Navigating Qi Standard Essential Patents in Portfolio

The client engaged ExpertLancing to evaluate their patent portfolio concerning the Qi Wireless Power Standard, a key interface standard for inductive wireless power transfer. The goal was to pinpoint critical patents that align with Qi’s specifications, assess their essentiality, and map each patent to the relevant sections of the standard. This case study highlights the strategic methodology used to identify patents pertinent to the Qi standard.

ExpertLancing devised comprehensive search strategies utilizing end-user databases and relevant keywords, focusing on patent classifications related to the Qi technology. The search covered global jurisdictions and included both granted patents and pending applications, leveraging INPADOC and commercial patent databases. The approach involved detailed analyses of patent titles, abstracts, claims, and descriptions. Citation searches (up to two levels) were conducted, and proprietary databases were used to ensure all relevant patents were identified. For non-English patents, translations or equivalent English records were used. The primary focus was on detecting patents in the client’s portfolio that matched Qi Wireless Power Standard specifications. Each identified patent was scrutinized to verify its relevance and the extent of its alignment with the standard. Overlap was illustrated by mapping relevant sections of the Qi standard to patent claims, with additional commentary to explain the degree of alignment.

The analysis identified several key patents relevant to the Qi standards. The review began with a broad assessment of the patent portfolio, including an initial objective screening of key patent claims, followed by a detailed examination of the shortlisted patents. One such patent, JP5XXXXX7B2, was related to wireless charging technology. This patent, JP5XXXXX7B2, described a charging control method that involved initially charging a secondary battery via a power-receiving coil. The method involved monitoring the battery to determine when it was fully charged and then stopping both the charging and power transmission. If recharging was needed afterward, the method included temporarily disconnecting the coil to prevent unnecessary power flow. This approach aligned with wireless charging standards. The snapshot of a portion of mapping prepared for JP5XXXXX7B2 against the Qi Wireless Charging v.1.2.3 standard, highlighted the patent’s relevance to the Qi 1.3 standard.

ExpertLancing’s analysis enabled the client to strategically align their patents with the Qi standard, unlocking opportunities for targeted monetization and licensing. By identifying essential patents and mapping their relevance to the Qi standard, the client was able to make well-informed decisions, secure lucrative licensing agreements, and forge strategic collaborations. This approach maximized the commercial value of their intellectual property and strengthened their competitive position in the wireless charging market. Through these insights, the client successfully capitalized on emerging trends and enhanced their market presence.