Abstract: A search engine configured to search a database of documents and provide search results to an end user is described. The search engine may be configured to provide the end user with a list of synonyms for terms in the search query submitted by the end user and allow the end user to identify those synonyms which should be included in the search engine. Alternatively or additionally, the search engine may be configured to provide the end user with survey questions, the answers to which, may be used to further define the search query. The database may include notes and/or advertisements that are associated with specific documents in the database.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to allow karma accumulation, death and post-death gameplay in a virtual environment. In post-death gameplay, at least one character attribute is used to determine whether a player character can play an undead character, possess a selected player character, and/or reincarnate into a new player character. The method of karma accumulation includes tracking positive karma points and negative karma points.

Abstract: A system of maintaining notes associated with documents that may be, for example in a document database, such as a patent database, is described. The notes may be submitted by the author(s) of the original document, by parties associated with the original document (such as a patent examiner), or by a third party. Access to the notes may be limited based, for example, on a party's relationship to the original document.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel means for outsourcing patent applications for examination. The disclosure describes various automated and non-automated means for selecting a qualified agency and examiner to perform the examination. The disclosure further discloses means for review of a patent at the request of holders of patents, licensees or other third parties who may be interested in acquiring a patent or application.

Abstract: Virtual environments in which players are able to select synthetic voices for their characters are described. The voices may be celebrity voices or impersonations of celebrity voices. A player may provide a spoken message to the game server, which converts the spoken message into a text message and then outputs the text message in audible form using a celebrity voice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel means for performing prior art searches for patent applications. The disclosure describes various automated means for performing and refining prior art searches with decreasing examiner input and generating office actions based on such searches.

Abstract: A system and method of prioritizing items in a queue is provided. The system and method includes the creation of a document queue comprising a plurality of items and the assignment of a queue position to each of the plurality of items based upon one or more determining factors, such as the date of receipt of each item. A fee can be calculated for moving an item to a different priority queue position and a right-of-first refusal can be provided for one or more items that would have their respective queue positions changed as a result of payment of the fee.

Abstract: Virtual environments in which player avatars can be altered based on events that occur in a video game, metaverse or virtual environment. One event is the failure to fulfill an obligation in a virtual contract. Avatars who fail to fulfill such obligations may have their appearance, voice, or smell altered, or may be followed by one or more non player character avatars.

Abstract: Systems and methods for survey based qualification of keyword searches and survey based qualification of keyword advertising. A searcher provides a search query to a search engine and is presented with at least one query-specific survey question. The searcher's original query and/or response to the query-specific survey question(s) are then used to generate search results.

Abstract: Systems and methods for survey based qualification of keyword searches and survey based qualification of keyword advertising. A searcher provides a search query to a search engine and is presented with at least one query-specific survey question. The searcher's original query and/or response to the query-specific survey question(s) are then used to generate a list of advertisers whose in-stock inventory matches user-specified criteria. The list may be provided in the form of an interactive map.

Abstract: A database, such as a patent database, including a plurality of electronic documents, such as patents and patent applications, is described. The documents include words, phrases, and/or pictures that have been hyperlinked to advertisements or other documents. Also described are methods of indexing words and phrases in the documents and allowing advertisers, merchants, or other entities to pay for the right to hyperlink selected words, phrases, pictures that appear in the documents in the database to web-based documents of their choosing.

Abstract: A system and method to allow players of a video game to form sponsorship contracts with one another such that a first player can agree, explicitly or implicitly, to provide a second player with an initial playing advantage in return for deferred compensation. The deferred compensation may be based on the second player's performance in the game.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel concepts to a video game environment. The disclosure describes video game environments that include a method and system for controlling the quantity and distribution of virtual natural resources, raw materials, skills and NPCs in and between games, where player characters may acquire, use and modify such virtual resources within the physical limits of the games.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock. In one embodiment the disclosure provides methods and systems for allowing members of a Venture Capital entity to vote on whether or not to fund a given venture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel concepts to a video game environment. The disclosure describes video game environments that include a method and system for controlling the quantity and distribution of virtual natural resources, raw materials, skills and NPCs in and between games, where player characters may acquire, use and modify such virtual resources within the physical limits of the games.

Abstract: Improved methods for drafting, preparing, and submitting a patent application are described. The system incorporates a web-based tool in which applications are drafted. The web-based tool allows for real time analysis of the application as it is being drafted. Automated suggestions, prior art searching, researcher and attorney recommendations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure provides a video game in which a new character can be created using attributes from multiple parent characters. Each character may contribute genetic material in the form of character attributes, which are then passed on to a child character.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock. In one embodiment the disclosure provides methods and systems that monitor compliance with the terms of a venture capital fund agreement; identify any parties that are in non-complance; and penalize any non-compliant parties.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for enforcing contracts within video game environments. Methods and systems of the invention include virtual and real world penalties and remedies for entities that breach contracts or other obligations undertaken in the virtual world.