Abstract: The method of the present invention simplifies and streamlines the tasks that must be carried out in order to prepare and control electronic documents such as patent applications. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method of the present invention includes storing a plurality of alterable electronic documents on a computer system, the plurality of electronic documents being associated with a patent application, generating a first signal indicating that one or more of the electronic documents are to be filed to a patent office, and automatically locking the one or more electronic document so that the documents cannot be altered. In another embodiment, electronic documents may be associated with a package and automatically locked when a user transmits a signal indicating that the package has been transferred from a first phase to a second phase.

Abstract: A method of managing documents related to a patent application. In one embodiment the method includes generating an invention disclosure from a first client system coupled to a server system over a first communication network, where the first client system is associated with a first technology developer; storing the generated invention disclosure in a database accessible to the server system; drafting a patent application for the invention disclosure from a second client system coupled to the server system over a second communication network, where the second client system is associated with a patent practitioner; storing the drafted patent application in the database; generating an instruction to file the patent application from a client system associated with either the technology developer or the patent practitioner; and receiving the instruction at the server system and causing the patent application to be filed in a patent office.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing documents related to a patent application. In one embodiment the method includes storing a plurality documents related to a patent application in a database accessible to a server system, where each of the plurality of documents has a document type and where the plurality of documents includes at least one document having a first document type and at least one document having a second document type.

Abstract: A docketing system for recording, tracking, and reporting deadlines associated with legal cases. The docketing system is useful for intellectual property practitioners, such as patent attorneys, who have to keep track of several deadlines related to intellectual property cases. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the docketing system keeps track of deadlines related to one or more cases handled by one or more practitioners. In response to events related to the cases which result in one or more deadlines, the present invention automatically generates messages notifying users of deadlines associated with the events. The docketing messages are then automatically communicated to appropriate recipients.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing documents related to a patent application. In one embodiment the method includes storing a first workflow rule on a server system where the first workflow rule causes the server system to generate a message that requests approval to prepare a patent application for an invention disclosure and route the message to a second client system upon receipt of a first signal indicating a request to submit the invention disclosure for approval. The method also includes storing a first invention disclosure in a database accessible by said server system; receiving, at the server system, a first signal from a first client system indicating a request to submit the first invention disclosure for approval. Upon receipt of the first signal, the server system then executes the first workflow rule to generate a message requesting approval of a second client system to prepare a patent application from the first invention disclosure and communicate the message to the second client system.

Abstract: A computer graphical user interface that provides access to information stored on a computer-readable medium that pertains to a selected patent application. In one embodiment the graphical user interface includes at least first, second and third display sections.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of allowing payment of an annuity or maintenance fee associated with a patent document. In one embodiment the method includes (a) storing, on a computer readable medium accessible to a server system, patent information related to the patent document the patent information including one or more of a patent claim and a summary section; (b) generating, from the server system, a notice of a due date for the annuity or the maintenance fee; (c) communicating the notice to a first designated client system via a Web page, wherein the Web page allows said client system to system to view the information and indicate whether the annuity or the maintenance fee should be paid; (d) receiving a payment instruction from the client system regarding payment of the annuity or the maintenance fee; (e) storing the payment instruction in a database; and (e) communicating the payment instruction to a second designated client system.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of generating invention disclosure statements. The method of the present invention reduces the likelihood that a known prior art reference document will erroneously go undisclosed to a patent office by an individual associated with the filing and prosecution of a patent applications. Additionally, the method of the present invention simplifies and streamlines the tasks that must be carried out in order to comply with the various disclosure requirements of patent offices around the world. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method of the present invention includes receiving a signal indicating that a user has identified an electronic document that contains reference information to be disclosed to a patent office, the reference information including information necessary for completing an invention disclosure statement (“IDS information”).

Abstract: A computer implemented method of managing invention disclosure statements is described. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method of the present invention includes storing a plurality of electronic documents in a database, associating a first one or more of the plurality of electronic documents to a first case, associating a second one or more of the plurality of electronic documents to a second case, receiving a select signal from a user, the select signal selecting at least one of the second one or more of the plurality of electronic documents associated with the second case to be associated with the first case, and associating the at least one of the second one or more of the plurality of electronic documents to the first case in response to the select signal. In one embodiment, the first case and second case are related cases.