Cellport Systems
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wireless connectivity, automotive technology |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Entrepreneurs and inventors (unspecified) |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Wireless connectivity innovations, vehicle gateways, universal mobile docking stations, Secure Telematics Framework (VeeZee) |
Cellport Systems, Inc. is a U.S.-based enterprise focused on creating, prototyping, patenting, and licensing wireless connectivity innovations tailored for Internet-enabled vehicles and mobile gadgets. The company also engineers vehicle gateways utilizing advanced blockchain security and licenses its technological advancements to automotive and wireless device manufacturers worldwide.
History
Originating in 1992 as Cellport Labs through the collaboration of entrepreneurs and inventors, the firm adopted the name Cellport Systems in 2000. From its inception, the company concentrated on developing pioneering connectivity solutions intended for widespread adoption. Its inaugural product, the CellBase™ mobile docking station, was produced under contract by licensee Hello Direct in 1993.
In 1994, a coalition of six cellular providers—including GTE, AT&T Wireless, and Bell Canada—financed a Cellport initiative aimed at integrating digital wireless data services with vehicle networks. The equity investment from AT&T Wireless in 1995 facilitated the recruitment of design architect Chuck Spaur, who spearheaded the creation of the MobileWeb™ 9700 platform in 1996. This wireless data system enabled vehicles’ internal networks to function as Internet nodes. The platform was unveiled at the 1996 CTIA conference through a live demonstration employing CDPD technology.
Mercedes-Benz publicly introduced their WebCar™ in 1997, showcasing Cellport’s MobileWeb system. Additional manufacturers exploring MobileWeb technology included Caterpillar, Chrysler, John Deere, Motorola, Cisco Systems, and Omron.
In 2000, Cellport launched its second-generation universal mobile docking station—the CP-3000™—to comply with evolving hands-free phone regulations. This hands-free kit featured docking components compatible with a wide range of mobile phones. It was displayed in five General Motors models at the 2001 SEMA Show. Early adopters and licensees comprised Motorola, Omron, Peiker Acustic, and Harman International; automotive brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi also integrated CP-3000 technology.
In 2001, Cellport collaborated with Omron to market an automotive anti-theft solution and develop text-to-voice messaging capabilities.
At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, Cellport introduced the Secure Telematics Framework—later renamed VeeZee in 2015—a security infrastructure designed to safeguard vehicles from cyber threats and bolster user privacy. Utilizing public key infrastructure (PKI) alongside federated security models, this framework sought to enhance transactional security for commerce and vehicle access.
By 2010, more than two million Internet-connected vehicles had been sold. Cellport’s portfolio of patents generated annual licensing and royalty revenues exceeding $10 million.
In 2012, Cellport initiated the context aware vehicle architecture (CAVA) project that produced the third-generation Cellport III™ universal mobile docking station. Engineered to securely link smartphones, tablets, and public safety radios with vehicle systems, its initial target markets were commercial fleets and emergency response vehicles. Licensing activities were anticipated to commence in 2015.
In 2016, Cellport formed CyberCar as a subsidiary focused on developing the Secure Telematics Platform (STP), a blockchain-enabled solution providing a "membrane of trust" for any vehicle gateway.
Licensing
Although Cellport effectively licensed its patents and technical know-how, it encountered difficulties in generating revenue from product development and manufacturing operations. As a result, the company discontinued its manufacturing activities and redirected its efforts toward prototype creation, patent licensing, and the enhancement of its technology platforms. Among its licensees are prominent corporations including Motorola Solutions, Apple, BMW, Harman International, Samsung, Nokia, LG, Continental AG, Peiker Acustic, Cullmann, HTC, Omron, and Toyota Motor Sales.
Mobile and vehicle connectivity patents
In May 2014, Cellport was granted an additional U.S. patent (8,719,592 B2) related to Secure Telematics, further strengthening its Secure Telematics Framework and security technology portfolio.
The company’s critical patents encompass technologies for mobile and vehicle connectivity:
US Patents
- US 5,333,177—Universal Connection for Cellular Telephone Interface (Universal Mobile Phone Port)
- US 5,535,274—Universal Connection for Cellular Telephone Interface (Phone Adaptor Holder with Charging)
- US 5,822,427—Battery Charging for Multiple Cellular Telephones (Adaptor Latching System)
- US 6,341,218—Supporting and Connecting a Portable Phone (Dual-Processor Multi-Bus)
- US 6,377,825—Hands-Free Wireless Communication in a Vehicle (Dual-Processor Multi-Bus)
- US 5,479,479—Transmission and Reception of Digital Signals via Air Link (Vehicle Server)
- US 5,732,074—Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System (Vehicle Server)
- US 6,122,514—Communications Channel Selection (Link Select Router)
- US 6,430,164—Communications Across Disparate Protocol Network/Bus Subsystems (Mobile Application Platform)
- US 6,516,192—Communications Channel Selection (Link Select Router)
- US 7,346,370—Interoperability Between Devices Using Different Communication Links (CP Connect)
- US 7,366,892—Secure Telematics (VeeZee)
- US 8,719,592—Secure Telematics (VeeZee)
- US 8,027,293—Communication Channel Selection and Use (Link Select)
- US 9,130,930 B2—Secure Telematics (VeeZee)
European Patents
- EP 1 266 456B1—Hands-Free Wireless Communications in a Vehicle (Dual-Processor Multi-Bus)
- DE 60127825 D1 and T2—Wireless Hands-Free Communication in a Vehicle (Dual-Processor Multi-Bus)
- DE 69432927 D1 and T2—Wireless Data Transmission Device (Vehicle Server)
- EP 0 875 111B1—Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System (Vehicle Server)
- EP 1 515 496B1—Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System (Vehicle Server)
- DE 69732900 D1 and T2—Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System (Vehicle Server)
- DE 69737486 D1 and T2—Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System (Vehicle Server)
- EP 1 590 9171B1—System for Controlling Application Use of Proprietary Resources in Secure Telematics Systems (Secure Telematics Framework)
- EP 1 774 755B—Method for Enabling Discovery and Use of Services by Client Devices (CP Connect)
- DE 602005024277D1—Method for Enabling Client Device Access (CP Connect)
- DE 602004030534D1—System Controlling Application Access to Protected Resources in Secure Telematics Systems
Litigation
In 2009, Cellport initiated legal action against German electronics manufacturer Peiker Acustic, accusing the company of violating a 2004 licensing agreement and demanding royalties for seven products that incorporated Cellport's vehicle hands-free communication technology. The court awarded Cellport $613,433 in damages, a decision that was upheld upon appeal. A conclusive judgment favoring Cellport was issued on February 4, 2016, followed by a U.S. District Court ruling on April 19, 2016, granting Cellport entitlement to recover legal costs.
In January 2013, Cellport filed lawsuits against seven smartphone manufacturers—HTC, ZTE, Samsung, LG, Kyocera, Pantech, and Nokia—alleging infringement of its patents. These disputes were ultimately settled privately, with each company agreeing to pay royalties under licensing agreements for the use of Cellport’s technologies.
In June 2014, Cellport brought suit against BMW of North America and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, accusing them of willfully infringing patents related to vehicle connectivity systems that allow automobiles to transmit safety and operational information. While the proceedings against BMW are ongoing, Toyota contested the validity of two Cellport patents in 2014 but did not succeed; this issue was resolved on April 11, 2016. In July 2016, BMW entered into a licensing agreement for Cellport’s MNT patent portfolio, thereby settling the litigation.