Could this patent face a challenge? Portus Singapore Pte Ltd. has initiated litigation against Master Lock Company, LLC, formerly known as August Home, Inc., concerning Patent US8914526B1. This patent pertains to a home security and control system that enables users to monitor and manage their home environment remotely via a standard web browser.
Prior art plays a pivotal role in determining the validity of a patent, as it encompasses existing knowledge and technologies that may predate the claimed invention. Utilizing the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool, we can meticulously analyze potential prior art to assess its impact on the patent’s claims.
In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of Patent US8914526B1 and explore five potential prior art references that could influence the outcome of this litigation.
Understanding Patent US8914526B1
This patent pertains to a home security and control system that allows remote monitoring and control of a home environment using a standard web browser. This system enables users to access and manage security devices remotely, offering a seamless and standardized method for home automation and surveillance.
Its key features are:
#1. Extranet-based connectivity: The system employs an extranet accessible via a web browser, allowing secure remote access to home security and control devices.
#2. Gateway for home network control: A connection gateway installed in the home environment enables monitoring and control of security devices, such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
Source: Google Patents
#3. Automated alarm and surveillance system: When a security event occurs, the system can capture and store surveillance data externally, preventing tampering and enabling later review.
#4. User authentication and smart access: Access to the extranet requires user authentication, and smart card-based authentication methods are supported for secure entry and monitoring.
The case likely revolves around whether Master Lock’s products infringe upon these claims or if existing prior art challenges the patent’s novelty. Identifying prior art that discloses similar extranet-based home monitoring solutions is crucial in assessing the patent’s validity. In the next section, we will examine five potential prior art references that may impact this litigation.
Potential Prior Art References for US8914526B1
#1. WO9934339A2
This patent describes a home automation and security system that allows remote monitoring and control of security devices via a centralized server. The system enables user interaction through a web page, an interactive voice response system, or a data-over-voice modem connection, offering enhanced computational resources and automation capabilities.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Internet-based control and monitoring – The system supports user interaction through a web interface, enabling remote security management, similar to the extranet-based monitoring of US8914526B1.
- Extranet-connected security system – The system relies on a central control facility that communicates with customer premises, effectively functioning as an extranet.
- Remote access with security authentication – Users can access the home security system via the internet, passing through authentication controls before interacting with devices.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| An Internet browser hardware device with a processor running an Internet browser | Partially Disclosed |
| An extranet is located external to user premises and accessible via the Internet browser | Fully Disclosed |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors are located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
| Communications servers with hardware processors are located in the extranet and can interconnect on-demand with the connection gateways | Fully Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and are communicatively coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from WO9934339A2:
“The user also can use a personal computer to remotely access the application. The computer can be coupled to the server over the Internet (or a private data network) or over a dial-up connection through the PSTN. The server functions as a Web server, allowing users to interact with their home automation and security system after passing a security check.”
#2. ES2126525B1
This patent describes a domotics and security system controlled remotely using a central unit that communicates with various security and automation components via radio frequency. The system includes a control unit with an 8-bit microcontroller, security modules, and communication elements that enable remote interaction.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Home security and automation integration – The system provides remote security and home automation management, similar to the networked control features of US8914526B1.
- Centralized security control – A central unit processes security data and interacts with sensors and actuators, functioning as a gateway for communication.
- Remote communication module – A dedicated communication module facilitates interaction between mobile and fixed security units, comparable to networked security systems.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors are located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
| Communications servers with hardware processors are located in the extranet and can interconnect on-demand with the connection gateways | Partially Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and are communicatively coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from ES2126525B1:
“The central unit incorporates security, communications, and control modules specifically designed to perform different functions. The communications module establishes communications between different units, whether mobile or fixed, and facilitates interaction between security components.”
#3. CA2170582A1
This patent describes a security and automation control system consisting of a master unit and multiple slave units connected through a serial communication bus. The slave units include user interfaces, sensors, and control outputs. The system enables distributed control processing, allowing automation and security management through a structured control network.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Distributed control system – The architecture consists of a master-slave control network, similar to home automation and security networks.
- Remote sensor monitoring – Sensors communicate data to a master unit for centralized processing and alerts, aligning with remote automation concepts.
- User interface for configuration and control – Dedicated microcontroller-based interfaces allow users to input security codes and commands, a foundational feature in modern home security systems.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors are located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and are communicatively coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CA2170582A1:
“The master unit acts as a network controller, supervising communication between slave units. Communication between the master unit and user interfaces or input-output devices occurs in a structured control network.”
#4. DE3921658A1
This patent describes an automatic protection system designed for neighborhood security, incorporating master and slave units that communicate via power lines or telephone networks. It enables the detection and activation of security measures within and across homes.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Neighborhood security network – The system allows homes to be interconnected for monitoring and security purposes, similar to home automation networks.
- Master-slave communication – Houses include a master control unit that interacts with detection devices and other master units for coordinated security responses.
- User authentication for activation – Security features are enabled using user-programmed passwords, providing controlled access to system functions.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| An Internet browser hardware device with a processor running an Internet browser | Not Disclosed |
| An extranet is located external to user premises and accessible via the Internet browser | Not Disclosed |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors are located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Not Disclosed |
| Communications servers with hardware processors are located in the extranet and can interconnect on-demand with connection gateways | Not Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and are communicatively coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Not Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from DE3921658A1:
“According to the present invention, a neighborhood security system includes master units installed in homes, which communicate with local detection devices and neighboring units through power lines or telephone connections.”
#5. KR19990013106A
This patent describes a next-generation surveillance service utilizing guard room devices and external control centers to monitor security conditions in households. It establishes communication between household security devices, a control center, and remote monitoring systems.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Communication between security devices – The system facilitates information exchange between household security devices, guard room devices, and external control centers.
- Remote monitoring and data transmission – Data collected from home security devices is transmitted to a central control system for further processing and monitoring.
- Control center connectivity – Security control centers receive real-time updates from home networks, which allows for remote monitoring of home security conditions.
Feature Mapping Results
| Feature | Disclosure Status |
| An extranet is located external to user premises and accessible via the Internet browser | Partially Disclosed |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors are located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
| Communications servers with hardware processors are located in the extranet and can interconnect on-demand with the connection gateways | Partially Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and are communicatively coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from KR19990013106A:
“The reference describes a security system where communication occurs between the control center, guard room devices, and household devices. There is a communicative coupling between the household devices and guard room devices, but it does not explicitly mention this coupling as being facilitated by gateways accessible by communication servers.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | US8914526B1 (Subject Patent) | WO9934339A2 | ES2126525B1 | CA2170582A1 | DE3921658A1 | KR19990013106A |
| An Internet browser hardware device with a processor running an Internet browser | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| An extranet located external to user premises and accessible via the Internet browser | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| Multiple connection gateways with hardware processors located in respective user premises as part of respective home networks | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| Communications servers with hardware processors located in the extranet to interconnect on-demand with connection gateways | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| Connection gateways are accessible by communications servers and coupled to networked components in their respective home networks | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partial Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
How to Find Prior Art Using Global Patent Search
Uncovering the right prior art can make or break a patent dispute. But why sift through thousands of documents manually when Global Patent Search (GPS) does the heavy lifting for you. Here is how GPS revolutionizes prior art discovery:
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Source: GPS
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When it comes to patent challenges, knowledge is power. And GPS puts that power in your hands.
Strengthen Your Patent Case with Smarter Prior Art Research
Patent disputes can be challenging, but finding the right prior art should not be. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool helps you:
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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.
