CEATS Flying High, Continental Airlines Grounded, According to Patent Calls’ Research

Independent Research Firm Releases Its Findings in CEATS, Inc. v. Continental Airlines

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continental Airlines is in the hot seat for allegedly infringing patents owned by CEATS, Inc. in the complaint filed by CEATS against Continental Airlines on April 5, 2010.

CEATS (CyberSEATS for Entertainment Arts Travel Sports) is accusing Continental Airlines of infringing five patents that pertain to a system and method for selecting, reserving or displaying seats for customer purchase.

Report Finds Continental, Others Likely Infringing

Patent Calls conducted an independent analyst report on one of the key patents involved in the complaint, US Patent 7,454,361 (‘361), and found that not only is Continental apparently infringing the elements of the ‘361 patents claims but smartphone and computer manufacturers are likely doing the same.

“While it may be apparent that websites that let a user select the seats that they purchase potentially infringe the CEATS patent, some smart cell phones potentially infringe as well,” said Ruben DeLeon of the DeLeon Law Group in a comment to Patent Calls. DeLeon Law Group has no ties to the pending litigation.

Key Findings of the Report Include:

• The ‘361 patent claims are broad and relate to interactively selecting event seats over the Internet.
• Continental Airlines and JetBlue are making use of the ‘361 patent because they allow customers to purchase tickets from their website and then select specific seats.
• Southwest Airlines does not offer the option to select a specific seat and therefore does not infringe the ‘361 patent.
• Smart cell phone manufacturers such as Blackberry are likely infringing the ‘361 patent because of their use of a trackball to select specific seats, while the popular Apple iPhone does not.

Complete Analysis Available for Purchase

The complete Patent Calls independent analyst report is available for purchase by contacting Patent Calls, Inc. directly at 512-371-4120 or inquiry@patentcalls.com

In conjunction with the ‘361 analyst report, Patent Calls has released a feature article on the case, which can be read at http://www.patentcalls.com/news.html.

Patent Calls is a unique and trusted source for meaningful and independent information regarding patents. We offer our clients timely, in-depth and unbiased reviews and analysis of the technologies described within patents. Only a judge or jury can ultimately determine infringement.

CONTACT:

Patent Calls, Inc.
Courtney Smith, 512-371-4120
smith@patentcalls.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Texas

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Transport  Air  Travel  Transportation  Mobile/Wireless  Professional Services  Legal

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