Patent landscapes › Electronics & gadgets
Is a usb hub patented?
Short answer: specific designs of a usb hub have been patented many times, but "a usb hub" as a general idea is not what is protected. What matters is the exact combination of features in your version.
What our index shows
- 1,305 US and WO patent publications since 2000 have a title matching “usb hubdock” or a close variant (our index of 9.7 million patent families; one publication per family).
- Among the 112 best keyword matches we examined, 20 were published in 2020 or later, and the earliest was published in 2001.
- Most frequent assignees in those matches: MICROCHIP TECH INC (5), LIU JUNTAO (5), STANDARD MICROSYST SMC (3), GENESYS LOGIC INC (3).
- Most common patent classes (CPC subclasses): G06F (85), H01R (15), Y02D (9), H02J (7).
Counts come from keyword matching on titles and abstracts, so they are indicative, not a legal count. Some matches are different products that share a word.
14 real patent publications related to a usb hub
- USB hub with multiple upstream-facing-ports and data transmission method thereof US-12608328-B2 2026 · GENESYS LOGIC INC
The USB hub includes multiple upstream-facing-port (UFP) connectors, multiple downstream-facing-port (DFP) connectors, and multiple hub controllers. A first upstream-port of a first hub controller is coupled to a first UFP connect…
View on Google Patents - Flexible mobile device connectivity to automotive systems with USB hubs US-12547569-B2 2026 · Aptiv Technologies AG
A method to enable a vehicle's embedded USB Host system to connect to multiple mobile devices through a USB Hub, regardless of whether the mobile devices are configured to function as USB Hosts or USB Devices, without USB On t…
View on Google Patents - Multi-host USB hub and docking system US-11599493-B2 2023 · LOGITECH EUROPE SA
A dual-host, USB system comprising a USB hub, a multiplexor (MUX) configured to couple a first host computing device or a second host computing device to a USB hub where each of the first and second host computing device have host…
View on Google Patents - Port disconnect charging function for USB hub US-10127181-B2 2018 · MICROCHIP TECH INC
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub includes a first port that is configured to be switched from a downstream port to an upstream port; a plurality of other ports; and a controller configured to switch a function of the first port fr…
View on Google Patents - Flexible mobile device connectivity to automotive systems with USB hubs US-9645962-B2 2017 · DELPHI TECH INC
A USB hub module which is configured to enable a vehicle's embedded USB host to connect to multiple mobile devices through a USB hub, regardless of whether the mobile devices are configured to act as USB hosts or USB devices, …
View on Google Patents - High current multi-port USB hub US-8909842-B2 2014 · BRETFORD MFG INC
A high-current Multi-Port USB hub has a microcontroller that selectively switches the hub between low current synchronizing state and high current charging state. During charging state in excess of two Amps of current can be provi…
View on Google Patents - Power management system for dynamically downgrading or upgrading the speed of individual USB ports on a USB hub based on available and requested power US-8909951-B2 2014 · LIN CHIH-JUNG
A dynamic power management system for USB hub and method thereof are described. The dynamic power management system includes a host device, a power unit and a hub device. A power management module disposed in the hub device dynami…
View on Google Patents - USB hub supporting unequal numbers of high-speed and super-speed ports US-8478927-B2 2013 · MOORE TERRILL M
A super-speed USB3.0 hub is described to which, after configuration, there are more high-speed devices than super-speed devices connected. The difference in the numbers is recognized and logic is provided that responds to an upstr…
View on Google Patents - Port power controller for USB hubs with legacy battery charge support US-8055919-B2 2011 · STANDARD MICROSYST SMC
A system and method for efficient power management of peripheral port connections. A USB hub core is configured to detect the presence of a legacy peripheral device on a downstream port when a corresponding USB host is in a non-op…
View on Google Patents - Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch between plurality of internal USB hubs each associated with plurality of audio codecs connected to the downstream port of associated USB hub US-7721028-B2 2010 · ATEN INT CO LTD
An improved KVM switch is provided which enables computers to be connected to the KVM switch by reduced numbers of cables. It also supports transmission of digital audio signals between the computers and the KVM switch. A single U…
View on Google Patents - In-Desk USB HUB and Connectivity System US-2010317224-A1 2010 · BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC
A connectivity system capable of use with a desk having a surface containing an aperture includes a grommet and a connection hub. The grommet has an interior surface. The connection hub includes a connection port and a perimeter. …
View on Google Patents - Powered docking usb hubs for a wagering game machine US-2007058332-A1 2007 · CANTERBURY STEPHEN A
Methods and apparatus for docking and powering Universal Serial Bus hubs in a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, a docking Universal Serial Bus (USB) power unit includes a USB socket to receive USB data…
View on Google Patents - USB hub with soft select ports US-6918000-B2 2005 · GATEWAY INC
The present invention is directed to a USB hub with soft select ports. A universal serial bus (USB) hub suitable for indicating a user-selectable number of ports may include a universal serial bus (USB) hub suitable for facilitati…
View on Google Patents - Hubless docking station having USB ports US-6665764-B2 2003 · STANDARD MICROSYST SMC
A hub-less docking station for providing additional universal serial bus (USB). In one embodiment, a docking station includes a docking connector and a plurality of USB jacks. The docking connector is configured to allow a portabl…
View on Google Patents
What this means for your idea
Because patents cover specific combinations of features, the useful question is not “has a usb hub been patented?” but “has my combination of features been described before?” Consumer electronics are among the most heavily patented areas; the specific circuit, mounting, or interaction is what distinguishes a design.
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Guides that help with this
First-look landscape. Not exhaustive. Not legal advice. This page lists keyword-matched publications from a limited database; it does not say whether any product is or isn't covered by a patent, whether a patent is still in force, or whether your idea is patentable. Consult a registered patent attorney or agent.