For those who don’t know yet, well, you see, Whataburger is not just a mere burger joint, yes, they have actually turned out to be Texans’ almost cult class. Like, it has its orange-and-white stripes and late-night-munchie fix. People swear by the Whataburger app. You know, like, not just to have a quick grab for a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, but it was a huge help in the tough times for the Texas people, but how exactly?
See, at the time when Hurricane Beryl hit Texas hard, this was one of the few apps people were genuinely using to find out which burger joints were opened nearby, you know, to check the power outage map. But what this Whataburger Nearby Systems Patent Infringement Lawsuit is all about then?
Well, you see, not everyone, of course, is a fan. Enter Nearby Systems LLC, which is a tech company that has patented certain clever technologies for app mapping. And sure enough, they are pointing fingers at Whataburger for allegedly borrowing their technologies without due permission and have now taken all this matter to court.
So, Who’s Nearby Systems?
Well, if you have never heard of them, don’t worry, you’re not alone because there are many people who are hearing about them for the first time ever, and that’s just because this company sure is a well-known name in the tech scene, but not quite as popular as Whataburger, you know? And just so you know, this Nearby Systems company has patents for cool technologies that make apps smart, but what does that have anything to do with Whataburger then?
Well, as far as the details that are already out, one patent in particular, U.S. Patent No: 9532164, is the source of all this drama, but why? This is related to making maps work smoothly with apps, like the idea of showing nearby locations or dropping cool little markers, however sounding familiar. Near Systems feels that Whataburger’s app is using its technology, the “flying W,” they say, available for store locations, which has made them come to this lawsuit action. And frankly, they don’t appreciate it.
What’s the Lawsuit About?
Simply put, the lawsuit was filed on November 20, 2024, by Nearby Systems, alleging that the mobile application created by Whataburger is infringing on its patented technology. Everyone was confused at that point, but Nearby Systems alleges that Whataburger’s application is actually using their technology in the background, you know, to generate those maps and location data, which looks like to be a feature that, according to them, has been invented by Nearby Systems.
Keep in mind though, now, this is not just a forensic point against Whataburger, but Nearby Systems wants the fast food chain to completely halt the use of such technology. Not to mention, they would demand “damages,” aka yes, the big settlement money, it seems like that’s what they’re after.
Though, Whataburger Fans Aren’t Having It
The moment that the news of the lawsuit hit, Whataburger fans weren’t going to stay silent and that we could see already. Like, social media went ablaze with hashtags like #StandWithWhataburger, and people recounting how the app saved them during the hurricane, you know? Though, Nearby Systems bullies argue with fans, who claim the rival just wants to pack a quick payday in suing a beloved brand.