Timeline
From a 2006 design to Huf’s Phone as a Key
Entries marked public record link to a document anyone can read. Entries marked our record rest on documents we hold and will provide to counsel on request.
- Identity, security and encryption work begins
Michael Greaves works in identity, security and encryption systems; this is the domain the later access system grew out of.
Our record - Concept originates
First design of a system that uses a person’s phone, verified against a central authenticator, to open a physical access device.
Our record - System validated
The design is built out and validated end to end: authenticator, user device, access device, token matching.
Our record - Disclosure to Huf under NDA
The system is disclosed to Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst through an intermediary, under a non-disclosure agreement that forbids any transfer or sale of the intellectual property. On our account the intermediary represented the work as his own, and we later reported his conduct to UK police.
Our record · NDA and correspondence held - Huf put on notice
Huf is informed in writing that the material it received is ours and that the intermediary had no authority to pass it on.
Our record · correspondence held - GB2516939A filed
EUS Associates Ltd files “Access authorisation system and secure data communications system”, naming Phillip Martin Shaw and Michael James Greaves as inventors.
Google Patents · public record - GB2516939A published
The application is published by the UK IPO and becomes citable prior art with an effective date of 7 August 2013.
Google Patents · public record - Huf announces “a new automotive technology and invention”
Huf’s website announces phone-based vehicle access as a Huf invention.
Huf website, February 2015 · copy held - Liberkee launched
Huf productises the technology under the Liberkee brand, later marketed as Phone as a Key.
Huf / Liberkee materials · copy held - GB2516939A recorded as withdrawn
The application does not proceed to grant. Publication stands as prior art.
Google Patents · public record - GB2516939A cited by later filings
The published application is cited in later patents including US10124750B2, US10663965B2, CN105976466A and CN105976472A.
Google Patents · public record - Liberkee shown in the Rinspeed Oasis concept car
The technology is integrated into the Rinspeed Oasis prototype.
Rinspeed / Huf materials - Phone as a Key becomes a Huf product line
Huf secures series orders for Phone as a Key, later based on ultra-wideband ranging with NXP silicon.
Huf Group · public record - EU clears joint control of Huf by Huf Holding and Sodecia
The European Commission approves the acquisition of joint control of Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG and Huf Industrieverwaltung GmbH by Huf Holding GmbH & Co. KG and Sodecia Participações Sociais, S.G.P.S., S.A.
MarkLines · public record - Sodecia takes 30%, Rui Monteiro becomes Huf CEO
Huf announces Sodecia as a strategic minority shareholder with plans to increase its holding, a new management board and a refinancing.
Huf Group newsroom · public record - This record republished
The site formerly at hufip.com as “Huf and My IP” is restructured as Before Liberkee.
This site