Andra Group, LP, a non-practicing entity, is currently engaged in extensive litigation over US8078498B2, a patent it owns related to e-commerce technology. This single patent has become the center of many lawsuits, with seven active and seven inactive cases filed against major retail companies.
The patent in question covers a system for displaying retail store information online in a way that’s tailored to a user’s location. In simple terms, it governs how websites show nearby store listings and local product availability, a feature now standard across most retail platforms.
Andra Group’s legal campaign underscores how a single, broadly written patent can have wide-reaching consequences across an entire industry, especially in the digital commerce space.
A Global Patent Search using the keyword US8078498B2 can uncover related patents in other jurisdictions or overlapping technologies, helping companies assess exposure, avoid infringement, and stay legally prepared.
Understanding Patent US8078498B2
US8078498B2, titled “Virtual Showroom System and Method,” discloses a system for enhancing online shopping experiences through a virtual showroom. It allows users to view articles, such as clothing items, from multiple perspectives and overlay them to visualize complementary products together. This interactive system aims to bridge the gap between physical and online shopping by improving how products are displayed on e-commerce platforms.
Source: US8078498B2
Its four key features are:
#1. Thumbnail-based perspective views – Users are shown multiple thumbnail images of the same product from different angles (front, rear, side, isometric) to aid product evaluation.
#2. Selection indicators – The selected thumbnail is visually highlighted through unique characteristics like size or color, distinguishing it from the rest.
#3. Overlaying complementary items – Users can combine images of related products to see how they appear together, enhancing decision-making.
#4. Master display interaction – A central display area dynamically updates based on user input, showing the selected product view and overlays.
This patent has become a litigation target due to its broad claims over visual product presentation in online retail environments, features now standard across e-commerce platforms. Given how widely these display techniques are used, many retailers may unknowingly implement similar systems, making related patents vital for legal risk assessment and defense.
Related Patent References for US6813742B2
#1. JP2003524845A
This patent, filed on February 28, 2001, by the National Research Council of Canada, describes an e-commerce system using 2D and 3D representations of products in a virtual environment. It enables users to interact with product images via a client-server architecture, creating a showroom-style experience for evaluating and selecting items online.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Virtual showroom environment – The system provides a virtual space where users can view and interact with products, closely mirroring the concept of a virtual showroom described in US8078498B2.
- Thumbnail-based browsing – Multiple 2D product images are stored in a database, enabling users to browse and evaluate products visually.
- User-controlled display – Users can select specific product images for viewing, which are then shown in a central display area, similar to the master display field.
- No icon integration – While thumbnails are used for browsing, there is no disclosure that icons are included within each image.
Which features of US8078498B2 are disclosed by JP2003524845A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A method displays an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network server | Fully Disclosed |
| A processor provides multiple thumbnail images of an article | Fully Disclosed |
| Each thumbnail image represents a different perspective view of the same article | Fully Disclosed |
| The perspective views include front, rear, side, and isometric views | Partially Disclosed |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field | Fully Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is displayed in the master display field | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from JP2003524845A:
“FIG. 1 shows a system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention for electronic commerce using a three-dimensional representation of a product. The user interacts (conversates) with the system 10 by using the client… Database 16 contains at least one 2D image of the product for fast browsing.”
#2. CA2347812A1
This patent, filed on August 12, 1999, by eBay Inc., outlines a method and system for presenting and managing product information in an online trading environment. It supports the display of thumbnail images for items being sold and aims to streamline the browsing and transaction experience for users in an e-commerce setting.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Thumbnail image display – The system enables the generation and presentation of thumbnail images for sale items, allowing users to browse offerings efficiently.
- E-commerce presentation structure – The method supports organizing and managing listings for online trading, aligning with aspects of product display in US8078498B2.
- Web-based environment – The solution is designed for person-to-person commerce on the Internet, consistent with online server-based applications.
- No view differentiation – The reference does not describe different perspectives or detailed image interactions as seen in the virtual showroom context.
Which features of US8078498B2 are disclosed by CA2347812A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A method displays an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network server | Partially Disclosed |
| A processor provides multiple thumbnail images of an article | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CA2347812A1:
“A method and apparatus for information presentation and management in an online trading environment are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, person-to-person commerce over the Internet is facilitated by the creation and display of thumbnail images of items for sale.”
#3. US7353188B2
This patent, filed on June 29, 2001, by LG Electronics, discloses a product selling system that enables users to view and interact with 3D product images in a virtual environment. The system facilitates product selection, viewing, and virtual installation through a network-accessible service, offering an immersive e-commerce experience.
Source: US7353188B2
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Virtual showroom integration – The system includes a client-server model that enables access to a virtual showroom, where products can be viewed and selected.
- 3D product visualization – The use of 3D images allows users to interact with items in a way that enhances understanding and evaluation.
- User selection capability – The reference includes functionality where users can select and manipulate product images for virtual use or installation.
- No explicit thumbnails or perspectives – While 3D models are used, the patent does not disclose multiple thumbnails or specific angle views like front, rear, or isometric.
Which features of US8078498B2 are disclosed by US7353188B2?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field. | Fully Disclosed |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field. | Partially Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is displayed in the master display field. | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US7353188B2:
The product selling system includes clients networks accessible to Internet, and a service provider system that includes a virtual showroom in which a product image is displayed and manipulated by the user for virtual installation or evaluation.”
#4. US20050203724A1
This patent, filed on April 15, 2005, by Rami Orpaz and Ruth Gal, discloses a system and method for allowing users to digitally “try on” make-up and fashion accessories through an online platform. The system overlays selected products onto a user’s digital image, enabling consumers to preview and purchase items from any internet-connected device.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Virtual try-on functionality – Users can apply make-up and accessories to their own digital image, creating a simulated retail experience online.
- Network-enabled display system – The product selection and display interface operates via a network-accessible server, enabling remote access.
- User-controlled selection – Users can choose from multiple product types, brands, and colors for application and preview on screen.
- No perspective-based product views – Although product options are shown, the reference does not depict items from different visual perspectives like front, side, or isometric views.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US8078498B2 are disclosed by US20050203724A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A method displays an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network server | Partially Disclosed |
| A processor provides multiple thumbnail images of an article. | Partially Disclosed |
| A method displays an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network server. | Partially Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is displayed in the master display field. | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20050203724A1:
“The ISI 33 also includes a color selection interface (CSI) 44, which displays color options available for the chosen product. Preferably the CSI 44 displays relatively enlarged graphic images of the products to clearly indicate their appearance as applied to the user’s digital image.”
#5. US20010042029A1
This patent, filed on February 1, 2001, by Julian M. Galvez, describes a virtual shopping method that allows users to “try on” clothing or merchandise using their digital likeness. The system enables users to view selected items applied to a virtual model of themselves, simulating an in-store fitting experience online.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Virtual fitting experience – The system enables users to apply clothing items to a digital model of their likeness, enhancing the realism of online shopping.
- Virtual showroom integration – Products are presented in a digital interface via a network server, functioning similarly to a virtual showroom.
- All-angle product display – The reference mentions viewing garments from all angles using 3D models, though not through explicitly defined perspectives.
- No thumbnail icon support – While images are used to display products, the reference does not disclose icons or thumbnail-based interaction.
Which features of US8078498B2 are disclosed by US20010042029A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| Each thumbnail image represents a different perspective view of the same article. | Fully Disclosed |
| Each thumbnail image represents a different perspective view of the same article | Partially Disclosed |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field. | Partially Disclosed |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field | Partially Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is displayed in the master display field. | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20010042029A1:
“An object of the invention is to allow a person shopping on the Internet to try on virtual services and articles of merchandise, prior to purchasing them… The user may view assorted shirts in a conventional display (e.g., neatly folded) and select an item for display on their own likeness.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | JP2003524845A | CA2347812A1 | US7353188B2 | US20050203724A1 | US20010042029A1 |
| A method displays an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network server | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed |
| A processor provides multiple thumbnail images of an article | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Each thumbnail image includes an icon | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Each thumbnail image represents a different perspective view of the same article | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The perspective views include front, rear, side, and isometric views | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| A user can select one of the thumbnail images for display in a master display field | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is given a distinctive characteristic | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The selected thumbnail image is displayed in the master display field | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed |
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
Identifying related patents is essential when assessing the strength or vulnerability of an intellectual property claim, especially during litigation. The Global Patent Search (GPS) platform simplifies this process by offering a streamlined, data-driven approach to comparison and analysis.
Search by patent number or description – Start with the target patent (e.g., US8078498B2) or use relevant keywords to explore similar technologies.
Source: GPS
Use feature mapping tools – Match core features from the original patent to existing publications with GPS’s side-by-side claim mapping.
Access detailed match reports – Evaluate how each reference discloses, partially discloses, or omits key elements of the claimed invention.
Uncover global coverage – Discover whether similar systems or methods have been patented in other jurisdictions, including Japan, Canada, and Europe.
Build confident legal strategies – Use verified data and clear mapping to support validity challenges, licensing negotiations, or defensive postures.
Whether you are on the offensive or reviewing exposure risk, Global Patent Search helps transform complex patent data into actionable insights.
Take the Guesswork Out of Related Patent Research
Patent disputes demand precision, and finding the right related patents can make or break your case. With Global Patent Search, you can:
- Uncover overlapping technologies in seconds
- Pinpoint disclosure gaps with detailed feature mapping
- Strengthen your litigation strategy with real, data-backed insights
Why gamble with generic searches or half-mapped references? Arm your legal team with the clarity, speed, and firepower of Global Patent Search. Because in patent battles, insight is everything!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
