Network-1 Technologies, Inc.

Power over Ethernet

Network-1's '930 patent (6,218,930) teaches an essential component of industry standard Power over Ethernet, or PoE. As described in the IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards, PoE enables delivery of power over existing local area network (LAN) cabling, eliminating the need for running separate and expensive power cables.

In order to avoid damage to non-PoE devices, the standard requires power sourcing equipment (PSEs) to detect the presence of a PoE-compatible remote device before sending power. To achieve accurate detection, a low-level detection current is sent from the PSE through the cable and the response is analyzed to determine if a compliant device is attached. That essential process is taught by the '930 patent.

The benefits of PoE are substantial, and the applications numerous, ranging from powering IP Phones and WiFi access points to RFID readers and network security cameras. Since the ratification of the first IEEE standard, 802.3af, in June 2003, PoE has become a must have technology for switch and device vendors. Industry leaders such as Cisco, Avaya, 3Com, HP and D-Link have incorporated PoE into their product lines.

The ‘930 patent has been subject to re-examination and multiple Inter Partes Review proceedings, which have reaffirmed its validity. Since 2004, the ‘930 has also been the subject of multiple licensing campaigns and three litigations. To date, revenue from the ‘930 patent is nearly $100 million from more than 20 licensees.

Inventor

Boris Katzenberg

Boris Katzenberg

Boris held numerous key positions during a 30 year career in the Telecom and Datacom industries. He was a dynamic force in the fields of power delivery and signal integrity systems, and lent his expertise in the development of many innovative and cutting-edge technologies. During his tenure in engineering with Merlot Communications, Boris developed and received a patent for "Apparatus and Method for Remotely Powering Access Equipment Over a 10/100 Switched Ethernet Network" (US 6,218,930). He was also active in the IEEE 802.3at Task Force, developing the second generation Power Over Ethernet standard and was responsible for worldwide development at Aventura Technologies, a leading manufacturer of next generation video surveillance solutions.

Now semi-retired from high tech, Boris is owner of Behave Dog Training in Trumbull, CT.

Key Patents

History of development and Licensing

Click on date

  1. 2001
  2. 2003
  3. 2005
  4. 2007
  5. 2008
  6. 2010
  7. 2011
  8. 2012
  9. 2014
  10. 2015
  11. 2016
  12. 2017

  1. 6218930 Patent Issued

    April 17, 2001 · Event

    '930 patent covering detection of compatible equipment and safe delivery of Power over Ethernet (PoE) issues.

    Patent Recognized by IEEE Task Force

    July 9, 2001 · Standards Events

    The '930 patent was listed on the agenda of the DTE Power via MDI (PoE) task force.

  2. IEEE 802.3AF Standard Approved

    June 12, 2003 · Standards Events

    The IEEE formally ratified the 802.3af (PoE) standard.

  3. Enforcement Commences Against D-Link

    August 11, 2005 · Litigation Events

    Network-1 files patent infringement action on the '930 patent against D-Link in the Eastern District of Texas.

    PowerUp Licensing Launched

    August 12, 2005 · Licensing Events

    Network-1 announced its PowerUp Licensing Program, which provided discounts to early adopters of the technology.

  4. D-Link License

    August 30, 2007 · Litigation Events

    Network-1 announced settlement of its litigation with D-Link that included D-Link taking a license for all infringing products.

  5. Litigation Against Cisco Commences

    February 11, 2008 · Litigation Events

    Network-1 filed suit against Cisco and other leading Ethernet vendors such as 3Com, Netgear and Foundry.

    Microsemi License

    June 19, 2008 · Licensing Events

    Microsemi, the leading vendor of PoE controller chips, licensed the '930 for its infringing midspan products.

  6. Cisco License

    July 19, 2010 · Litigation Events

    Network-1 announced settlement with Cisco and other remaining parties to the case. Netgear settled earlier.  All took a license for the lifetime of the ‘930 patent.

  7. Suit Filed Against 16 Networking Companies

    September 19, 2011 · Litigation Events

    Suit filed against HP, Dell, Juniper and others in the Eastern District of Texas for infringement of the '930 patent.

  8. Reexamination Request Filed

    July 20, 2012 · USPTO Events

    An unknown party filed for Ex-Partes Reexamination of the '930.

    IPRS Filed

    December 5, 2012 · USPTO Events

    Defendants in the pending litigation filed for Inter Partes Review (IPR) of the '930 patent.

  9. IPR Written Decision

    May 22, 2014 · USPTO Events

    The PTAB issued a final decision on the IPRs affirming the validity of the '930 patent.

    Reexam Certificate Issued

    October 14, 2014 · USPTO Events

    The examiner issued a reexam certificate affirming the validity of the '930 patent and granting 14 additional claims.

  10. CBM Filed

    February 16, 2015 · USPTO Events

    Sony filed a request for covered business method (CBM) review of the '930 patent.

    2nd Reexamination

    February 16, 2015 · USPTO Events

    An unknown party filed for a second reexamination of the '930 patent.

    CBM Review Rejected

    July 1, 2015 · USPTO Events

    The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) rejected Sony's request for CBM review of the '930 patent.

    2nd Reexam Certificate Granted

    November 9, 2015 · USPTO Events

    The examiner issued a 2nd reexamination certificate affirming the validity of the '930 patent.

  11. Sony License

    June 24, 2016 · Litigation Events

    SONY became the 8th (of 16) vendors to obtain a license for the lifetime of the ‘930 patent and settle the 2010 litigation. 

     

    Alcatel-Lucent License

    July 11, 2016 · Litigation Events

    Networking vendor receives fully paid license to ‘930 patent.

    Dell Entered into Confidential Settlement Agreement

    August 5, 2016 · Litigation Events

    Polycom License

    October 4, 2016 · Litigation Events

    IP telephony vendor Polycom licensed for past (fully paid) and future use (royalty-bearing) of ‘930 patent  technology.

     

    Federal Court issues Markman ruling

    November 4, 2016 · Litigation Events District court construes litigated claims

  12. Axis Communications License

    August 16, 2017 · Litigation Events

    Networking gear vendor takes fully-paid license for lifetime of ‘930 patent.

    Avaya License

    September 22, 2017 · Litigation Events

    Long-time communications equipment vendor signs settlement and license agreements for past and future use of ‘930 patent technology subject to bankruptcy court approval.

    Trials

    November 6, 2017 · Litigation Events

    Trial begins against remaining litigants Juniper and Hewlett-Packard.