`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`____________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`____________
`
`DAIMLER AG,
`Petitioner
`
`v.
`
`BLITZSAFE TEXAS,
`Patent Owner
`____________
`
`U.S. Patent No. 7,489,786
`
`“Audio Device Integration System”
`____________
`
`Inter Partes Review No. 2018-01211
`
`CORRECTED PETITION FOR INTER PARTES REVIEW PURSUANT TO
`THE COURT’S ORDER (CONDUCT OF THE PROCEEDING, PAPER 6) OF
`U.S. PATENT NO. 7,489,786
`UNDER 35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 AND 37 C.F.R. §§ 42.100 et seq.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`I.
`
`II.
`
`TABLE OF CONTENTS
`
`Page
`
`INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 7
`
`BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 9
`
`A. Overview of the Technology ................................................................. 9
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Blitzsafe commercially sold an interface that connected
`third party CD changers to preexisting car stereos ..................... 9
`
`Other Manufacturers Also Commercialized Similar
`Interfaces ..................................................................................... 9
`
`The ’786 Patent Specification ............................................................. 10
`
`The ’786 Prosecution History ............................................................. 12
`
`Prior Petitions ...................................................................................... 12
`
`Other Pending Petitions Are Not Duplicative ..................................... 12
`
`Person of Ordinary Skill in the Art ..................................................... 13
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`D.
`
`E.
`
`F.
`
`III. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION .......................................................................... 13
`
`A.
`
`“device presence signal” ..................................................................... 13
`
`B. Means Plus Function Claim Elements ................................................ 14
`
`IV. STATEMENT OF RELIEF REQUESTED FOR EACH
`CHALLENGED CLAIM .............................................................................. 17
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`Identification of Challenge (37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)) ........................... 17
`
`Grounds of Challenge (37 C.F.R. § 42.204(b)(2)) .............................. 17
`
`V.
`
`IDENTIFICATION OF HOW THE CHALLENGED CLAIMS ARE
`UNPATENTABLE ........................................................................................ 18
`
`A. Overview of the Cited Prior Art .......................................................... 18
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`Barnea ...................................................................................... 18
`
`Ouchida ..................................................................................... 19
`
`Bhogal ....................................................................................... 19
`
`CAN .......................................................................................... 19
`
`Frese .......................................................................................... 20
`
`
`
`i
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`B.
`
`Ground 1 – Barnea, Ouchida and Bhogal render claims 1, 2, 4,
`5, 13, 14, 23, 24, 44 and 47 obvious ................................................... 20
`
`1.
`
`A POSITA would have been motivated to combine
`Barnea, Ouchida and Bhogal .................................................... 22
`
`(a)
`
`(b)
`
`(c)
`
`(d)
`
`(e)
`
`(f)
`
`(g)
`
`(h)
`
`(i)
`
`(j)
`
`(k)
`
`(l)
`
`1[a] .................................................................................. 29
`
`1[b] .................................................................................. 30
`
`1[c] .................................................................................. 32
`
`1[d] .................................................................................. 35
`
`1[e] .................................................................................. 37
`
`1[f] .................................................................................. 43
`
`1[g] .................................................................................. 47
`
`1[h] .................................................................................. 49
`
`1[i] ................................................................................... 49
`
`1[j] ................................................................................... 49
`
`1[k] .................................................................................. 50
`
`1[l] ................................................................................... 53
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`Claim 2 ...................................................................................... 54
`
`Claim 4 ...................................................................................... 54
`
`Claim 5 ...................................................................................... 54
`
`Claim 13 .................................................................................... 55
`
`Claim 14 .................................................................................... 56
`
`Claim 23 .................................................................................... 56
`
`Claim 24 .................................................................................... 56
`
`Claims 44 & 47 ......................................................................... 57
`
`C.
`
`Ground 2 – Barnea, Ouchida, Bhogal, and the CAN
`Specification render claims 6, 57, 58, 60, 63, 64, 65, 92, 94, 97,
`and 98 obvious ..................................................................................... 58
`
`1.
`
`Claim 6 ...................................................................................... 58
`
`(a)
`
`The CAN protocol discloses the claimed “device
`presence” signal .............................................................. 58
`
`ii
`
`

`

`
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`(b) A POSITA would have included CAN’s “wake-
`up” command in the modified Barnea system ................ 61
`
`Independent Claim 57 ............................................................... 63
`
`Dependent Claims 58, 63-65..................................................... 64
`
`Independent Claim 92 ............................................................... 64
`
`(a)
`
`(b)
`
`(c)
`
`(d)
`
`(e)
`
`"first pre-programmed means for generating . . . " ......... 66
`
`"first pre-programmed means for . . . transmitting" ....... 66
`
`"second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling . . .by receiving . . .. . .” ................................ 67
`
`“second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling . . . by processing . . .” .................................. 68
`
`"second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling . . .by transmitting . . . " ................................ 68
`
`(f)
`
`"means for transmitting . . .” ........................................... 69
`
`5.
`
`Dependent Claims 94, 97 and 98 .............................................. 70
`
`D. Ground 3 – Barnea, Ouchida, Bhogal and Ohmura render
`claims 7 and 8 obvious ........................................................................ 70
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Claim 7 ...................................................................................... 70
`
`Claim 8 ...................................................................................... 73
`
`E.
`
`F.
`
`Ground 4 – Barnea, Ouchida, Bhogal, Ohmura and CAN render
`claims 61 and 62 obvious ................................................................... 75
`
`1.
`
`Dependent Claims 61 and 62 .................................................... 75
`
`Ground 5 – Barnea, Ouchida, Bhogal and Frese render claim 10
`obvious ................................................................................................ 76
`
`1.
`
`Claim 10 .................................................................................... 76
`
`G. Ground 6 – Barnea, Ouchida, Bhogal, Frese and CAN render
`86, 88, 89, 90 and 91 obvious ............................................................. 80
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Independent Claim 86 ............................................................... 80
`
`Dependent Claims 88-91 ........................................................... 81
`
`H.
`
`Secondary Considerations Do Not Support A Finding Of Non-
`Obviousness ......................................................................................... 82
`
`VI. MANDATORY NOTICES ........................................................................... 83
`
`
`
`iii
`
`

`

`
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`D.
`
`E.
`
`Real Parties-in-Interest (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1)) ................................ 83
`
`Related Matters (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2)) ............................................ 83
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Related Patent Office Proceedings............................................ 83
`
`Related Litigation ...................................................................... 83
`
`Lead and Back-Up Counsel (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3)) and
`Service Information (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3)-(4)) ............................... 84
`
`Payment of Fees (37 C.F.R. § 42.15(a)) ............................................. 84
`
`Service ................................................................................................. 84
`
`VII. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTER PARTES REVIEW (37 C.F.R
`§§ 42.101, 42.104, AND 42.108) .................................................................. 85
`
`A. Grounds for Standing (37 C.F.R. § 42.104(a); 37 C.F.R.
`§§ 42.101(a)-(c)) ................................................................................. 85
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`iv
`
`

`

`
`
`TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
`
`Cases
`
`Page
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00418 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................83
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Daimler AG, et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00422 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................84
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Jaguar Land Rover Ltd., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00424 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................83
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Mazda Motor Corp., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00423 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................84
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Mitsubishi Electric Corp., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00430 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................84
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Robert Bosch LLC, et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00105 (E.D. Tex.)
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Subaru Corp., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv00421 (E.D. Tex.) .................................................................83
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Zhejiang Geely Holding Grp. Co., Ltd. et al.
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00420 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................83
`
`Circuit Check Inc. v. QXQ Inc.,
`795 F.3d 1331 (Fed. Cir. 2015) ............................................................................23
`
`Kimberly-Clark Corp. v. Johnson & Johnson,
`745 F.2d 1437 (Fed. Cir. 1984) ............................................................................19
`
`Petroleum Geo-Services Inc. v. WesternGeco LLC,
`IPR2015-01478 (Mar. 17, 2015) ..........................................................................83
`
`Sega of Am., Inc. v. Uniloc USA, Inc.,
`IPR2015-01453 (Mar. 10, 2015) ........................................................................ 82
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`v
`
`

`

`
`
`Statutes and Rules
`
`35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 ................................................................................................. 1
`
`35 U.S.C. § 314(a) ....................................................................................................11
`
`35 U.S.C. §§ 315 (a)-(b) ..........................................................................................85
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42. ........................................................................................................... 1
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(a)(1) ..............................................................................................83
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1) ..............................................................................................83
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2) ..............................................................................................83
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3) ..............................................................................................84
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3)-(4) ........................................................................................84
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.10(b) ................................................................................................84
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.15(a) .................................................................................................68
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.24(a) and (d) ....................................................................................86
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.24(a)(i) and (b)(i) .............................................................................86
`
`37 C.F.R. §§ 42.101(a)-(c) .......................................................................................85
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.104(a) ...............................................................................................85
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) ..............................................................................................11
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.204(b)(2) ......................................................................................... 11
`
`
`
`vi
`
`
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`

`

`
`
`LIST OF PETITIONER’S EXHIBITS
`
`
`No.
`
`Description
`
`Ex. 1001
`
`U.S. Patent No. 7,489,786 to Marlowe et al. (“’786”)
`
`Ex. 1002
`
`’786 File History
`
`Ex. 1103
`
`Expert Declaration of Dr. Chris Kyriakakis
`
`Ex. 1004
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,396,164 (“Barnea”)
`
`Ex. 11051
`
` JP Model Utility App. H7-6954 (“Ouchida”)
`
`Ex. 1006
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,629,197 (“Bhogal ”)
`
`Ex. 1007
`
`Ford Auxiliary Audio Input Interface for Model No. AAI-FRD2
`(“AAI-FRD2”)
`
`Ex. 1008
`
`US Patent Pub. 2001/0028717 (“Ohmura”)
`
`Ex. 1009
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,472,771 (“Frese”)
`
`
`1 Petitioner has filed a second IPR Petition against the ’786 patent which uses the
`
`same references and declarations, except for Ouchida and this petition’s
`
`declaration by Dr. Kyriakakis, which are different. Therefore, pursuant to the
`
`USPTO guidelines, Petitioner uses 1103 and 1105 to label Ouchida and the Dr.
`
`Kyriakakis declaration in this petition to avoid confusion/overlap in the event these
`
`two proceedings are consolidated.
`
`
`
`vii
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`No.
`
`Description
`
`Ex. 1010
`
`Webpage for USA Specifications for iPod to Car Interfaces (“PA-
`10”)
`
`Ex. 1011
`
`CAN Specification v 2.0 (“CAN”)
`
`Ex. 1012
`
`February 1998 Automedia Publication, titled “Blitzsafe Designs
`“Smart” Integration Device” (“Automedia Publication”)
`
`Ex. 1013
`
`Declaration of Dr. P. Koopman
`
`Ex. 1014
`
`SoundGate Summer 2002 Catalog
`
`Ex. 1015
`
`Marlowe Patent Holdings LLC v. Dice Electronics, LLC, et al.,
`3:10-cv-01199 (PGS)-Memorandum Opinion and Order
`
`Ex. 1016
`
`List of the Challenged Claims
`
`Ex. 1017
`
`Blitzsafe’s Proposed Claim Constructions
`
`Ex. 1018
`
`Appendix C to Blitzsafe’s Infringement Contentions
`
`viii
`
`

`

`
`
`LIST OF CHALLENGED CLAIMS
`
`Claim 1
`[a] An audio device integration system comprising:
`
`[b] a first connector electrically connectable to a car stereo;
`
`[c] a second connector electrically connectable to an after-market audio device
`external to the car stereo;
`
`[d] a third connector electrically connectable to one or more auxiliary input sources
`external to the car stereo and the after-market audio device;
`
`[e] an interface connected between said first and second electrical connectors for
`channeling audio signals to the car stereo from the after-market audio device,
`
`[f] said interface including a microcontroller in electrical communication with said
`first and second electrical connectors, said microcontroller pre-programmed to
`execute:
`
`[g] a first pre-programmed code portion for remotely controlling the after-market
`audio device using the car stereo by receiving a control command from the car stereo
`through said first connector in a format incompatible with the after-market audio
`device,
`
`[h] processing the received control command into a formatted command compatible
`with the after-market audio device,
`
`[i] and transmitting the formatted command to the after-market audio device through
`said second connector for execution by the after-market audio device;
`
`[j] a second pre-programmed code portion for receiving data from the after-market
`audio device through said second connector in a format incompatible with the car
`stereo, processing the received data into formatted data compatible with the car
`stereo,
`
`[k] and transmitting the formatted data to the car stereo through said first connector
`for display by the car stereo; and
`
`[l] a third pre-programmed code portion for switching to one or more auxiliary input
`sources connected to said third electrical connector.
`
`Claim 2
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the car stereo further comprises an Original
`Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car stereo connected to said first electrical
`connector.
`
`Claim 4
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the after-market audio device further comprises a
`CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receiver, or
`satellite receiver connected to said second electrical connector.
`
`Claim 5
`
`1
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said interface further comprises a plug-and-play
`mode for automatically detecting a device type of the after-market audio device
`connected to said second electrical connector and integrating the after-market audio
`device based upon the device type.
`
`Claim 6
`
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said interface generates a device presence signal
`for maintaining the car stereo in a state responsive to processed data and audio
`signals.
`
`Claim 7
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second pre-programmed code portion
`processes data generated by the after-market audio device including track and time
`information.
`
`Claim 8
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second pre-programmed code portion
`processes data generated by the after-market audio device including song title and
`artist information.
`
`Claim 10
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said interface processes video information
`generated by the after-market audio device.
`
`Claim 13
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein commands are input by a user using one or more
`control buttons or presets on the car stereo
`
`Claim 14
`The apparatus of claim 1, wherein audio signals from the one or more auxiliary input
`sources are selectively channeled to the car stereo by said interface.
`
`Claim 23
`The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bus connection established between
`the after-market audio device and said interface.
`
`Claim 24
`The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the bus connection comprises a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) connection.
`
`Claim 44
`[a] An apparatus for docking a portable device or integration with a car stereo
`comprising:
`
`[b] a storage area remote from a car stereo for storing the portable device;
`
`[c] a docking portion within the storage area for communicating and physically
`mating with the portable device;
`
`2
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`[d] a data port in communication with the docking portion, the data port connectable
`with a device for integrating the portable device with the car stereo;
`
`[e] And an interface connected to said data port and to the car stereo, said
`interface channeling audio from the portable device to the car stereo
`
`[f] said interface including a microcontroller in electrical communication with the
`portable device through said data port and the car stereo, said microcontroller pre-
`programmed to execute
`
`[g] first program code for remotely controlling the portable device using the car
`stereo by processing control commands generated by the car stereo in a format
`incompatible with the portable device
`
`[h] into formatted control commands compatible with the portable device, and
`dispatching formatted control commands to the portable device for execution thereby
`
`The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the data port comprises an RS-232 or Universal
`Serial Bus (USB) port.
`
`Claim 47
`
`Claim 57
`[a] An audio device integration system comprising:
`
`[b] a first electrical connector connectable to a car stereo;
`
`[c] a second electrical connector connectable to a portable MP3 player external to
`the car stereo
`
`[d] an interface connected between said first and second electrical connectors for
`transmitting audio from a portable MP3 player to a car stereo,
`
`[e] said interface including a microcontroller in electrical communication with said
`first and second electrical connectors, said microcontroller pre-programmed to
`execute:
`
`[f] a first pre-programmed code portion for generating a device presence signal and
`transmitting the signal to the car stereo to maintain the car stereo in an operational
`state; and
`
`[g] a second pre-programmed code portion for remotely controlling the MP3 player
`using the car stereo by receiving a control command from the car stereo through said
`first electrical connector in a format incompatible with the MP3 player,
`
`[h] processing the control command into a formatted control command compatible
`with the MP3 player,
`
`[i] and transmitting the formatted control command to the MP3 player through said
`second electrical connector for execution by the MP3 player.
`
`Claim 58
`
`3
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the car stereo further comprises an Original
`Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car stereo connected to the first electrical
`connector.
`
`Claim 60
`[a] The system of claim limitation 57, wherein said microcontroller is pre‐
`programmed to execute a third code portion for receiving data from the MP3 player
`in a format incompatible with the car stereo,
`
`[b] processing received data into formatted data compatible with the car stereo, and
`
`[c] transmitting formatted data to the car stereo for display thereby.
`
`Claim 61
`The apparatus of claim 60, wherein said third code portion processes data generated
`by the MP3 player including track and time information.
`
`Claim 62
`The apparatus of claim 60, wherein said third code portion processes data generated
`by the MP3 player including song title and artist information.
`
`Claim 63
`The apparatus of claim 60, wherein commands are input by a user using one or more
`control buttons or presets on the car stereo.
`
`Claim 64
`The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising a bus connection established between
`the MP3 player and said interface.
`
`Claim 65
`The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the bus connection comprises a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) connection.
`
`Claim 86
`[a] A device for integrating video information for use with a car stereo, comprising:
`
`[b] a first electrical connector connectable to a car stereo;
`
`[c] a second electrical connector connectable to an after-market video device external
`to the car stereo;
`
`[d] an interface connected between said first and second electrical connectors for
`transmitting video information from the after-market video device to the car stereo,
`
`[e] the interface including a microcontroller in electrical communication with said
`first and second electrical connectors, said microcontroller pre-programmed to
`execute:
`
`[f] a first pre-programmed code portion for generating a device presence signal and
`transmitting the signal to the car stereo through said first electrical connector to
`maintain the car stereo in an operational state responsive to signals generated by the
`after-market audio device.
`
`Claim 88
`
`4
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`The apparatus of claim 86, further comprising a bus connection established between
`the video device and said interface.
`
`Claim 89
`The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the bus connection comprises a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) connection.
`
`Claim 90
`[a] The apparatus of claim 86, wherein said microcontroller is pre-programmed to
`
`execute a second code portion for receiving a control signal from the car stereo in a
`format incompatible with the video device,
`
`[b] processing a received control signal into a formatted control signal compatible
`with the video device, and
`
`[c] transmitting the formatted control signal to the video device for execution
`thereby.
`
`Claim 91
`[a] The apparatus of claim 90, wherein said microcontroller is pre-programmed to
`execute a third code portion for receiving data from the video device incompatible
`with the car stereo,
`
`[b] processing received data into formatted data compatible with the car stereo, and
`
`[c] transmitting formatted data to the car stereo for display thereon.
`
`Claim 92
`[a] An audio device integration system comprising:
`
`[b] a car stereo;
`
`[c] a portable audio device external to the car stereo;
`
`[d] an interface connected between the car stereo and the portable audio device,
`
`[e] the interface including a microcontroller preprogrammed to execute:
`
`[f] first pre-programmed means for generating a device presence signal and
`transmitting the signal to the car stereo to maintain the car stereo in an operational
`state;
`
`[g] second pre-programmed means for remotely controlling the portable audio
`device using the car stereo by receiving a control command from the car stereo in a
`format incompatible with the portable audio device,
`
`[h] processing the control command into a formatted control command compatible
`with the portable audio device, and
`
`[i] transmitting the formatted control command to the portable audio device for
`execution thereby; and
`
`[j] means for transmitting audio from the portable audio device to the car stereo.
`
`Claim 94
`The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the portable audio device comprises a portable
`MP3 player.
`
`Claim 97
`
`5
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the second electrical connector comprises further
`comprising a bus connection established between the portable audio device and said
`interface.
`
`Claim 98
`The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the bus connection comprises a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) connection.
`
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`
`
`Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 and 37 C.F.R. § 42.100 et seq., Daimler
`
`AG (“DAG”) respectfully requests that the Board initiate inter partes review of
`
`claims 1, 2, 4-8, 10, 13, 14, 23, 24, 44, 47, 57, 58, 60-65, 86, 88-92, 94, 97, and 98
`
`of U.S. Patent No. 7,489,786 (Ex. 1001), which is assigned to Blitzsafe
`
`Texas, LLC (“Blitzsafe”).
`
`I.
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`Technology related to music players began to make a dramatic change in the
`
`1980s with the development of portable tape decks and CD players. These new
`
`players had many benefits—they were far smaller than prior portable devices and
`
`allowed consumers to listen to a wide variety of music. Tapes and discs were also
`
`ubiquitous; they were not only used in portable devices, but also in home stereos
`
`and in automobile head units. A tape or a disc could be played while walking, then
`
`transferred to a car to be played while driving.
`
`But tapes and discs had drawbacks, including limited storage capacity, often
`
`only a dozen songs. CD changers were introduced, which allowed consumers to
`
`store and play multiple CDs in their automobile. But they still suffered one
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`significant drawback—a changer made by one company was often incompatible
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`with the radio (“head unit”) from another company.
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`Other devices, such as solid state (“MP3”) players came on the market in
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`the late 1990s that addressed this storage problem. These devices allowed a user to
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`carry and play dozens, and ultimately thousands, of songs. Despite solving the
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`storage issue, solid state devices negated a significant advantage of tapes and
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`discs—the ability to use them while driving, since head units of the time did not
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`have the ability to interface with these devices. Ex. 1103 at ¶11.
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`The industry was quick to respond to solve this incompatibility problem
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`common to both CD changers and MP3 players. Companies introduced interfaces
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`that, when wired into a car stereo, allowed devices such as an MP3 player or CD
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`Changer to be connected to a car’s head unit. Id. at ¶12.
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`Years before the earliest priority date of the ’786 patent, Patent Owner
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`Blitzsafe began selling its own interface, which it referred to as its “DMX Protocol
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`convert.” Blitzsafe, however, was not deterred from attempting to remove this
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`technology from the public domain by filing the ’786 patent in 2002, years after
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`the technology had already matured and been commercialized. Blitzsafe, in fact,
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`has been accused of doing more than simply filing a patent on technology that was
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`already in the public domain. The named inventor, Ira Marlowe, has been accused
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`of trying to expunge documentation of its own prior art products from the public
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`record. As one Court acknowledged, Mr. Marlowe admitted during deposition that
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`he requested that the Internet Archive (i.e., the “Way Back machine”) remove old
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`Blitzsafe webpages from its archive. Ex. 1015 at p. 3.
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`II. BACKGROUND
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`A. Overview of the Technology
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`The 1990s saw a surge in popularity of “interfaces” that allowed consumers
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`to integrate their CD Changers and MP3 players into head units while retaining the
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`original quality of the music. Ex. 1103 at ¶ 12. Typically, these devices plugged
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`into an existing port on the head unit that was used to control a manufacturer-
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`specific remote CD-changer. Id.
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`1.
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`Blitzsafe commercially sold an interface that connected
`third party CD changers to preexisting car stereos
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`Years before the ’786 patent’s earliest priority date, Blitzsafe itself marketed
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`an interface that connected an incompatible third-party music player to preexisting
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`car stereos, allowing for playback of audio and control of music players using the
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`car stereo.
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`A February 1998 issue of Automedia also described Blitzsafe’s “DMX”
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`product as allowing the “easy hook-up” of aftermarket CD changers from other
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`manufacturers, and which “actually recognize[d] the protocol of the factory radio
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`and communicate[d] with it through the use of microprocessor[.]” See Ex. 1012.
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`
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`2. Other Manufacturers Also Commercialized Similar
`Interfaces
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`Other retailers recognized this pervading market trend and, years before the
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`’786 patent was filed, introduced to the market interfaces that allowed users to
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`connect their after-market portable devices to car stereo systems. Ex. 1103 at ¶ 15-
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`17. One retailer of the time was Pacific Accessory Company (“PAC”). Id. PAC
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`offered an interface known as the “AAI-FRD2,” designed for use with Ford cars,
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`shown below:
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`
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`
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`Ex. 1007; Ex. 1103 at ¶ 15. As described in the AAI-FRD2 manual, a user could
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`connect a device to a head unit through the CD player, such that the user’s
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`portable media device would be “controlled via the factory radio and the
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`appropriate input is displayed.” Ex. 1007. The AAI-FRD2 allowed integration of
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`a variety of devices, including “MP3, DVD, VCP, and satellite radio.” Ex. 1007;
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`Ex. 1103 at ¶ 15.
`
`B.
`
`The ’786 Patent Specification
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`The ’786 patent describes an “audio device integration system” that
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`integrates a car stereo and one or more external or “after-market” devices, such as
`
`an MP3 player, that may otherwise be incompatible with the car stereo. See
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`Ex. 1001 at Abstract, 1:20-35, and FIG. 1; Ex. 1103 at ¶¶ 18-19. The integration
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`of external devices with the car stereo is provided by an “interface system,”
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`separate from the car stereo and the external device. Ex. 1001 at 5:14-15, Fig. 1.
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`
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`The interface is described as being connected to a plurality of devices and
`
`integrated with a car stereo. Id. at Fig. 1. The interface converts control signals
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`from the car stereo into a format compatible with an after-market external device,
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`and vice versa, allowing commands input at the car stereo to control the external
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`device and display of external device information on the car’s display. Information
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`from the audio device (e.g., track, disc, song, station, and time) is received,
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`processed, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo, and displayed.
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`Id. at Abstract, 4:27-46, 5:15-8:15.
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`C. The ’786 Prosecution History
`
`The ’786 patent issued from U.S. Pat. App. No. 10/316,