US9031537B2 is at the center of a sweeping litigation campaign led by Mesa Digital LLC, a non-practicing entity (NPE) asserting its intellectual property rights across the wireless industry. With seven active lawsuits, including cases against Nuu Inc., Consumer Cellular, Dish Wireless, and BLU Products, and 36 inactive ones already on record, this patent is clearly in the spotlight.
At its core, US9031537B2 covers a method that enables a mobile device to switch between different communication modes, like traditional cellular and VoIP (Voice over IP), seamlessly and intelligently. Think of it as technology that helps your smartphone choose the best connection method based on network conditions without user intervention.
Why is this patent being targeted? Because it touches on essential tech used in modern smartphones and networked devices. From low-cost handsets to carrier-branded phones, the ability to switch modes efficiently is a feature most devices rely on today, making this patent potentially valuable in infringement claims.
As more parties come under litigation, understanding related patents becomes crucial. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool helps you dig deeper into connected technologies and uncover similar patents with precision just by entering US9031537B2. Next, we’ll explain what this patent covers and why it matters.
Understanding Patent US9031537B2
US9031537B2, titled “Electronic Wireless Handheld Multimedia Device,” describes a multifunctional wireless device capable of communicating over various wireless networks while supporting multimedia processing, security, GPS, and mobile payments. The patent covers a broad spectrum of wireless communication standards, including cellular (GSM, CDMA, 3G), Wi-Fi (802.11), Bluetooth, infrared, and RFID. It also integrates a touchscreen interface, video capture capabilities, and a microprocessor to facilitate smooth multimedia operations.
Source: US9031537B2
Its four key features are:
#1. Multi-network wireless communication: The device supports cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, and RFID communication for seamless data exchange.
#2. Multimedia processing and display: It includes a touch-sensitive screen for video, text, and GPS display, enabling interactive user engagement.
#3. Integrated security and mobile payment: The device features a security module for protected data management and a mobile payment system with multiple billing options.
#4. GPS and external data interactions: A GPS module facilitates location-based services, while an electronic cartridge reader allows data exchange with external media.
Mesa Digital LLC, a non-practicing entity, has actively litigated US9031537B2 against multiple companies, arguing infringement on its wireless communication and multimedia processing technologies. Given the widespread use of multi-network communication and smart multimedia features in modern mobile devices, Mesa Digital asserts that manufacturers and service providers are utilizing its patented technology without proper licensing.
Related Patent Reference for US9031537B2
#1. GB2343597A
This patent, originally filed on July 24, 1996, describes a portable multimedia access apparatus capable of two-way communication for video and data across various networks. It emphasizes remote access to multimedia applications via cellular and wireless local area networks (WLANs). The device is designed for flexibility and plug-and-play use across different multimedia environments.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Bi-directional cellular communication for video and data – Fully disclosed in descriptions of multimedia exchange over cellular networks.
- Support for WLAN-based multimedia communication – The reference outlines wireless LAN operations in bands such as 2.4 GHz, matching US9031537B2’s WLAN support.
- Authentication system before network access – Describes a form of registration/authentication but lacks detail on passcode-based methods.
- Touchscreen and soft button interface – Not disclosed; only mentions display capabilities without touch sensitivity or soft buttons.
Which features of US9031537B2 are disclosed by GB2343597A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Fully Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over wireless local area networks | Fully Disclosed |
| The device requires passcode authentication before establishing communications | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from GB2343597A:
“Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a portable, multimedia access apparatus which can be used for diverse multimedia applications delivered via a multimedia network… The transceiver in the wireless configuration constitutes a wireless modem operating in a predetermined portion of the over-the-air spectrum… Two-way exchange of multimedia information, including video and data signals, is supported over both cellular and LAN configurations.”
#2. WO9941909A1
Filed on February 10, 1999, this patent discloses a multimedia system with a portable control device and a modular communication unit. The system enables bi-directional data exchange over cellular networks, especially using GSM and DECT standards. It also incorporates smart card-based security for access control and encrypted communications. While it supports multimedia communication, its scope is more modular and hardware-oriented, focused on detachable components.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Cellular data communication, including video and text – Fully disclosed with mention of GSM-based radio modems.
- Smart card-based access control – The system supports access control and encryption but does not specify passcode entry.
- Modular multimedia control device – Describes a display-equipped control device, but not a touch interface or soft-button screen.
- No WLAN or Bluetooth integration – The reference is limited to GSM and DECT; no mention of modern short-range technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Which features of US9031537B2 are disclosed by WO9941909A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from WO9941909A1:
“The communication module may include a modem… preferably a radio modem operating according to the DECT standard or the GSM method… The portable operating device of the multimedia system can interface with a chip card to realize access control and secure communications.”
#3. KR100591369B1
This South Korean patent, filed on February 7, 2002, introduces a mobile multimedia terminal (MMT) designed to receive and process broadband video and text data via multiple wireless communication technologies, including GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WLAN, and Bluetooth. The terminal integrates multimedia display, processing, and transmission features, aligning closely with the design goals of US9031537B2.
Source: KR100591369B1
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Multi-network wireless communication – Fully disclosed support for cellular (GSM/CDMA), WLAN, and Bluetooth-based data exchange.
- Touch-sensitive display – Described as a TFT flat panel screen for multimedia interaction; touch input is implied but not explicitly confirmed.
- High-bandwidth multimedia processing – Optimized for interactive video and digital content over multiple wireless environments.
- No access control details – The reference lacks specific descriptions of passcode authentication or user login protocols.
Which features of US9031537B2 are disclosed by KR100591369B1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Fully Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over wireless local area networks | Fully Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over direct Bluetooth connections with nearby devices | Fully Disclosed |
| The device includes a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying received video and text data | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from KR100591369B1:
“The mobile multimedia terminal allows a broadband data stream received over wireless communication methods such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WLAN, and Bluetooth to be decoded and displayed on a flat panel TFT display for user interaction… The display interface is designed to optimize viewing and digital interaction for multimedia content.”
#4. US20070083596A1
Published on April 12, 2007, this patent outlines a distributed multimedia collaboration system that supports real-time communication between remote users. The system includes multimedia workstations capable of displaying, storing, and transmitting video and text across local area networks. It also describes interactive displays with touch-sensitive controls and soft buttons for data selection, enabling a seamless collaborative environment.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Bi-directional LAN communication with multimedia content – Fully described for text and video transmission.
- Touchscreen interface with soft buttons – Fully disclosed in collaborative workstation configurations.
- Focus on distributed collaboration – Highlights system-driven multimedia exchange and interactivity.
- No explicit mention of cellular or Bluetooth protocols – Communication is limited to LAN/WAN-based environments.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US9031537B2 are disclosed by US20070083596A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Partially Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over wireless local area networks | Fully Disclosed |
| The device includes a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying received video and text data | Fully Disclosed |
| The display screen includes soft buttons for data selection | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20070083596A1:
“Each of a plurality of ‘multimedia local area networks’ (MLANs) includes collaborative multimedia workstations having touch-sensitive display screens and soft-button user controls. These workstations allow bi-directional exchange of video and textual content across a distributed network environment.”
#5. US5325423A
Published on June 28, 1994, this patent discloses an interactive multimedia system designed to work over telephone and broadcast networks (e.g., cable, satellite). It facilitates two-way communication of video and text data and features a multimedia modem, memory storage, and display interfaces. The system is designed for broad accessibility and aims to deliver interactive services over existing infrastructures.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Interactive multimedia communication – Supports video and text transmission over telephone networks.
- Display for video/text output – Described as a key part of the device but not explicitly touch-sensitive.
- Legacy network integration – Relies on older infrastructure like switched telephone networks and cable, not cellular or short-range wireless.
- Ambiguous interface controls – Mentions soft buttons and interactive screens but lacks full clarity on function.
Which features of US9031537B2 are disclosed by US5325423A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Partially Disclosed |
| The device includes a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying received video and text data | Partially Disclosed |
| The display screen includes soft buttons for data selection | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US5325423A:
“An interactive multimedia communication system is disclosed… The multimedia modem receives interactive multimedia information, including video and text. The display is used to present the information to the user, and interface controls such as soft buttons allow limited interactivity within the system.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | GB2343597A | WO9941909A1 | KR100591369B1 | US20070083596A1 | US5325423A |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over cellular telecommunications networks | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over wireless local area networks | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The device supports bi-directional data communications, including video and text, over direct Bluetooth connections with nearby devices | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The device requires passcode authentication before establishing communications | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The device includes a touch-sensitive display screen for displaying received video and text data | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The display screen includes soft buttons for data selection | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
When a patent becomes the center of litigation like US9031537B2, understanding its relevance and uncovering similar technologies is critical. The Global Patent Search tool is designed specifically to help you discover related patents that may affect the scope or enforceability of the patent in question.
Here’s how GPS helps streamline the process:
Search by patent number or keywords – Simply enter a patent number (e.g., US9031537B2) to uncover a network of related technologies.
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping – Instantly compare key features of the target patent against existing patents in the database.
Review matching results – Get a ranked list of patents with similar claims or overlapping functionalities.
Analyze detailed reports – Each related patent includes a breakdown of which features are fully, partially, or not disclosed.
Make informed decisions – Whether you are preparing for litigation or licensing, GPS provides the data to support your strategy.
Using GPS, legal teams and innovators can uncover potential challenges or defenses faster and more precisely.
Take the Guesswork Out of Related Patent Research
Litigation over patents like US9031537B2 demands clarity, speed, and precision. The Global Patent Search tool delivers all three, empowering legal teams and decision-makers to uncover critical related patents in minutes.
Why GPS is the smart choice:
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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 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.
