Complaint analysis | 6:22-cv-00815 | Prestwick Licensing LLC v. Noffz Tech USA Inc

I. Executive Summary and Procedural Information

Parties & Counsel:
- Plaintiff: Prestwick Licensing LLC (Texas)
- Defendant: Noffz Technologies U.S.A., Inc. (Texas)
- Plaintiff’s Counsel: Direction IP Law
Case Identification: 6:22-cv-00815, W.D. Tex., 07/26/2022
Venue Allegations: Venue is alleged to be proper based on Defendant maintaining a place of business within the Western District of Texas.
Core Dispute: Plaintiff alleges that Defendant’s base station emulator for testing cellular devices infringes a patent related to a simulated user call test system integrated within a digital telecommunications switch.
Technical Context: The technology concerns automated testing systems for telecommunications equipment, a field essential for verifying the performance and interoperability of cellular devices and networks.
Key Procedural History: The complaint does not mention any prior litigation, Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings, or licensing history related to the patent-in-suit.

Case Timeline

Date	Event
2003-12-01	’301 Patent Priority Date
2010-02-23	’301 Patent Issue Date
2022-07-26	Complaint Filing Date

II. Technology and Patent(s)-in-Suit Analysis

U.S. Patent No. 7,668,301 - Simulated User Calling Test System and Method with Built-In Digital SPC-Exchange (Issued Feb. 23, 2010)

The Invention Explained

Problem Addressed: The patent describes that commercially available instruments for testing digital Stored Program Control (SPC) switches were expensive, and existing built-in test systems were limited. These prior built-in systems could test call signaling processes but could not accurately reflect the performance of hardware interfaces or the switch connection path. (’301 Patent, col. 1:20-54).
The Patented Solution: The invention proposes a test system that is built directly into a digital SPC switch, utilizing its existing hardware and software resources to lower costs. (’301 Patent, col. 1:58-64). The system architecture comprises three main components: a "back process module" operating on a maintenance platform to provide a user interface and display results; a "front call control process module" integrated into the switch's main control module to manage the test flow; and a "hardware subsystem" composed of the switch's own functional units to execute test operations like dialing and detecting tones. (’301 Patent, Abstract; col. 2:1-19).
Technical Importance: This integrated approach was designed to provide the functionality of an expensive external call tester at a lower cost and to enable on-line testing to identify faults on the system immediately. (’301 Patent, col. 4:37-44).

Key Claims at a Glance

The complaint asserts infringement of independent claim 1. (Compl. ¶15).
The essential elements of independent claim 1 include:
- A simulated user call test system built in a digital stored program control (SPC) switch.
- A "back process module" on a maintaining platform for providing a user interface, receiving test result data, and performing display/statistical processes.
- A "front call control process module" in the switch's main control module for receiving setup parameters, controlling the hardware, and reporting results to the back process module.
- A "hardware subsystem" with function process units of the SPC switch to receive instructions and perform tests (e.g., picking up/hanging up, dialing, sending a test tone), and to report results to the front call control module.
- The hardware subsystem further comprises a "loop relay panel" for simulating picking up/hanging on a phone and performing a dial pulse function.
The complaint does not explicitly reserve the right to assert dependent claims.

III. The Accused Instrumentality

Product Identification

The Noffz Base Station Emulator sUTP 5018 ("Accused Instrumentality"). (Compl. ¶15).

Functionality and Market Context

The Accused Instrumentality is a test platform used for the product validation of cellular devices, such as automotive telematic control units and smartphones. (Compl. ¶16; p. 6). It emulates 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular networks to conduct a variety of tests, including voice calls, text messaging, and data throughput analysis. (Compl. p. 6).
The system is controlled by GUI-based application software, which allows a user to configure test parameters, initiate tests, and view results on a graphical interface. (Compl. ¶¶16, 17). A system diagram provided in the complaint shows a "Client PC" with "Application Software" controlling the "NOFFZ BASE STATION EMULATOR," which in turn interfaces with "User equipments (UE)." (Compl. p. 7). This diagram illustrates the high-level architecture of the accused system. (Compl. p. 7).
The complaint alleges the product's importance in providing comprehensive, parallel testing for up to 32 phone modules, from simple checks to long-duration life-cycle analysis. (Compl. p. 6).

IV. Analysis of Infringement Allegations

'301 Patent Infringement Allegations

| Claim Element (from Independent Claim 1) | Alleged Infringing Functionality - - | Complaint Citation | Patent Citation |
|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |:-----------------------|:-------------------|
| A simulated user call test system, characterized in that the simulated user call test system is built in a digital stored program control switch... - - | ¶16 | col. 7:17-20 |
| ...and comprises a back process module [which] runs on a maintaining platform of the switch for providing an operation interface for a user to perform a call test setup, receives call test result data transmitted by the front call control process module, and performs display and statistical processes; | The "GUI-based Application software" or "Noffz Application software" is alleged to be the back process module, providing a GUI for test setup, receiving test result data (e.g., waveforms), and displaying results on a graphical interface. A screenshot shows "call setup parameters received by back process module (Application software)." (Compl. p. 9). - - | ¶17 | col. 7:26-32 |
| ...a front call control process module is included in a main control module of the switch to receive call test setup parameters provided by the back process module, control the hardware subsystem to perform a call test process...and report a result of the call test to the back process module; | The "user equipment (UE)" is alleged to be the front call control process module, which is "included in a main control module of the switch (e.g., the Accused Instrumentality)" to receive test parameters from the application software, control the hardware, and report results back. A screenshot shows test results being displayed by the back process module that originate from the front process module. (Compl. p. 11). - - | ¶18 | col. 7:33-40 |
| ...the hardware subsystem comprises function process units of the digital stored program control switch to receive instructions from the front call control process module, perform tests comprising at least one of the following: picking-up or hanging-up phones, detecting signaling tone, dialing, sending a test tone, or talking; and report test results to the front call control process module... | The "Hardware" or "Hardware Units" in the Accused Instrumentality are alleged to be the hardware subsystem, which receives instructions from the UE to perform tests such as starting a call, hanging-up a call, and handover between calls, and reports the results. A screenshot from a product video shows the system performing actions like "Dialing or Initiating a Call" and "Hanging up Active Call." (Compl. p. 38). - - | ¶19 | col. 7:41-52 |
| ...and wherein the hardware subsystem further comprises a loop relay panel used for simulating picking-up or hanging-on a phone in a calling or called user terminal and dial function of dial pulse form by the calling user. | The complaint alleges the hardware subsystem includes a "loop relay panel (e.g., display interface connected to UTP Base Station Emulator)" for simulating picking-up or hanging-on a phone. The complaint includes a photograph from a product video with an annotation pointing to a "Loop Relay Panel." (Compl. p. 39). - - | ¶19 | col. 7:52-57 |

Identified Points of Contention:
- Scope Questions: A primary question may be whether the Accused Instrumentality, a standalone piece of test equipment, can be considered a "digital stored program control switch" with a test system "built in," as recited by the claim. The defense may argue the patent contemplates modifying an operational telecommunications switch, not creating a self-contained emulator.
- Technical Questions: The complaint's allegation that the "user equipment (UE)" constitutes the "front call control process module... included in a main control module of the switch" raises a technical question. The court may need to determine if a UE, which is typically a device under test, can perform the functions of a control module that is part of the switch's core architecture as described in the patent.

V. Key Claim Terms for Construction

The Term: "built in a digital stored program control switch"
Context and Importance: This term is foundational to the claim's scope. The entire infringement theory depends on the Accused Instrumentality, a base station emulator, meeting this definition. Practitioners may focus on this term because its construction could be dispositive of the infringement question.
Intrinsic Evidence for Interpretation:
- Evidence for a Broader Interpretation: The patent's objective is to provide a lower-cost, integrated test system with functions "equal to commercial external call test systems." (’301 Patent, col. 1:61-63). A party could argue that any self-contained system that integrates these functions and itself acts as a switch for testing purposes is "built in" a "digital SPC switch."
- Evidence for a Narrower Interpretation: The patent’s background discusses testing "digital SPC switches" used by "network operators" and solving the problem of their high cost. (’301 Patent, col. 1:20-34). The Summary of the Invention states the goal is to provide a test system "located within a digital SPC switch." (’301 Patent, col. 1:59). This language may support an interpretation that the invention must be integrated into an existing, operational network switch, rather than being a standalone emulator.
The Term: "front call control process module is included in a main control module of the switch"
Context and Importance: The viability of the infringement allegation hinges on whether the component identified by the Plaintiff (the "user equipment (UE)") can be mapped to this claim element. The definition of what constitutes a "front call control process module" and its location within a "main control module" is therefore critical.
Intrinsic Evidence for Interpretation:
- Evidence for a Broader Interpretation: A party might argue that in the specific context of the accused emulator, the emulated UE (or the software controlling it) functionally serves as the "front call control process module" because it receives setup parameters and directs the hardware subsystem to perform the test.
- Evidence for a Narrower Interpretation: The specification describes this module as "a task having call test process control process for the main control software system of the switch." (’301 Patent, col. 4:26-29). This suggests a software process running on the switch's central control system, which is architecturally distinct from a user equipment device that connects to the switch.

VI. Other Allegations

Indirect Infringement: The complaint does not contain counts for indirect or contributory infringement.
Willful Infringement: The complaint does not contain allegations of willful infringement.

VII. Analyst’s Conclusion: Key Questions for the Case

The resolution of this dispute may turn on the answers to several key questions for the court:

A core issue will be one of architectural scope: Can the term "built in a digital stored program control switch" be construed to cover a standalone, purpose-built base station emulator, or does the patent's language and context limit the claim to a system integrated within an operational network telecommunications switch?
A key evidentiary question will be one of component mapping: Does the accused product's "user equipment (UE)," as identified by the Plaintiff, perform the functions of and meet the definition of a "front call control process module... included in a main control module of the switch", or is there a fundamental mismatch in the technical roles of these components as understood in the art and described in the patent?