The complaint

The case is Arbor Systems LLC v. Robustel Limited, No. 2:26-cv-00817-JRG-RSP (E.D. Tex., Marshall Division), filed September 14, 2026, ECF No. 1 (5 pages). The complaint demands a jury trial. Arbor Systems LLC, which the complaint describes as a New Mexico corporation, alleges it is the assignee of all right, title and interest in the asserted patent. The complaint describes Robustel as a corporation organized under the laws of China. The docket shows the case assigned to District Judge Rodney Gilstrap and referred to Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne.

What the patent covers

U.S. Patent 9,835,709, titled Systems and Methods for Permission Based Control of Robots, issued December 5, 2017, from an application filed February 2, 2016. Claim 1 recites a system with a radio circuit that sends a privacy indication in a beacon frame transmitted in a periodic broadcast from a facility desiring privacy, and a movable vehicle with a radio circuit that receives the beacon frame and a motor actuator controlled to comply with the privacy indication. (Compl. para. 9; U.S. Patent 9,835,709 claim 1.)

What the lawsuit alleges

Arbor alleges that Robustel has directly infringed one or more claims by making, using, offering to sell, selling, and/or importing the Exemplary Defendant Products identified in the claim charts of Exhibit 2, and through employees' internal testing and use. Exhibit 2 charts claim 1 against the Robustel R5020 router, which the chart describes as installed in a drone. The complaint alleges, on information and belief, that Robustel has continued to sell the products and distribute product literature and website materials that induce end users to infringe, and it alleges induced infringement at least since service of the complaint and charts. The single count seeks damages, and the prayer asks for a judgment that the patent is valid and enforceable and a finding that the case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285. (Compl. paras. 11 to 18; Ex. 2; Prayer.)

What to watch next

The docket shows a summons issued on September 14, 2026. Watch for service on Robustel, its answer or other response, and any order consolidating the Arbor Systems cases before Judge Gilstrap. Any case can end at any time, including by settlement or voluntary dismissal.