Patents Assigned to WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
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Patent number: 11907647Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing text-based electronic communications. In one embodiment, a sending agent automatically, or upon request by a user, disambiguates identifiers and terms included in a communication internally or in collaboration with a remote device or server based on the identity and history of the sending or intended receiving device or user, the content or context of the communication and/or the sending or intended receiving device or user and automatically or at the request of the sender, appends, enhances or provides certain additional information related to the identifier or terms to the message in real time. This additional information is then included or referenced, but not necessarily initially displayed or communicated, in the communication. The integrated system also may include a receiving agent on the receiving device that can disambiguate the identifier or terms and provide additional information and services related to the identifier or terms in the communication.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 11586804Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing text-based electronic communications. In one embodiment, a sending agent automatically, or upon request by a user, disambiguates identifiers and terms included in a communication internally or in collaboration with a remote device or server based on the identity and history of the sending or intended receiving device or user, the content or context of the communication and/or the sending or intended receiving device or user and automatically or at the request of the sender, appends, enhances or provides certain additional information related to the identifier or terms to the message in real time. This additional information is then included or referenced, but not necessarily initially displayed or communicated, in the communication. The integrated system also may include a receiving agent on the receiving device that can disambiguate the identifier or terms and provide additional information and services related to the identifier or terms in the communication.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 11023552Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a brand search ecosystem for brands and branded products, locations, features, and services to enhance search results with real-time content and input on business rules, algorithms, and information from brandholders and provided over various modalities, including phones, TVs, kiosks, and speech recognition. The systems and methods include a brand name database including a plurality of brands and brandholders, bidders, and other content providers associated with respective brands. The search engine receives search requests from users, accesses the brand name database, and provides search results to the users based on a variety of factors, including the identity, search history, membership in a brand's rewards programs, aggregated feedback and ratings of others users, and direct feedback and ratings of the user conducting the search.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 10956457Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for registering, curating, enabling, and controlling the use of non-locational identifiers, such as phone numbers and domain names, as physical addresses and location identifiers (LIDs) for purposes of providing instant access to enhanced cross-platform location information and services imbedded in other devices and services through an LID registry. Users may then use the LIDs as physical addresses for purposes of navigation and obtaining information related to such physical locations only as authorized and controlled by the owners of such LIDs.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
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Patent number: 10872197Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing communications with electronic devices. In one embodiment, automatically, or upon request by a user, an enabled electronic device disambiguates and enhances terms included in a communication internally or in collaboration with a remote device or server. Such disambiguation or enhancement is accomplished by providing additional information based on the identity, history or contexts related to at least one of the sender or receiver or the content or context of the communication. The electronic device(s) then automatically or at the request of the sender or receiver includes and/or displays the information the communication. This additional information may be curated, continuously in real-time, on the electronic device(s) or server(s) through an iterative process that incorporates feedback from users and/or electronic devices with the goal of providing more accurate and up-to-date information than that is otherwise provided by conventional technologies.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 10585963Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a brand search ecosystem accessed via a network including a database of brands and branded products, locations, features, and services with input on business rules, algorithms, and information from brandholders and/or providing economic incentive payments to participants in the brand search ecosystem. The brand search ecosystem includes a brand name database including a plurality of brands and brandholders and brandbidders associated with respective brands. A search engine communicates with brandholders and the brand name database via a network for accessing information of brandholders and the brand name database to identify brandholders and brandbidders associated with brands. The search engine receives search requests from users, accesses the brand name database, and provides search results to the users. A clearing house processes economic incentive payments to brandholders and/or brandbidders associated with brands in the database.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 10565239Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for registering identifiers for locations, including sub-street address level, micro-locations in a real-time registry and controlling access to such locations and related real-time information. Every time the information is accessed, the system verifies continued ownership of the registered location identifier, and applies rules controlled by the owner to determine if, when, how, why, where, and to what extent such real-time micro-location information can be accessed and further enables and accounts for micro-payments to or from the owners to or from the users who are accessing the locations and information.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
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Patent number: 10296568Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing text-based electronic communications. In one embodiment, a sending agent automatically, or upon request by a user, disambiguates identifiers and terms included in a communication internally or in collaboration with a remote device or server based on the identity and history of the sending or intended receiving device or user, the content or context of the communication and/or the sending or intended receiving device or user and automatically or at the request of the sender, appends, enhances or provides certain additional information related to the identifier or terms to the message in real time. This additional information is then included or referenced, but not necessarily initially displayed or communicated, in the communication. The integrated system also may include a receiving agent on the receiving device that can disambiguate the identifier or terms and provide additional information and services related to the identifier or terms in the communication.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 10229216Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a brand search ecosystem accessed via a network including a database of brands and branded products, locations, features, and services with input on business rules, algorithms, and information from brandholders and/or providing economic incentive payments to participants in the brand search ecosystem. The brand search ecosystem includes a brand name database including a plurality of brands and brandholders and brandbidders associated with respective brands. A search engine communicates with brandholders and the brand name database via a network for accessing information of brandholders and the brand name database to identify brandholders and brandbidders associated with brands. The search engine receives search requests from users, accesses the brand name database, and provides search results to the users. A clearing house processes economic incentive payments to brandholders and/or brandbidders associated with brands in the database.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 10127207Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using a Shortcode for any street or postal address, including an imbedded Shortcode (ISC) that differentiates and visually distinguishes the alpha-numeric characters constituting the Shortcode within the visual display of the full street address. A Shortcode may be automatically created and uniquely associated with a full street or postal address for anywhere in the world, including a street number, street name and/or type, city, state, country, or any street or unit prefix or suffix designation. The ISC enables the Shortcode to be visually identified by distinguishing the Shortcode from the other characters constituting the full traditional street or postal address.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 9928252Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for registering, curating, enabling, and controlling the use of non-locational identifiers, such as phone numbers and domain names, as physical addresses and location identifiers (LIDs) for purposes of providing instant access to enhanced cross-platform location information and services imbedded in other devices and services through an LID registry. Users may then use the LIDs as physical addresses for purposes of navigation and obtaining information related to such physical locations only as authorized and controlled by the owners of such LIDs.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
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Patent number: 9678986Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for registering, curating, enabling, and controlling the use of non-locational identifiers, such as phone numbers and domain names, as physical addresses and location identifiers (LIDs) for purposes of providing instant access to enhanced cross-platform location information and services imbedded in other devices and services through an LID registry. An exemplary method for registration may include receiving a request from a requester to register a non-locational identifier owned by the requester and create an LID for a physical location, creating the LID within the LID registry by verifying that the LID is unique within the registry, that the requestor owns the LID, and registering the LID to the requestor within the LID registry. Users may then use the LIDs as physical addresses for purposes of navigation and obtaining information related to such physical locations only as authorized and controlled by the owners of such LIDs.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
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Patent number: 9372934Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using a Shortcode for any street or postal address, including an imbedded Shortcode (ISC) that differentiates and visually distinguishes the alpha-numeric characters constituting the Shortcode within the visual display of the full street address. A Shortcode may be automatically created and uniquely associated with a full street or postal address for anywhere in the world, including a street number, street name and/or type, city, state, country, or any street or unit prefix or suffix designation. The ISC enables the Shortcode to be visually identified by distinguishing the Shortcode from the other characters constituting the full traditional street or postal address.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 9098580Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using imbedded Shortcodes. An imbedded Shortcode (ISC) and Shortcode may be uniquely associated with a full name that identifies an item of interest. The Shortcode may be visually identified when the full name is displayed by the ISC, which is select characters of the full name that are visually distinguished from the other characters of the full name. Thus, subsequent reference to the associated full name and its item of interest may be identified simply by using the Shortcode instead of the full name. For example, a user of an electronic device may observe the full name with the ISC in a visual display, and sequentially enter the characters of the Shortcode from the ISC into the electronic device to obtain additional information regarding the item of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Publication number: 20140324844Abstract: A Universal Geographic Database (“UGD”) is provided that includes a real-time, automated registry/clearinghouse for the publication and retrieval of real-world locations and location-related information for businesses and other entities. By this registry, entities may publish their location and location-related information in a single place, and information services and their users can refer to this single place, via telecommunications devices, to obtain static, real-time location and location-based information about the registered locations. Each UGD record is keyed by a proprietary location address (PLA) based on the World Geographic Referencing System (WGRS). PLAs may be used as key reference and addressing terms, e.g., imbedded in digital documents, websites, GPS devices, or other information services to provide links to maps, directions, and information in the registry related to such locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventors: S. Lee Hancock, Jordan Hastings, Scott D. Morrison
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Publication number: 20140304286Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using imbedded Shortcodes. An imbedded Shortcode (ISC) and Shortcode may be uniquely associated with a full name that identifies an item of interest. The Shortcode may be visually identified when the full name is displayed by the ISC, which is select characters of the full name that are visually distinguished from the other characters of the full name. Thus, subsequent reference to the associated full name and its item of interest may be identified simply by using the Shortcode instead of the full name. For example, a user of an electronic device may observe the full name with the ISC in a visual display, and sequentially enter the characters of the Shortcode from the ISC into the electronic device to obtain additional information regarding the item of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Publication number: 20140181150Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a brand search ecosystem accessed via a network including a database of brands and branded products, locations, features, and services with input on business rules, algorithms, and information from brandholders and/or providing economic incentive payments to participants in the brand search ecosystem. The brand search ecosystem includes a brand name database including a plurality of brands and brandholders and brandbidders associated with respective brands. A search engine communicates with brandholders and the brand name database via a network for accessing information of brandholders and the brand name database to identify brandholders and brandbidders associated with brands. The search engine receives search requests from users, accesses the brand name database, and provides search results to the users. A clearing house processes economic incentive payments to brandholders and/or brandbidders associated with brands in the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 8676861Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using imbedded Shortcodes. An imbedded Shortcode (ISC) and Shortcode may be uniquely associated with a full name that identifies an item of interest. The Shortcode may be visually identified when the full name is displayed by the ISC, which is select characters of the full name that are visually distinguished from the other characters of the full name. Thus, subsequent reference to the associated full name and its item of interest may be identified simply by using the Shortcode instead of the full name. For example, a user of an electronic device may observe the full name with the ISC in a visual display, and sequentially enter the characters of the Shortcode from the ISC into the electronic device to obtain additional information regarding the item of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Publication number: 20130332491Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using imbedded Shortcodes. An imbedded Shortcode (ISC) and Shortcode may be uniquely associated with a full name that identifies an item of interest. The Shortcode may be visually identified when the full name is displayed by the ISC, which is select characters of the full name that are visually distinguished from the other characters of the full name. Thus, subsequent reference to the associated full name and its item of interest may be identified simply by using the Shortcode instead of the full name. For example, a user of an electronic device may observe the full name with the ISC in a visual display, and sequentially enter the characters of the Shortcode from the ISC into the electronic device to obtain additional information regarding the item of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock
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Patent number: 8510348Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating and using imbedded Shortcodes. An imbedded Shortcode (ISC) and Shortcode may be uniquely associated with a full name that identifies an item of interest. The Shortcode may be visually identified when the full name is displayed by the ISC, which is select characters of the full name that are visually distinguished from the other characters of the full name. Thus, subsequent reference to the associated full name and its item of interest may be identified simply by using the Shortcode instead of the full name. For example, a user of an electronic device may observe the full name with the ISC in a visual display, and sequentially enter the characters of the Shortcode from the ISC into the electronic device to obtain additional information regarding the item of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLCInventor: S. Lee Hancock