The case is Local Interest, LLC v. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, No. 2:26-cv-00927 (E.D. Tex.). The complaint is dated October 14, 2026. Local Interest is represented by Rozier Hardt McDonough PLLC and demands a jury.

Patents and accused features

Both asserted patents are titled "System for providing location-based services in a wireless network, such as locating sets of desired locations." U.S. Patent 7,532,899 issued May 12, 2009 from an application filed November 8, 2004. U.S. Patent 8,774,834 issued July 8, 2014 from an application filed November 30, 2012. Google Patents lists both with an expired status, with an adjusted expiration date of August 9, 2026 for the '899 patent. The accused instrumentalities are the Order, Order Now, and Find a Cafe functions of Tropical Smoothie Cafe's website as used on mobile devices.

What the patents cover

Claim 4 of the '899 patent covers a method of receiving a command from a mobile device to locate points of interest near it, each in one of two or more user-identified categories, automatically determining the device's location, and providing a list that presents at least one of the geographically closest points of interest for at least some of the categories. After further input, the method provides a next-closer list for those categories.

Claim 1 of the '834 patent covers a method of receiving from a mobile device a request that includes a plurality of letters, determining the device's location, determining a point of interest whose name has a first portion made of those letters, transmitting that name, receiving a selection of it, and transmitting point of interest data for the selected point of interest.

What the lawsuit is about

The complaint alleges direct infringement of each claim through use of the website features, with its evidence of use in Exhibits A and B. It seeks monetary damages of no less than a reasonable royalty under 35 U.S.C. 284, and attorneys' fees under 35 U.S.C. 285 if the case is found exceptional.

What to watch next

Watch for Tropical Smoothie Cafe's answer or motion to dismiss and the scheduling order.