In the early to mid-2000s, Yahoo! worked to develop and refine its search engine capabilities. During this period, Yahoo! obtained U.S. Patent Nos. 8,341,157, 7,698,329, 8,209,317, 9,805,097, and 8,527,623, which are generally related to methods of improving the quality of results in a search engine. For example, the ’623 Patent relates to a method of detecting a user vacillation pattern and providing information to help remove the user’s indecision.

Texas-based R2 Solutions, the current assignee of these patents, has sued Singapore-based fashion retailer Shein for allegedly infringing the patents. R2 Solutions specifically alleges that Shein’s website induces consumers to infringe the patents by providing “pre-populated, demonstrative search terms” in its website’s search bar. R2 Solutions also alleges that Shein’s website includes a “Wishlist” and “Recently Viewed” section where information related to user vacillation can allegedly be collected. R2 Solutions stated that it previously alerted Shein to the alleged infringing activity, and is now seeking damages, royalties, and attorneys’ fees. The case is R2 Solutions LLC v. Roadget Bus. Pte. Ltd., E.D. Tex., No. 24-cv-00971, 10/29/24.