Patents Assigned to BLACK HILLS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
  • Patent number: 9652546
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for monitoring developments in a field of prior art. The method comprises using one or more processors receive a search query including a first patent concept related to the field of prior art; search the Internet as a function of the search query; generate a first set of search results; store the first set of search results in a database; conduct a subsequent search on the Internet as a function of the search query; generate a second set of search results; compare the first and second sets of search results to identify differences in the results; and communicate the differences to a user. An ontology of patent concepts may be stored in a system database. The searches may be conducted automatically on a regular basis thereby notifying the user of any intervening changes in the field of prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9396274
    Abstract: Systems and methods for prior art analysis are provided. An example method comprises maintaining a patent matter database including, for at least one patent matter, a claim set or statement of invention, and a priority date. The method also includes maintaining a database of prior art documents and associating a prior art document with a first patent matter in the patent matter database. An automatic keyword analysis is performed on both the first patent matter and associated prior art document and a keyword pool is identified. Combined information is provided at a user interface information including at least identification of the first patent matter, the keyword pool, at least one keyword occurring uniquely in the first patent matter, and a timeline representing the priority date of the first patent matter and the priority or publication date of the prior art document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9286351
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for analyzing patents and prior art in a patent management system. In an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method of determining a potential point of novelty for an identified patent comprises retrieving at least one independent claim of the patent in the claim form as issued; retrieving at least one independent claim of the patent in the claim form as published; and automatically comparing the issued claim to the published claim by identifying unique keywords present in the issued claim but not present in the published claim and flagging the unique keywords to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9201966
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for monitoring developments in a field of prior art. The method comprises using one or more processors receive a search query including a first patent concept related to the field of prior art; search the Internet as a function of the search query; generate a first set of search results; store the first set of search results in a database; conduct a subsequent search on the Internet as a function of the search query; generate a second set of search results; compare the first and second sets of search results to identify differences in the results; and communicate the differences to a user. An ontology of patent concepts may be stored in a system database. The searches may be conducted automatically on a regular basis thereby notifying the user of any intervening changes in the field of prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20150254576
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a group of patents and determining an earliest priority year for each patent. The method includes determining a priority year range, wherein the priority year range is associated with an oldest priority year to a newest priority year within the group of patents; assigning a weight to each year within the priority year range; and identifying a patent owner filing score for each year within the priority year range. The method further includes multiplying the weight of a given year by the respective patent owner filing score to derive a weighted patent owner total; and adding a set of weighted patent owner totals as a total weighted priority dominance score for each patent owner. The method includes storing the total weighted priority dominance score for each patent owner in a patent database and providing the total weighted priority dominance score for at least one patent owner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20150126280
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing a work-driven game are described. A work event may be obtained. A gaming asset based on the work event may be awarded. A class of the gaming asset may be selected based on the work event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James P. Janniello, Steven W. Lundberg, Andre L. Marais
  • Patent number: 8972385
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for automatically tracking change in ownership status of patents listed in a database at a patent registry. The method comprises receiving input from a user identifying one or more patents of interest to be tracked and, based on the input received, automatically performing a search of the registry database to identify changes in ownership status for any one or more of the patents of interest. The search results are formatted and transmitted to a user. The automatic search may be conducted on a regular basis thereby notifying as user of any intervening changes in ownership.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8892547
    Abstract: The present inventive subject matter relates to prior art analysis. Various embodiments of the present inventive subject matter include systems and methods for analyzing prior art in a patent portfolio and annuity management system. In an example embodiment, a method comprises maintaining a patent matter database and a database of prior art documents including data about the prior art documents such as the priority or publication dates of the documents. A keyword analysis is performed on a given patent matter and associated prior art documents to identify keywords occurring uniquely in the first patent matter as potential claim elements differentiating the patent matter over the disclosures contained in the one or more prior art documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20140324711
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258147
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK HILLS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258148
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258150
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK HILLS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258149
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK HILLS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140258153
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20140258151
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140108273
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management and generation of analytics are described. A system comprises, for example, one or more modules. A first module is configured to combine data received from an official government source and from a docketing system. The data received may pertain to one or more assets of a patent portfolio. A second module is configured to generate a metric of the patent portfolio based on the combined data. The metric may measure a characteristic of the patent portfolio. A third module is configured to receive a request from a client device to display the metric. A fourth module is configured to, in response to the request to display the metric, display the metric in a user interface that includes one or more filtering elements that are selectable to request a filtering of the displayed metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Mark D. Stignani
  • Publication number: 20140089210
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for rating a patent continuation case by comparing the patent continuation case with a priority or parent patent case of the patent continuation case. Comparison elements are used in an embodiment with automatic comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK HILLS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20140052650
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patent portfolio management are described. In some example embodiments, a web site of the patent owner is identified, based on a name of a patent owner. The web site includes content presented in one or more pages. The content of the web site of the patent owner is accessed. Also, patent data that pertains to a patent asset of the patent owner is accessed. The patent data includes a description of the patent asset. The content of the web site and the description of the patent asset are compared. One or more keywords present both in the content of the web site and in the description of the patent asset are identified. A page of the one or more pages where the one or more keywords are present is identified. The page of the one or more pages of the web site is correlated to the patent asset based on the one or more keywords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Lars Olof Hugo Svensson, Peter W. Rebuffoni, Tyler L. Nasiedlak, Jill D. Young, Piers A. Blewett, Joseph R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140052667
    Abstract: Systems and method for patent portfolio management are described. In some example embodiments, a patent matter database that includes data pertaining to a patent matter is maintained. The data includes a docket activity description for a docket activity pertaining to the patent matter and a docket date that indicates a due date for the docket activity. An analysis on the data is performed based on applying a docketing rule to the data. The docketing rule specifies a condition when the docket date is a critical date. A determination is made that the docket date is the critical date based on the condition being satisfied in the data. The data is tagged to indicate that the docket date is the critical date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Black Hills IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Lars Olof Hugo Svensson, Peter W Rebuffoni, Tyler L Nasiedlak, Jill D. Young, Piers A Blewett, Joseph R. Williams