Near Field Electronics LLC has filed a series of patent infringement lawsuits in Texas federal court against major retailers and restaurant chains, including The Home Depot, Macy’s, AT&T, Dollar Tree, Lowe’s, Michaels, Flower Child, and Shake Shack. The complaints allege that the companies use near field communication (NFC) technology in payment systems that infringe five patents related to card-reading and USB interface technologies. Near Field contends that NFC-enabled payment terminals incorporating certain electronic components unlawfully practiced the patented inventions during the life of the patents, which expired between 2021 and 2026. The lawsuits seek damages for alleged infringement occurring before the patents expired and continue a broader enforcement campaign in which Near Field has asserted the same patents against numerous companies across multiple industries.