Patent US7323982B2, titled “System and Method for Locating Personnel and Objects in Response to Telephone Inquiries,” has been at the center of an extensive litigation campaign by WirelessWerx IP LLC.
Since January 2025, the NPE has filed multiple lawsuits against major corporations, including Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc., Hyundai Motor America Inc., and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The patent outlines a system designed to determine the location of individuals or objects when queried via telephone.
Prior art plays a pivotal role in assessing a patent’s validity, as it encompasses existing knowledge and technologies relevant to the claimed invention. Identifying prior art is essential for determining whether a patent meets the criteria of novelty and non-obviousness.
The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool is instrumental in this analysis, offering comprehensive access to patent databases and facilitating the identification of potential prior art.
In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Patent US7323982B2, explore potential prior art references, and discuss how the GPS tool aids in uncovering these critical insights.
Understanding Patent US7323982B2
Patent US7323982B2, titled “Method and System to Control Movable Entities,” describes a system for remotely monitoring and controlling vehicles or other movable objects equipped with a transponder. The system utilizes GPS tracking combined with predefined geographical zones to trigger automated responses based on an entity’s location or movement. The transponder, which can be installed in vehicles, aircraft, or other movable entities, communicates with a central system through wireless networks such as cellular, satellite, or short-range radio.
Source: US7323982B2
Key features of this patent are:
#1. Geographical zone definition: The system allows users to define zones using either waypoints (coordinates with radius) or pixelated mapping techniques. These zones help monitor movement and trigger alerts or actions.
#2. Event-based control mechanism: The transponder is programmed to detect specific events such as speed violations, unauthorized area entry, engine start/stop, and security breaches.
#3. Automated and remote operations: When an event occurs, the system can automatically execute actions, including turning off a vehicle’s ignition, regulating speed, adjusting temperature, or activating security alerts.
#4. Multi-network communication: The transponder communicates via cellular, satellite, and radio networks, ensuring continuous monitoring and control across different environments.
Patent US7323982B2 is at the center of multiple legal disputes initiated by WirelessWerx IP LLC. The litigation likely focuses on GPS-based tracking and geofencing technologies used in modern fleet management, ride-sharing, and location-based services.
Many automotive and logistics companies implement geofencing, vehicle tracking, and automated event triggers; functionalities covered by this patent. Let’s now check what prior art references are available for this patent.
Potential Prior Art References for US7323982B2
#1. FR2439441A1
This patent, filed on October 15, 1979, describes an improved central post alarm system designed to monitor and respond to alarm conditions. The invention includes a transponder with a microprocessor and memory, which processes alarm inputs and communicates alerts to a central station. While it focuses on security monitoring, its use of event-driven responses and automated control mechanisms overlaps with certain aspects of US7323982B2.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Event detection using a microprocessor – The reference describes a transponder that monitors alarm conditions and detects emergency events, which is conceptually similar to US7323982B2’s event-detection mechanism.
- Transponder-based automated operations – When an alarm event is detected, the transponder triggers an automated response, partially aligning with US7323982B2’s execution of configurable operations upon event occurrence.
- Microprocessor-driven system with stored parameters – The reference includes a microprocessor and memory device that stores system variables and parameters, similar to US7323982B2’s transponder system, though it does not explicitly store geographical data.
- Limited disclosure of geographical zoning – Unlike US7323982B2, this reference does not define a geographical zone using coordinates or a pixelated image, which limits its applicability as direct prior art.
Which features of US7323982B2 are disclosed by FR2439441A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The microprocessor executes a configurable operation when the event occurs | Partially Disclosed |
Key excerpt from FR2439441A1:
“Now linked to Figure 3, the subscriber device 30 is shown in schematic form with more detail than in Figure T. More particularly, a transponder 70 synchronously receives an alarm signal or zone inputs 72 that it then processes, allowing the system to trigger alarms or communicate with the central station when specific conditions are met.”
#2. WO8605024A1
This patent, filed on February 18, 1986, describes an automatic remote RF instrument reading system that enables data collection from multiple monitoring units. The system employs transponders that store and transmit instrument readings to a remotely located collection unit. While the invention primarily focuses on automated data retrieval rather than geographical zone-based control, it shares some functional similarities with US7323982B2 in data storage and event-based transmission mechanisms.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Data storage in a transponder’s memory – The reference describes transponder units that collect and store parameter information, which partially aligns with US7323982B2’s feature of loading coordinates or other relevant data into memory.
- Microprocessor-based event-driven operations – The system transmits stored data when it receives a wake-up signal, which resembles event-driven responses in US7323982B2, though it does not explicitly rely on geographical zones.
- Automatic remote data transmission – The reference emphasizes automated communication between monitoring units and a mobile data collection center, reflecting the core concept of wireless control and data relay in US7323982B2.
- Limited applicability to geographical zone-based control – Unlike US7323982B2, this reference does not define a geographical zone or execute configurable operations based on an entity’s location within a defined area.
Which features of US7323982B2 are disclosed by WO8605024A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A computing device loads coordinates to a transponder’s memory | Partially Disclosed |
| The microprocessor executes a configurable operation when the event occurs | Partially Disclosed |
Key excerpt from WO8605024A1:
“This invention provides a unique method and apparatus for communicating information between a plurality of instrument monitoring units to a remotely located and preferably mobile data collection unit. The transponder units collect and accumulate parameter information from associated instruments and store it in memory. Data transmission occurs upon receiving a designated wake-up signal.”
#3. CA1083689A
This patent, filed on November 4, 1977, describes an automatic remote meter reading and control system. The invention enables automated monitoring and control of utility meters using a transponder-based system that communicates via power lines. While its primary focus is on utility management rather than geographical zone-based control, it shares some similarities with US7323982B2 in remote operation execution and event-based system responses.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Transponder-based remote operations – The reference describes a system where commands are sent to transponders, enabling external operations, similar to US7323982B2’s execution of configurable operations.
- Event-driven responses – The transponder can receive commands and trigger actions, aligning with the concept of event-based automation in US7323982B2.
- Utility control applications – The invention focuses on remote monitoring and execution of tasks, which partially overlaps with US7323982B2’s ability to control an entity upon event detection.
- Limited disclosure of geographical zoning – Unlike US7323982B2, this reference does not define a geographical zone or use coordinates for mapping, making it less applicable as direct prior art for location-based tracking.
Here’s what the mapping from the tool for this particular patent looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US7323982B2 are disclosed by CA1083689A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The microprocessor executes a configurable operation when the event occurs | Partially Disclosed |
Key excerpt from CA1083689A:
“The function code, in certain commands, merely specifies that an external operation is to be performed at a customer residence, in which case no data is expected from the power line.”
#4. US5434572A
This patent, filed on June 7, 1994, describes a system and method for initiating communications between a controller and a selected subset of multiple transponders in a common RF field. The invention focuses on wireless data exchange using passive RF transponders that rely on an RF controller to facilitate communication. While the system is designed for identification and data retrieval, it has limited applicability to geographical zone-based control.
Source: GPS
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Data transmission between a computing device and a transponder – The reference describes a controller that loads data into a transponder’s memory using RF signals, partially aligning with US7323982B2’s feature of a computing device writing data to a transponder.
- Microprocessor-based execution of operations – The transponder performs operations like reading and writing data upon receiving controller commands, similar to event-based configurable operations in US7323982B2.
- RF-based remote communication – The invention enables wireless activation of specific transponders within a network, reflecting aspects of remote control and management found in US7323982B2.
- Lack of geographical zoning capabilities – The reference does not mention geographical zones or coordinate-based tracking, limiting its relevance as prior art for location-based control mechanisms.
Which features of US7323982B2 are disclosed by US5434572A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A computing device loads coordinates to a transponder’s memory | Partially Disclosed |
| The microprocessor executes a configurable operation when the event occurs | Partially Disclosed |
Key excerpt from US5434572A:
“The Racom RFM256 is a passive RF transponder incorporating a non-volatile memory element which is powered by inductive coupling to a proximately located RF controller. The Racom communication system utilizes the controller to facilitate data exchange, enabling reading and writing of transponder memory.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | FR2439441A1 | WO8605024A1 | CA1083689A | US5434572A |
| A computing device loads coordinates to a transponder’s memory | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| A microprocessor in the transponder defines a geographical zone by creating an enclosed area on a pixelated image using coordinates | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The enclosed area represents a geographical zone | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The microprocessor determines when an event occurs related to entity status in relation to the geographical zone | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The microprocessor executes a configurable operation when the event occurs | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
How to Find Prior Art Using Global Patent Search?
Identifying prior art is essential for assessing a patent’s validity, especially in litigation. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool simplifies this process by providing a structured and efficient way to locate relevant references.
- Search by patent number or description – Quickly find patents related to the subject invention by entering key terms or specific patent numbers.
Source: GPS
- Utilize feature mapping – Compare critical claims of the subject patent with existing references to identify overlaps and distinctions.
- Examine matching results – Access a ranked list of prior art references based on relevance to the patent under review.
- Analyze detailed reports – Review structured comparisons that highlight which features of the subject patent are fully, partially, or not disclosed in prior art.
- Make data-driven decisions – Leverage these insights to refine legal strategies and evaluate the strength of a patent’s claims.
With Global Patent Search, legal teams can efficiently uncover relevant prior art, making the patent research process more precise and effective.
Take the Guesswork Out of Prior Art Research
Navigating patent disputes requires precision, and identifying the right prior art can make all the difference. Global Patent Search (GPS) simplifies the process by providing:
- Instant results – Avoid time-consuming manual searches with rapid access to relevant prior art.
- Accurate feature mapping – Identify key overlaps between the subject patent and existing references with precision.
- Data-backed insights – Strengthen your case with detailed prior art comparisons, ensuring a well-supported legal strategy.
Stay ahead in patent litigation with Global Patent Search, your essential tool for uncovering relevant prior art quickly and effectively. Try GPS now and gain the competitive edge you need!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The prior art references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive prior art analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
