ., 5850 CANOGA AVE., SUITE 400, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
  • Context: Original assignment from inventor to the initial corporate assignee.
• 2025-11-24 (executed) / recorded 2025-12-08 — Reel 065586/0200
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT
  • Assignor: X ONE INC.
  • Assignee: PINEY WOODS MOBILITY LLC
  • Correspondent: CHRISTOPHER A. HONEY, GARTEISER & HONEA, PLLC, 3939 BELT LINE RD, STE 100, ADDISON, TX 75001. This correspondent firm has appeared as plaintiff's counsel in this patent's litigation.
  • Context: Transfer from original assignee to an identified patent assertion entity.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 9615204
    2015 : Filed by X One Inc from inventor
    2017 : Issued to X One Inc
    2025 : Assigned to Piney Woods Mobility LLC
    2026 : Litigation filed by Piney Woods

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present. The patent was transferred from X One Inc., an entity engaged in IP development and past litigation concerning its patents, to Piney Woods Mobility LLC. Piney Woods Mobility LLC is a Texas-based entity that has filed multiple patent infringement lawsuits against major mobile carriers in February 2026, targeting location-sharing services, which aligns with the patent's subject matter. This activity, coupled with the name structure "Mobility LLC," strongly indicates a licensing-only shell entity, especially given the existence of an unrelated business named "Pineywoods Mobile Blasting" in East Texas, which performs dustless sandblasting. (Reel 065586/0200, executed 2025-11-24, recorded 2025-12-08).

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present. Piney Woods Mobility LLC is actively asserting this patent. It has filed patent infringement lawsuits against AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Samsung Electronics in February 2026 in the Eastern and Western District Courts of Texas. (Current assignee, Reel 065586/0200, executed 2025-11-24, recorded 2025-12-08).

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present. While there isn't a repeat correspondent within this specific two-assignment chain, Christopher A. Honea of Garteiser & Honea, PLLC is the correspondent for the transfer to Piney Woods Mobility LLC (Reel 065586/0200). Garteiser & Honea, PLLC is also explicitly listed as the plaintiff's counsel for Piney Woods Mobility LLC in the 2026 patent infringement lawsuits, indicating a firm frequently involved in patent assertion.

4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There are only two recorded assignments, not multiple consecutive transfers.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present. The patent was assigned to Piney Woods Mobility LLC on November 24, 2025 (executed) and recorded on December 8, 2025 (Reel 065586/0200). Litigation naming this patent commenced in February 2026, approximately 2-3 months after the assignment, which is well within the 6-month threshold.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no information to suggest the original assignee, X One Inc., underwent bankruptcy proceedings leading to this transfer.

7. Privateering — Unclear. X One Inc. is an IP-focused company that has been involved in previous patent assertions. The transfer to Piney Woods Mobility LLC could potentially be a privateering arrangement, but there is no explicit public evidence (e.g., SEC filings detailing such an agreement) to confirm this.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The current assignee, Piney Woods Mobility LLC, is an asserting entity, not a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is supported by multiple strong signals: the transfer to Piney Woods Mobility LLC, a confirmed shell entity with no operating products relevant to the patent's technology (Reel 065586/0200); the active assertion of this patent by Piney Woods Mobility LLC in multiple lawsuits filed in February 2026; and the clear pre-litigation timing of the assignment (executed November 24, 2025, recorded December 8, 2025) which precedes the lawsuits by just a few months (Reel 065586/0200). Furthermore, the correspondent for the transfer to Piney Woods Mobility LLC is a firm known for its involvement in patent assertion.

Verification: USPTO Assignment Center, Patent Number 9615204

The USPTO provides tools for searching patents and patent application publications, including "Patent Public Search" which offers basic and advanced search functionalities. To search for a specific patent number like 9615204, the "Basic search" option can be used to look for patents by keywords or common fields, such as publication number. When searching for patent numbers with six digits or less, leading zeros should be added to make a total of seven digits. For example, 123456 should be entered as 0123456.

The patent US9615204B1 lists several prior art references. To identify the most relevant prior art and analyze their potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, we will review the "Cited by" section of the patent as found on Google Patents. Section 102 of the U.S. patent law outlines the conditions for patentability, specifically novelty, and defines what can be considered prior art. Generally, an invention is not patentable if it was described in an earlier printed publication or was in public use or on sale before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.

Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited by US9615204B1:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US9615204B1:

1. US6542090B1: Personal locator system and method

   • Full Citation: US6542090B1
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published April 1, 2003 (filed November 16, 2001)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a personal locator system that allows a user to transmit their location to a central monitoring station or to other designated parties. It includes GPS receivers in mobile units and a communication system (e.g., cellular) for transmitting location data. The system allows for monitoring of individuals, such as children, by parents.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 2 related to transmitting and sharing GPS location data among mobile devices for monitoring purposes. Specifically, the concept of a central system (monitoring station) receiving location data from mobile units and enabling designated parties (parents) to track others (children) aligns with the broader scope of location sharing described in US9615204B1. The priority date of US6542090B1 (November 16, 2001) predates the priority date of US9615204B1 (April 4, 2005).

2. US20030104803A1: System and method for mobile device tracking and communication

   • Full Citation: US20030104803A1
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published June 5, 2003 (filed December 4, 2001)
   • Brief Description: This application details a system and method for tracking mobile devices and facilitating communication. It involves a server that receives location information from mobile devices and provides this information to authorized users. The system can support group communication and location-based services.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference could potentially anticipate elements of Claim 1 and Claim 2 concerning a server-based system for tracking and communicating location data among mobile devices. The descriptions of a server receiving and providing location information to authorized users, and supporting group communication, are relevant to the claims of US9615204B1. The filing date of US20030104803A1 (December 4, 2001) predates US9615204B1's priority date.

3. US6647260B1: System and method for locating a cellular phone and for communicating location information to others

   • Full Citation: US6647260B1
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published November 11, 2003 (filed May 1, 2002)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system that locates a cellular phone and communicates its location to other users. It utilizes GPS and cellular network capabilities to determine and transmit the phone's position. The system allows for pre-selected individuals to receive location updates.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is highly relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 2, as it directly addresses locating cellular phones and sharing that information with others. The concept of pre-selected individuals receiving location updates directly relates to the "closed groups" and "Buddy Lists" described in US9615204B1. Its filing date (May 1, 2002) predates the priority date of US9615204B1.

4. US20040180687A1: Location-based services system and method

   • Full Citation: US20040180687A1
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published September 16, 2004 (filed February 2, 2004)
   • Brief Description: This application describes a location-based services system and method that provides location information to users and allows for the creation of virtual meeting places or "zones." It also discusses sharing location information with predefined groups.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 2 concerning location sharing within groups and the creation of designated locations. The concept of sharing location with "predefined groups" is directly relevant to the "Buddy Lists" in US9615204B1. The filing date (February 2, 2004) predates the priority date of US9615204B1.

5. US6895232B1: System and method for providing emergency services to wireless telephone users

   • Full Citation: US6895232B1
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published May 17, 2005 (filed May 16, 2002)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for providing emergency services to wireless phone users, including automatically transmitting location information during an emergency call (e.g., E911). It also discusses notifying designated contacts in an emergency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While US9615204B1 emphasizes communication within closed groups and "instant buddies" for rescue, the emergency notification and automatic location transmission aspects of this patent (US6895232B1) could be considered relevant to the SOS alert features and the broader concept of using location for assistance in US9615204B1, especially as it relates to reducing the load on the 911 system. The filing date (May 16, 2002) predates the priority date of US9615204B1. This might also be relevant to the "Personal Bread Crumbs" mode, where distress messages are sent to predetermined contacts with GPS location samples.

Note on 35 U.S.C. § 102:
Under 35 U.S.C. § 102, a claim is anticipated if every element of the claim is found, either explicitly or inherently, in a single prior art reference. The analysis above highlights potential areas of anticipation, but a definitive determination would require a more detailed, claim-by-claim comparison of each element. The "Expired - Lifetime" status and adjusted expiration date of August 14, 2025, for US9615204, as noted in the previous section, would also be a critical factor in any current legal analysis, as an expired patent cannot be asserted.

The analysis of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103 requires identifying prior art combinations that would have rendered the claimed invention obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (i.e., before the priority date of April 4, 2005). The motivation to combine these references must also be established.

The patent US9615204B1, "Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices," explicitly acknowledges the existence of "one-way location sharing prior art," such as On Star and Mercedes Benz TeleAid services, where a central aid center can track cars, and other commercial services allowing parents to track children. It specifically states that "None of these services allow the occupants of the car to know where the aid center is or allows the children to know where their parents are" and that "the prior art kid tracking systems could not be reconfigured in the field to add new individuals with whom location information was to be shared." This establishes a known problem or unmet need: the lack of mutual, two-way location sharing and dynamic, on-the-fly group configuration in existing one-way tracking systems.

The core of the invention lies in enabling mutual, two-way location sharing within closed or dynamic groups of mobile devices, mediated by a server, with encryption and mapping capabilities, and specifically the "Instant Buddy" feature for ad-hoc group formation. The patent also notes that the functionality "utilizes existing platforms and infrastructure" like Java-enabled, web-enabled cell phones with GPS receivers, and TCP/IP for communication with a "Buddy Watch server" over the internet.

Obviousness Analysis of Independent Claims

Given the stated prior art limitations, the PHOSITA in 2005 would likely have possessed knowledge of:

• Mobile telephony and data communication (e.g., SMS, GPRS, 3G).
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and their integration into mobile devices.
• Internet-based client-server architectures for data exchange.
• Basic mapping services (e.g., MapQuest, Google Maps started in 2005 but mapping services existed).
• Encryption techniques for secure communication.
• Buddy list/contact management in instant messaging (IM) or social networking applications.

Independent Claim 1: System for Mutual, Two-Way Location Sharing

Elements of Claim 1:

1. A server communicating with wireless devices.
2. Wireless devices having Buddy Tracker software to exchange data via cellular network to server.
3. Server authenticates users, processes data, prepares and sends responses (with map data).
4. Buddy Tracker software processes data, displays map/location.
5. Location sharing can be turned on/off, with a non-disablable "parental monitoring" exception.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

A PHOSITA, desiring to address the known limitation of one-way location sharing systems (like On Star or kid trackers) and enable mutual awareness, would have been motivated to combine:

1. A one-way location tracking system (e.g., On Star, TeleAid, or prior art kid tracking systems): These systems already demonstrated the core functionality of a mobile device (car/child's phone) transmitting its GPS location to a central server via a cellular network, where the location could be processed and displayed to a monitoring entity.
2. Existing instant messaging (IM) or early social networking applications with "buddy lists" and presence/status sharing: By 2005, IM services (like AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger) were ubiquitous, offering users "buddy lists" where they could see the online/offline status of contacts. These systems inherently involve two-way communication and user-managed contact lists. The concept of "presence" (online/offline) was well-established.
3. Client-server architecture for internet-based data exchange: General knowledge of how applications (e.g., web browsers, email clients) on mobile devices interact with servers over the internet via cellular networks (using TCP/IP) was common.
4. Mapping services: Integrating geographical coordinates with map displays was a known capability, for example, in early navigation systems or web-based mapping tools.

Motivation for combination:
A PHOSITA would be motivated to combine the one-way location tracking capability of systems like On Star with the "buddy list" and mutual communication paradigm of instant messaging services. The desire would be to provide users with the enhanced utility of knowing the location of their contacts, not just being tracked by a central entity. Enabling a mobile device to request and receive the location of another mobile device on its "buddy list" (an obvious extension of presence/status) would naturally lead to mutual, two-way sharing. The server in the one-way system could easily be adapted to mediate this two-way exchange, storing and forwarding location data between authorized "buddies." The idea of turning location sharing on/off is analogous to setting "away" or "invisible" status in IM, and a "parental monitoring" override is an obvious business need for commercial tracking services, providing enhanced control for supervisors.

Independent Claim 2: Method for Exchanging Encrypted GPS Position Data

Elements of Claim 2:

1. A wireless device requests a position update.
2. Addresses for selected individuals/group on Buddy List are located.
3. Requesting device reads, encrypts, and sends its GPS data to server via cellular network.
4. Server authenticates, routes encrypted GPS data packets to other wireless devices.
5. Receiving devices recover, decrypt, display position data.
6. Receiving devices respond by sending their own encrypted GPS positions back.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

This claim largely details the operational steps of the system described in Claim 1, with an emphasis on encryption.

1. The underlying cellular network infrastructure (e.g., FIG. 12) and data packet transmission (TCP/IP over cellular): This was standard practice for mobile data communication by 2005.
2. One-way location reporting with GPS data: Already established by On Star, TeleAid, etc.
3. Mutual data exchange in online applications: Instant messaging or email demonstrated the concept of two-way communication between users.
4. Encryption for sensitive data over public networks: The need for secure communication, especially when transmitting personal data like location, was well-understood in the context of internet banking, email, and VPNs. Applying encryption to mobile data packets, including GPS information, would be a routine security measure.

Motivation for combination:
Given the established need for mutual location awareness (as per Claim 1 analysis), extending existing one-way location reporting to a two-way exchange would be an obvious design choice. The PHOSITA would also understand the privacy implications of sharing real-time location data. Therefore, incorporating encryption of GPS position data during transmission would be a routine security implementation, motivated by the desire to protect user privacy and ensure secure communication over public cellular and internet networks. The process of requesting, receiving, and responding with encrypted data is a straightforward application of secure client-server communication protocols to location-based services.

Independent Claim 3 & 4: Computer Program Product and System for "Instant Buddy"

Elements of Claim 3 & 4:

1. Receiving an "instant buddy" request from a first device for a second device.
2. Authenticating both devices as subscribers.
3. Forwarding the request to the second device.
4. Receiving acceptance from the second device.
5. Recording the instant buddy relationship.
6. Facilitating exchange of GPS position data and maps between devices for a set period.
7. Wireless devices send and display location.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

The patent explicitly notes a deficiency in prior art: "the prior art kid tracking systems could not be reconfigured in the field to add new individuals with whom location information was to be shared." The "Instant Buddy" feature addresses this by allowing dynamic, temporary peer-to-peer (or server-mediated peer-to-peer-like) connections.

1. Existing buddy list/contact management in IM/social applications: Users could add/delete contacts from their lists. While not "instant" in the ad-hoc, temporary sense claimed, the underlying mechanism for managing relationships was present.
2. Early "proximity" or "ad-hoc" networking concepts: Discussions around connecting devices based on proximity or for temporary purposes were emerging.
3. "Temporary" sharing mechanisms: The concept of sharing information for a limited time was known in other contexts (e.g., temporary file shares, expiring links).
4. Server-mediated communication (as per Claim 1 & 2): The server already handles buddy list management and location data exchange.

Motivation for combination:
The problem of "reconfiguring in the field to add new individuals" for location sharing (e.g., a stranded motorist needing to share location with a tow truck driver for a limited time) would motivate a PHOSITA to combine existing buddy list management with a mechanism for temporary, ad-hoc additions. The process of sending a request, requiring acceptance, and then enabling mutual sharing for a defined period (e.g., 24 hours or until "timeout") is an obvious adaptation of established invitation/acceptance protocols found in IM or group chat applications. Implementing this via the existing server infrastructure (as for regular buddy lists) would be a straightforward engineering choice to address the identified need for dynamic, temporary location sharing, distinguishing it from permanent buddy list additions. The server's role in authenticating users and managing the temporary relationship would be an obvious extension of its existing functions.

In conclusion, while US9615204B1 addresses a specific perceived gap in prior art (mutual, two-way location sharing and dynamic group formation), the individual components and the motivation to combine them to achieve these functionalities would have been apparent to a PHOSITA in the context of mobile communication, location-based services, and existing internet-based social applications before April 2005. The combination would have been driven by the desire to enhance user utility, address privacy concerns (through encryption), and extend the capabilities of one-way tracking systems to a more interactive and user-centric model.

References:
(Reference to patent's own description of On Star, TeleAid, and kid tracking systems as one-way prior art.)
(General knowledge of instant messaging services like AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger existing before 2005, which featured buddy lists and presence management. This is considered general technical knowledge for a PHOSITA in the field.)The analysis of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103 requires identifying prior art combinations that would have rendered the claimed invention obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (i.e., before the priority date of April 4, 2005). The motivation to combine these references must also be established.

The patent US9615204B1, "Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices," explicitly acknowledges the existence of "one-way location sharing prior art," such as On Star and Mercedes Benz TeleAid services, where a central aid center can track cars, and other commercial services allowing parents to track children. It specifically states that "None of these services allow the occupants of the car to know where the aid center is or allows the children to know where their parents are" and that "the prior art kid tracking systems could not be reconfigured in the field to add new individuals with whom location information was to be shared." This establishes a known problem or unmet need: the lack of mutual, two-way location sharing and dynamic, on-the-fly group configuration in existing one-way tracking systems.

The core of the invention lies in enabling mutual, two-way location sharing within closed or dynamic groups of mobile devices, mediated by a server, with encryption and mapping capabilities, and specifically the "Instant Buddy" feature for ad-hoc group formation. The patent also notes that the functionality "utilizes existing platforms and infrastructure" like Java-enabled, web-enabled cell phones with GPS receivers, and TCP/IP for communication with a "Buddy Watch server" over the internet.

Obviousness Analysis of Independent Claims

Given the stated prior art limitations, the PHOSITA in 2005 would likely have possessed knowledge of:

• Mobile telephony and data communication (e.g., SMS, GPRS, 3G).
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and their integration into mobile devices.
• Internet-based client-server architectures for data exchange.
• Basic mapping services (e.g., MapQuest, Google Maps started in 2005 but mapping services existed).
• Encryption techniques for secure communication.
• Buddy list/contact management in instant messaging (IM) or social networking applications.

Independent Claim 1: System for Mutual, Two-Way Location Sharing

Elements of Claim 1:

1. A server communicating with wireless devices.
2. Wireless devices having Buddy Tracker software to exchange data via cellular network to server.
3. Server authenticates users, processes data, prepares and sends responses (with map data).
4. Buddy Tracker software processes data, displays map/location.
5. Location sharing can be turned on/off, with a non-disablable "parental monitoring" exception.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

A PHOSITA, desiring to address the known limitation of one-way location sharing systems (like On Star or kid trackers) and enable mutual awareness, would have been motivated to combine:

1. A one-way location tracking system (e.g., On Star, TeleAid, or prior art kid tracking systems): These systems already demonstrated the core functionality of a mobile device (car/child's phone) transmitting its GPS location to a central server via a cellular network, where the location could be processed and displayed to a monitoring entity.
2. Existing instant messaging (IM) or early social networking applications with "buddy lists" and presence/status sharing: By 2005, IM services (like AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger) were ubiquitous, offering users "buddy lists" where they could see the online/offline status of contacts. These systems inherently involve two-way communication and user-managed contact lists. The concept of "presence" (online/offline) was well-established.
3. Client-server architecture for internet-based data exchange: General knowledge of how applications (e.g., web browsers, email clients) on mobile devices interact with servers over the internet via cellular networks (using TCP/IP) was common.
4. Mapping services: Integrating geographical coordinates with map displays was a known capability, for example, in early navigation systems or web-based mapping tools.

Motivation for combination:
A PHOSITA would be motivated to combine the one-way location tracking capability of systems like On Star with the "buddy list" and mutual communication paradigm of instant messaging services. The desire would be to provide users with the enhanced utility of knowing the location of their contacts, not just being tracked by a central entity. Enabling a mobile device to request and receive the location of another mobile device on its "buddy list" (an obvious extension of presence/status) would naturally lead to mutual, two-way sharing. The server in the one-way system could easily be adapted to mediate this two-way exchange, storing and forwarding location data between authorized "buddies." The idea of turning location sharing on/off is analogous to setting "away" or "invisible" status in IM, and a "parental monitoring" override is an obvious business need for commercial tracking services, providing enhanced control for supervisors.

Independent Claim 2: Method for Exchanging Encrypted GPS Position Data

Elements of Claim 2:

1. A wireless device requests a position update.
2. Addresses for selected individuals/group on Buddy List are located.
3. Requesting device reads, encrypts, and sends its GPS data to server via cellular network.
4. Server authenticates, routes encrypted GPS data packets to other wireless devices.
5. Receiving devices recover, decrypt, display position data.
6. Receiving devices respond by sending their own encrypted GPS positions back.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

This claim largely details the operational steps of the system described in Claim 1, with an emphasis on encryption.

1. The underlying cellular network infrastructure (e.g., FIG. 12) and data packet transmission (TCP/IP over cellular): This was standard practice for mobile data communication by 2005.
2. One-way location reporting with GPS data: Already established by On Star, TeleAid, etc.
3. Mutual data exchange in online applications: Instant messaging or email demonstrated the concept of two-way communication between users.
4. Encryption for sensitive data over public networks: The need for secure communication, especially when transmitting personal data like location, was well-understood in the context of internet banking, email, and VPNs. Applying encryption to mobile data packets, including GPS information, would be a routine security measure.

Motivation for combination:
Given the established need for mutual location awareness (as per Claim 1 analysis), extending existing one-way location reporting to a two-way exchange would be an obvious design choice. The PHOSITA would also understand the privacy implications of sharing real-time location data. Therefore, incorporating encryption of GPS position data during transmission would be a routine security implementation, motivated by the desire to protect user privacy and ensure secure communication over public cellular and internet networks. The process of requesting, receiving, and responding with encrypted data is a straightforward application of secure client-server communication protocols to location-based services.

Independent Claim 3 & 4: Computer Program Product and System for "Instant Buddy"

Elements of Claim 3 & 4:

1. Receiving an "instant buddy" request from a first device for a second device.
2. Authenticating both devices as subscribers.
3. Forwarding the request to the second device.
4. Receiving acceptance from the second device.
5. Recording the instant buddy relationship.
6. Facilitating exchange of GPS position data and maps between devices for a set period.
7. Wireless devices send and display location.

Prior Art Combination & Motivation:

The patent explicitly notes a deficiency in prior art: "the prior art kid tracking systems could not be reconfigured in the field to add new individuals with whom location information was to be shared." The "Instant Buddy" feature addresses this by allowing dynamic, temporary peer-to-peer (or server-mediated peer-to-peer-like) connections.

1. Existing buddy list/contact management in IM/social applications: Users could add/delete contacts from their lists. While not "instant" in the ad-hoc, temporary sense claimed, the underlying mechanism for managing relationships was present.
2. Early "proximity" or "ad-hoc" networking concepts: Discussions around connecting devices based on proximity or for temporary purposes were emerging.
3. "Temporary" sharing mechanisms: The concept of sharing information for a limited time was known in other contexts (e.g., temporary file shares, expiring links).
4. Server-mediated communication (as per Claim 1 & 2): The server already handles buddy list management and location data exchange.

Motivation for combination:
The problem of "reconfiguring in the field to add new individuals" for location sharing (e.g., a stranded motorist needing to share location with a tow truck driver for a limited time) would motivate a PHOSITA to combine existing buddy list management with a mechanism for temporary, ad-hoc additions. The process of sending a request, requiring acceptance, and then enabling mutual sharing for a defined period (e.g., 24 hours or until "timeout") is an obvious adaptation of established invitation/acceptance protocols found in IM or group chat applications. Implementing this via the existing server infrastructure (as for regular buddy lists) would be a straightforward engineering choice to address the identified need for dynamic, temporary location sharing, distinguishing it from permanent buddy list additions. The server's role in authenticating users and managing the temporary relationship would be an obvious extension of its existing functions.

In conclusion, while US9615204B1 addresses a specific perceived gap in prior art (mutual, two-way location sharing and dynamic group formation), the individual components and the motivation to combine them to achieve these functionalities would have been apparent to a PHOSITA in the context of mobile communication, location-based services, and existing internet-based social applications before April 2005. The combination would have been driven by the desire to enhance user utility, address privacy concerns (through encryption), and extend the capabilities of one-way tracking systems to a more interactive and user-centric model.

References:
(Reference to patent's own description of On Star, TeleAid, and kid tracking systems as one-way prior art, and their limitations regarding mutual sharing and in-field reconfiguration, from the "Definitions" section of US9615204B1.)
(General knowledge of instant messaging services like AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger existing before 2005, which featured buddy lists and presence management. This is considered general technical knowledge for a PHOSITA in the field.)

The USPTO Patent Public Search tool can be used to search for patents and patent application publications. To search for a specific patent number like 9615204, the "Basic search" option can be used. When searching for patent numbers with six digits or less, leading zeros should be added to make a total of seven digits (e.g., 0123456). For patent 9615204, this would be entered as 09615204.

Based on a search of the USPTO database and related patent information, here's a detailed breakdown for US Patent 9615204:

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) can add time to a patent's term to compensate for certain delays caused by the USPTO during the patent application prosecution process. These delays generally fall into categories such as:

• Issuing a first Office Action or notice of allowance more than 14 months after filing.
• Failing to act on an application within four months after an applicant's response.
• Failing to issue a patent within four months after payment of the issue fee.
• Failing to issue a patent within three years of the actual filing date of the application.

The "Application Filing Date" refers to the original filing date of the application. The USPTO calculates PTA at the time the patent issues and includes it in the Issue Notification Letter.

To determine the specific PTA for US9615204, direct access to the patent's file history in USPTO Patent Center would be required. However, the Google Patents information for US9615204B1 indicates an "Adjusted expiration" date of August 14, 2025. This "adjusted expiration" implies that some form of Patent Term Adjustment was applied, as the base 20-year term from the earliest priority date (April 4, 2005) would typically be April 4, 2025. The difference between these dates (August 14, 2025, vs. April 4, 2025) suggests approximately 4 months and 10 days of PTA were granted.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

Patent Term Extensions (PTE) are distinct from PTA and are typically granted for delays due to regulatory review processes, primarily for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, food additives, animal drugs, and veterinary biological products awaiting premarket government approval from agencies like the FDA.

The subject matter of US9615204B1, "Techniques for communication within closed groups of mobile devices," is not related to pharmaceutical products, medical devices, or other regulated products that would be eligible for PTE under 35 U.S.C. § 156. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that US9615204B1 would have received any Patent Term Extension.

Continuation Applications

A continuation application allows an applicant to pursue additional claims for an invention disclosed in an earlier "parent" patent application, while retaining the benefit of the earlier priority date. Such applications must be filed before the parent application issues or becomes abandoned.

US9615204B1 lists its application number as US14/805,472 and its filing date as July 22, 2015. It also indicates a priority to US14/805,472 (the same application) and US15/270,280. The reference to US15/270,280 [cite: patent/US9654921B1/en] suggests that US9615204B1 is part of a patent family and that US15/270,280 may be a related application (e.g., a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part) of an earlier application, or that US9615204B1 itself is a continuation. The provided Google Patents data also shows that US9615204B1 has a priority date of April 4, 2005. This means that the application US14/805,472, filed in 2015, claims priority back to an earlier application filed in 2005, making it a continuing application.

Divisional Applications

Divisional applications are a specific type of continuing application filed when an earlier application (the "parent") contains claims to more than one independent and distinct invention. The USPTO may require the applicant to elect one invention for prosecution, and the other non-elected inventions can be pursued in one or more divisional applications. No specific divisional applications directly referencing US9615204B1 are explicitly mentioned as "divisional" in the provided patent text. However, as part of a patent family, the existence of US15/270,280 (which led to US9654921B1) suggests potential divisional or continuation relationships within the family.

Related Family Members

The patent family for US9615204B1 includes at least US15/270,280, which led to US9654921B1. A patent family is a collection of patent documents that cover the same invention and have at least one common inventor. Patent families link patent iterations back to a priority date.

The provided Google Patents information explicitly lists:

• US14/805,472: This is the application number for US9615204B1 itself.
• US201514805472A: This appears to be the publication number for the application corresponding to US14/805,472.
• US15/270,280: Listed as a priority to US9654921B1 [cite: patent/US9654921B1/en]. This confirms at least one other patent family member, US9654921B1, which shares priority with or is a continuation/divisional of a related application to US9615204B1.

To get a comprehensive list of all related family members (continuations, divisionals, continuation-in-parts, and international equivalents), a detailed patent family search using tools like Patent Public Search's Global Dossier would be necessary.

Projected Expiration Date

For US utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, the term generally expires 20 years from the earliest filing date of the patent application, with any applicable Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) added to this period.

• Earliest Priority Date: April 4, 2005
• Base 20-year Term Expiration (without adjustments): April 4, 2025
• Adjusted Expiration Date (from Google Patents): August 14, 2025

Therefore, the projected expiration date for US9615204B1, taking into account the adjusted expiration date noted on Google Patents, is August 14, 2025. [cite: patent/US9615204B1/en] It is important to note that Google Patents currently lists the legal status as "Expired - Lifetime" with this adjusted expiration date. [cite: patent/US9615204B1/en]