Patent US9529918B2 is at the center of the litigation between HyperQuery LLC and Canva US, Inc. This patent outlines a method that enables user devices to receive search queries, determine the user’s intent, and select relevant applications from a central repository. It also facilitates direct downloads to the user’s device
Identifying prior art is crucial in assessing a patent’s validity, as it can reveal existing technologies that may predate the claimed invention. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool is instrumental in this analysis, offering comprehensive access to patent databases and advanced search capabilities to uncover pertinent prior art.
In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Patent US9529918B2 and explore potential prior art references that could impact its standing in the ongoing litigation.
Understanding Patent US9529918B2
Patent US9529918B2, titled “System and Methods Thereof for Downloading Applications via a Communication Network,” describes a system that enables users to search for and download applications efficiently. The method involves analyzing a user’s search intent and dynamically presenting relevant application suggestions for direct download.
Source: Google Patents
Its key features are:
#1. Search intent analysis – Determines a user’s search intent based on their query input.
#2. Application selection – Identifies and selects relevant applications from a central repository based on the determined intent.
#3. User interface display – Creates a dynamic display segment on the user’s device, showing icons of the recommended applications.
#4. Direct download facilitation – Establishes a direct communication link between the user’s device and the hosting location to enable app downloads.
Patent US9529918B2 is central to the HyperQuery LLC v. Canva US, Inc. litigation. HyperQuery LLC claims that Canva’s services infringe on this patented method of app discovery and download. The case may hinge on whether prior art discloses similar techniques for intent-based app selection and download facilitation. Let’s explore what GPS uncovers.
Potential Prior Art References for US9529918B2
#1. TW200935871A
This patent, filed on April 10, 2008, describes a system that selects and provides relevant content, such as advertisements, based on a communication identifier, such as a phone number. The method involves treating the identifier as a search query, determining the user’s intent, and delivering personalized content to a user device.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Search query reception: The reference describes a system where a communication identifier (e.g., phone number) is treated as a search query to determine relevant content, aligning with the feature of a computing device receiving a search query via a communication network.
- Search intent determination: The system determines relevant content based on the identifier and additional data such as profile or status, which is somewhat analogous to determining search intent based on an input query.
- User interaction with content: The reference allows user interaction with displayed content, such as clicking on an advertisement, comparable to selecting an application from a display interface.
Which features of US9529918B2 are disclosed by TW200935871A?
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | Disclosure Status |
| The computing device receives a search query from a user device via a communication network | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device determines search intent based on the input search query | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device receives an input indicating selection of a particular application | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from TW200935871A:
“In one aspect, an identifier such as a telephone number is used like a keyword/search term to find relevant content. The selection of the relevant content can be based on the identifier, and may be combined with profile data.”
#2. US20090006396A1
This patent, filed on June 3, 2008, describes a contextual search system that processes search requests from mobile devices. The system analyzes user queries, determines search intent, and provides relevant content or service options based on the identified context.
Source: GPS
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Search query reception: The reference describes a system where a user sends a search query via SMS from a mobile device, which is received by a computing system for processing. This aligns with the feature of a computing device receiving a search query from a user device via a communication network.
- Search intent determination: The system determines search intent by processing the search query and matching it with category aliases and keywords, aligning with the claimed method of determining search intent.
- Application selection & display: The reference describes selecting a sub-module or category based on search intent, which partially aligns with selecting an application from a repository. It also describes displaying search results on a user device, similar to displaying an application icon.
- User interaction: The system allows user selection of a particular advertisement or navigation through content pages, partially aligning with the selection of an application.
Which features of US9529918B2 are disclosed by US20090006396A1?
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | Disclosure Status |
| The computing device receives a search query from a user device via a communication network | Fully Disclosed |
| The computing device determines search intent based on the input search query | Fully Disclosed |
| At least one application is selected from a central repository based on the search intent | Partially Disclosed |
| An icon corresponding to the selected application is displayed on the user device | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device receives an input indicating selection of a particular application | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20090006396A1:
“Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of a contextual search method embodiment is illustrated. The overview provides for user access to a system for processing requests, such as one that processes internet searches, identifies category aliases, and retrieves relevant results based on user intent.”
#3. US20110282891A1
This patent, filed on May 13, 2010, describes a search crowd capability system that processes search queries from multiple users. It enables the organization and clustering of related search queries to improve the relevance of search results and enhance the user experience.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Search query reception: The reference describes a computing device receiving search queries from user devices via a network, aligning with the feature of receiving a search query from a user device over a communication network.
- Search intent determination: The system clusters search queries and identifies related interests, which is partially analogous to determining search intent based on an input query.
- User interaction with content: The reference describes presenting search results dynamically based on crowd information, which suggests a form of user interaction but does not explicitly align with selecting an application.
Which features of US9529918B2 are disclosed by US20110282891A1?
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | Disclosure Status |
| The computing device receives a search query from a user device via a communication network | Fully Disclosed |
| The computing device determines search intent based on the input search query | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20110282891A1:
“A search engine provider may monitor search queries to identify shared interests among users and adjust search results accordingly. The system organizes related queries dynamically, creating a ‘search crowd’ that enhances search accuracy.”
#4. JP2011134334A
This patent, filed on December 21, 2010, describes a system and method for identifying topics in short text communications. The system extracts relevant topics from user-generated content, such as social media posts, messages, or other short-form text, and categorizes them based on search queries and document analysis.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Search query reception: The reference describes user devices transmitting data to servers through a network, which partially aligns with the feature of a computing device receiving a search query via a communication network.
- Search intent determination: The system extracts keywords and applies thresholds to classify topics, which is partially analogous to determining search intent based on an input search query.
- User interaction with content: The reference describes filtering and updating displayed topics based on user input, but it does not explicitly align with selecting or displaying an application icon.
Here’s what the mapping from the tool for this particular patent looks like:
Which features of US9529918B2 are disclosed by JP2011134334A?
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | Disclosure Status |
| The computing device receives a search query from a user device via a communication network | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device determines search intent based on the input search query | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from JP2011134334A:
“Short text communication topics are identified by thresholds applied to documents related to short text communication, allowing for categorization and filtering of messages based on user interaction.”
#5. US8260266B1
This patent, filed on June 26, 2007, describes a system and method for third-party discovery of proximity-based services. The system enables mobile devices to detect and interact with service metadata published by nearby service providers, facilitating service discovery through localized wireless communication.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- User interaction with services: The reference describes how third-party users interact with Proximity-based Service Representations (PSRs), which partially aligns with the concept of selecting an application on a user device.
- Graphical display of services: The system presents PSRs in a graphical user interface, which could be compared to displaying icons representing applications, though it does not explicitly describe displaying an application icon.
- Selection mechanism: Users can interact with PSRs to generate service requests, partially resembling selecting an application for download or activation.
Which features of US9529918B2 are disclosed by US8260266B1?
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | Disclosure Status |
| An icon corresponding to the selected application is displayed on the user device | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device receives an input indicating selection of a particular application | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US8260266B1:
“A Proximity-based Service Representation (PSR) is displayed on a graphical user interface, allowing third-party users to interact and generate service requests based on metadata provided by service providers in the proximate area.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of US9529918B2 | TW200935871A | US20090006396A1 | US20110282891A1 | JP2011134334A | US8260266B1 |
| The computing device receives a search query from a user device via a communication network | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The computing device determines search intent based on the input search query | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| At least one application is selected from a central repository based on the search intent | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| An icon corresponding to the selected application is displayed on the user device | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The computing device receives an input indicating selection of a particular application | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| A direct communication link is established between the user device and a location hosting the selected application | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The selected application is downloaded to the user device over the direct communication link | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
How to Find Prior Art Using Global Patent Search?
Finding prior art is essential when evaluating the validity of a patent. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool streamlines this process by providing access to comprehensive patent databases and advanced search capabilities. With GPS, users can efficiently identify patents that may challenge the novelty of an invention.
Search by patent number or keywords: Start by entering the patent number (e.g., US9529918B2) or relevant keywords to retrieve patents and published applications that may serve as prior art.
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping: The GPS tool automatically maps key features of the subject patent to existing patents. This helps quickly identify overlaps and potential challenges to the patent’s novelty.
Review matching results: A curated list of potential prior art references is provided based on claim similarities. Each reference is analyzed for disclosure status regarding the key features of the subject patent.
Analyze detailed reports: GPS offers in-depth reports comparing each prior art reference against the subject patent’s claims. This detailed breakdown helps in assessing whether the prior art fully or partially discloses the key features.
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The Global Patent Search tool simplifies the prior art search process, enabling users to uncover relevant references precisely and efficiently.
Take the Guesswork Out of Prior Art Research
Patent disputes are complex, but uncovering prior art doesn’t have to be. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool provides a streamlined, data-driven approach to identifying prior art that may impact the validity of a patent. The benefits are:
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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.
