`
` 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. 2018-01214
`
`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.
`
`Blitzsafe commercially sold an interface that connected
`third party CD changers to preexisting car stereos ..................... 9
`
`2.
`
`Other Manufacturers Commercialized Similar Interfaces ........ 10
`
`The ’786 Patent Specification ............................................................. 11
`
`The ’786 Prosecution History ............................................................. 12
`
`The Claims of the ’786 Patent ............................................................. 12
`
`Prior Petitions ...................................................................................... 13
`
`Other Pending Petitions Are Not Duplicative ..................................... 13
`
`Person of Ordinary Skill in the Art ..................................................... 14
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`D.
`
`E.
`
`F.
`
`G.
`
`III. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION .......................................................................... 14
`
`A.
`
`“device presence signal” ..................................................................... 14
`
`B. Means Plus Function Claim Elements ................................................ 15
`
`(a)
`
`(b)
`
`(c)
`
`(d)
`
`(e)
`
`"first pre-programmed means for generating. . . " .......... 15
`
`"first pre-programmed means for . . . transmitting" ....... 16
`
`"second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling. . . by receiving. . . " ..................................... 16
`
`“second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling. . . by processing. . . ” ................................... 16
`
`"second pre-programmed means for remotely
`controlling. . . by transmitting. . . " ................................. 17
`
`(f)
`
`"means for transmitting. . ." ............................................ 17
`
`IV. STATEMENT OF RELIEF REQUESTED FOR EACH
`CHALLENGED CLAIM .............................................................................. 18
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`Identification of Challenge (37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)) ........................... 18
`
`Grounds of Challenge (37 C.F.R. § 42.204(b)(2)) .............................. 18
`
`
`
`i
`
`

`

`
`
`V.
`
`IDENTIFICATION OF HOW THE CHALLENGED CLAIMS ARE
`UNPATENTABLE ........................................................................................ 19
`
`A. Overview of the Cited Prior Art .......................................................... 19
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`Barnea ...................................................................................... 19
`
`Plagge ........................................................................................ 20
`
`Bhogal ....................................................................................... 21
`
`CAN .......................................................................................... 22
`
`Frese .......................................................................................... 23
`
`B.
`
`Ground 1 – Barnea, Plagge and Bhogal render claims 1, 2, 4, 5,
`13, 14, 23, 24, 44 and 47 obvious ....................................................... 24
`
`1.
`
`A POSITA would have been motivated to combine
`Barnea, Plagge and Bhogal ....................................................... 25
`
`2.
`
`Independent Claim 1 ................................................................. 31
`
`(a)
`
`(b)
`
`(c)
`
`(d)
`
`(e)
`
`(f)
`
`(g)
`
`(h)
`
`(i)
`
`(j)
`
`(k)
`
`(l)
`
`1[a] .................................................................................. 31
`
`1[b] .................................................................................. 33
`
`1[c] .................................................................................. 34
`
`1[d] .................................................................................. 37
`
`1[e] .................................................................................. 39
`
`1[f] .................................................................................. 44
`
`1[g] .................................................................................. 47
`
`1[h] .................................................................................. 49
`
`1[i] ................................................................................... 49
`
`1[j] ................................................................................... 49
`
`1[k] .................................................................................. 50
`
`1[l] ................................................................................... 52
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`claim 2 ....................................................................................... 53
`
`claim 4 ....................................................................................... 53
`
`claim 5 ....................................................................................... 54
`
`Claim 13 .................................................................................... 55
`
`Claim 14 .................................................................................... 55
`
`
`
`ii
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`Claim 23 .................................................................................... 55
`
`Claim 24 .................................................................................... 56
`
`10. Claims 44 & 47 ......................................................................... 56
`
`C.
`
`Ground 2 – Barnea, Plagge, 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
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`(a)
`
`The CAN protocol discloses the claimed “device
`presence” signal .............................................................. 58
`
`(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 ............................................................... 65
`
`(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. . . " ................................. 69
`
`(f)
`
`"means for transmitting. . ." ............................................ 69
`
`5.
`
`Dependent Claims 94, 97 and 98 .............................................. 70
`
`D. Ground 3 – Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal and Ohmura render claims
`7 and 8 obvious .................................................................................... 70
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Claim 7 ...................................................................................... 70
`
`Claim 8 ...................................................................................... 73
`
`E.
`
`Ground 4 – Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal, Ohmura and CAN render
`claims 61 and 62 obvious ................................................................... 75
`
`1.
`
`Dependent Claims 61 and 62 .................................................... 75
`
`iii
`
`

`

`
`
`F.
`
`Ground 5 – Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal and Frese render claim 10
`obvious ................................................................................................ 76
`
`1.
`
`Claim 10 .................................................................................... 76
`
`G. Ground 6 – Barnea, Plagge, 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 ........................................................................... 82
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`Real Party-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
`
`IX. 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
`
`X.
`
`CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 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.) ................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Daimler AG, et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00422 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Jaguar Land Rover Ltd., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00424 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Mazda Motor Corp., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00423 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Mitsubishi Electric Corp., et al.
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00430 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................79
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Robert Bosch LLC, et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00105 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Subaru Corp., et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv00421 (E.D. Tex.) .................................................................78
`
`Blitzsafe Texas, LLC v. Zhejiang Geely Holding Grp. Co., Ltd. et al.,
`Case No. 2:2017-cv-00420 (E.D. Tex.) ................................................................78
`
`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) ..........................................................................77
`
`Sega of Am., Inc. v. Uniloc USA, Inc.,
`IPR2015-01453 (Mar. 10, 2015) ..........................................................................77
`
`
`
`
`
`v
`
`

`

`
`
`Statutes and Rules
`Statutes and Rules
`
`35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 ................................................................................................. 1
`35 U.S.C. §§ 311—319 ................................................................................................. 1
`
`35 U.S.C. § 314(a) ....................................................................................................11
`35 U.S.C. § 314(a) .................................................................................................... 11
`
`35 U.S.C. §§ 315 (a)-(b) ..........................................................................................80
`35 U.S.C. §§ 315 (a)-(b) .......................................................................................... 80
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(a)(1) ..............................................................................................78
`37 CPR. § 42.8(a)(1) .............................................................................................. 78
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1) .............................................................................................78
`37 CPR. § 42.8(b)(1) ............................................................................................. 78
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2) .............................................................................................78
`37 CPR. § 42.8(b)(2) ............................................................................................. 78
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3) ..............................................................................................79
`37 CPR. § 42.8(b)(3) .............................................................................................. 79
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3)-(4) ........................................................................................79
`37 CPR. § 42.8(b)(3)—(4) ........................................................................................ 79
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.10(b) ................................................................................................79
`37 CPR. § 42.10(b) ................................................................................................ 79
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.15(a) .................................................................................................79
`37 CPR. § 42.15(a) ................................................................................................. 79
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.24(a) .................................................................................................81
`37 CPR. § 42.24(a) ................................................................................................. 81
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.24(a)(i) .............................................................................................81
`37 CPR. § 42.24(a)(i) ............................................................................................. 81
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.100 ..................................................................................................... 1
`37 CPR. § 42.100 ..................................................................................................... 1
`
`37 C.F.R. §§ 42.101(a)-(c) .......................................................................................80
`37 CPR. §§ 42.101(a)-(c) ....................................................................................... 80
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.104(a) ...............................................................................................80
`37 CPR. § 42.104(a) ............................................................................................... 80
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) ..............................................................................................11
`37 CPR. § 42.104(b) .............................................................................................. 11
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.204(b)(2) .........................................................................................11
`37 CPR. § 42.204(b)(2) ......................................................................................... 11
`
`
`
`
`
`vi
`Vi
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`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. 1003
`
`Expert Declaration of Dr. Chris Kyriakakis
`
`Ex. 1004
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,396,164 (“Barnea”)
`
`Ex. 1005
`
`DE 10101702A1 (“Plagge”)
`
`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”)
`
`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
`
`vii
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`No.
`
`Description
`
`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
`
`1
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`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
`
`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.
`
`The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bus connection established
`between the after-market audio device and said interface.
`
`Claim 23
`
`2
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`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;
`
`[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
`
`Claim 47
`
`The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the data port comprises an RS-232 or Universal
`Serial Bus (USB) port.
`
`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:
`
`3
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`[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
`
`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.
`
`4
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`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
`
`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
`
`5
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`[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
`
`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.
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`Claim 98
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`The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the bus connection comprises a Universal Serial
`Bus (USB) connection.
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`Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 and 37 C.F.R. § 42.100 et seq., Daimler
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`AG (“DAG”) respectfully requests that the Board initiate inter partes review of
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`claims 1, 2, 4-8, 10, 13, 14, 23, 24, 44, 47, 57, 58, 60-65, 86, 88-92, 94, 97, and 98
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`of U.S. Patent No. 7,489,786 (Ex. 1001), which is assigned to Blitzsafe
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`Texas, LLC (“Blitzsafe”).
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`I.
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`INTRODUCTION
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`Technology related to music players began to make a dramatic change in the
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`1980s with the development of portable tape decks and CD players. These new
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`players had many benefits—they were far smaller than prior portable devices and
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`allowed consumers to listen to a wide variety of music. Tapes and discs were also
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`ubiquitous; they were not only used in portable devices, but also in home stereos
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`and in automobile head units. A tape or a disc could be played while walking, then
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`transferred to a car to be played while driving.
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`But tapes and discs had drawbacks. Most significantly, they had limited
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`storage capacity, often only a dozen songs. In 1990s CD changers were
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`introduced, which allowed consumers to store and play multiple CDs in their
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`automobile. But they suffered one significant drawback – a CD changer made by
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`one company was often incompatible with the head unit from another company.
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`Other devices came on the market in the late 1990s that addressed this
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`storage problem specifically, solid-state devices, such as MP3 players, that allowed
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`a user to carry and play dozens, and ultimately thousands, of songs. Despite
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`solving the storage issue, solid state devices negated a significant advantage of
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`tapes and discs—the ability to use them anywhere, including while driving, since
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`radios (or “head units”) of the time did not have the ability to interface with these
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`devices.
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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.
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`Indeed, years before the earliest priority date of the ’786 patent, Patent
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`Owner Blitzsafe began selling its own interface, which it referred to as its “DMX
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`Protocol convert.” Blitzsafe, however, was not deterred from attempting to
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`remove this technology from the public domain by filing the ’786 patent in 2002,
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`years after the technology had already matured and been commercialized.
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`Blitzsafe, in fact, has been accused of doing more than simply filing a patent on
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`technology that was already in the public domain. The named inventor, Ira
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`Marlowe, has been accused of trying to expunge documentation of its own prior art
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`products from the public record. As one Court acknowledged, Mr. Marlowe
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`admitted during deposition that he requested that the Internet Archive (i.e., the
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`“Way Back machine”) remove old Blitzsafe webpages from its archive. Ex. 1015
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`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. 1003 at ¶ 11-12. These devices plugged into an
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`existing port on the head unit that was used to control a manufacturer-specific
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`remote CD-changer. Ex. 1003 at ¶ 12. These interfaces translated control
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`commands from the head unit (that could be natively understood by the
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`manufacturer-specific CD changer) into commands understood by, e.g., an
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`incompatible MP3 player or another manufacturer’s CD changer, allowing the user
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`to control those devices using the car’s head unit controls. Ex. 1003 at ¶ 12.
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`Conversely, the interface converted audio signals from the ex