Patents by Inventor Benjamin David Follis
Benjamin David Follis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 10032133Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic signature service receives a document to be electronically signed on behalf of an organization. The electronic signature service automatically determines at least one authorized signatory from the organization for executing the received document. The authorized signatory is determined from data describing an organizational structure and signature authorities for the organization. The electronic signature service electronically provides the document to the authorized signatory via a data network.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9984242Abstract: Techniques for generating a document according to attestation requirements are provided. A method determines attestation requirements for electronically signing an electronic document. The method modifies the document based in part on the requirements, and then provides the modified document to users requested to electronically sign the document, wherein the users are only permitted to electronically sign the document in circumstances satisfying the requirements. An electronic signature service can generate a document whose signing needs to be witnessed and/or recorded according to attestation requirements. The document may be associated with number of signers. The electronic signature service may determine one or more witnesses of the signers and may determine applicable attestation requirements based on the witnesses, the signers, and the document.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9842201Abstract: An electronic document signature system preserves the security of an electronic document while tracking a signature process corresponding to the electronic document. In particular, using a client application on a client device, an originating user can protect an electronic document and send the protected electronic document to a tracking server. The tracking server receives only a protected document such that the security the electronic document is preserved. Using a client applications on client devices, one or more participating users can subsequently receive the protected document from the tracking server, access the contents of the electronic document, and sign the electronic document. The tracking server can record events that occur with respect to the protected document to create an event log.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATEDInventors: Benjamin David Follis, Marc Thomas Kaufman
-
Patent number: 9760960Abstract: In some embodiments, electronic signature service provides access to an electronic agreement by a signatory. The electronic signature service determines whether a change to the electronic agreement proposed by the signatory is acceptable. The proposed change can change a task that at least one signatory will legally be obligated to perform upon execution of the electronic agreement by all signatories. The electronic signature service determines the acceptability of the proposed change based on data indicative of changes that are acceptable to another signatory. The electronic signature service can update the electronic agreement with the proposed change based on verifying that the proposed change is acceptable. The electronic signature service can determine that the updated electronic agreement is legally binding on the signatories based on determining that the electronic agreement has been executed by all signatories.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Christopher Douglas Laine, Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9692601Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic signature service automatically updates electronic documents to prevent execution by an unauthorized signatory. The electronic signature service can receive an electronic document to be electronically signed on behalf of an organization. The electronic signature service can retrieve organization data indicative of signatories that are authorized to electronically sign the electronic document. The organization data may be inaccessible to a first signatory that is associated with the document. The electronic signature service can determine from the organization data that the first signatory is not authorized to electronically sign the document. The electronic signature service can update the electronic document with a second signatory that is determined from the organization data as being authorized to execute the document.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9646355Abstract: Electronic signatures are authenticated utilizing near field communication (NFC) devices as proof of identity. An identification service collects an identification of a NFC device associated with a signer of a contract. The identification may be utilized as an access control mechanism that enables the signer to receive, view, or sign the contract. An electronic signature associated with the signer is received. The identification of the NFC device and the electronic signature of the signer are recorded in the contract and/or audit information associated with the contract.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9614681Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing an electronic signature service where the content of an electronic document to be signed remains unknown to the service. A sender of the electronic document negotiates a specification for encoding the electronic document. In particular, the specification does not include any content of the electronic document. In this manner, the content of the electronic document can be encrypted and securely transmitted between the sender and the signer via the electronic signature service using one or more data packets conforming to the specification without permitting the electronic signature service to read or otherwise decipher the content. The specification enables the electronic signature service to certify that the signer has received the electronic document and assented to its terms.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Benjamin David Follis, Marc Kaufman
-
Publication number: 20170032112Abstract: An electronic document signature system preserves the security of an electronic document while tracking a signature process corresponding to the electronic document. In particular, using a client application on a client device, an originating user can protect an electronic document and send the protected electronic document to a tracking server. The tracking server receives only a protected document such that the security the electronic document is preserved. Using a client applications on client devices, one or more participating users can subsequently receive the protected document from the tracking server, access the contents of the electronic document, and sign the electronic document. The tracking server can record events that occur with respect to the protected document to create an event log.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Benjamin David Follis, Marc Thomas Kaufman
-
Patent number: 9521001Abstract: An electronic document signature system preserves the security of an electronic document while tracking a signature process corresponding to the electronic document. In particular, using a client application on a client device, an originating user can protect an electronic document and send the protected electronic document to a tracking server. The tracking server receives only a protected document such that the security the electronic document is preserved. Using a client applications on client devices, one or more participating users can subsequently receive the protected document from the tracking server, access the contents of the electronic document, and sign the electronic document. The tracking server can record events that occur with respect to the protected document to create an event log.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATEDInventors: Benjamin David Follis, Marc Thomas Kaufman
-
Publication number: 20160315775Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic signature service automatically updates electronic documents to prevent execution by an unauthorized signatory. The electronic signature service can receive an electronic document to be electronically signed on behalf of an organization. The electronic signature service can retrieve organization data indicative of signatories that are authorized to electronically sign the electronic document. The organization data may be inaccessible to a first signatory that is associated with the document. The electronic signature service can determine from the organization data that the first signatory is not authorized to electronically sign the document. The electronic signature service can update the electronic document with a second signatory that is determined from the organization data as being authorized to execute the document.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Publication number: 20160314550Abstract: Contracts are shared by users with third parties via an electronic signature service in accordance with limitations specified by the users. The electronic signature service receives limitations from a user that controls third party access to a contract. A unique sharing identification is generated by the electronic signature service that links the contact to a third party. The limitations are associated with the unique sharing identification and the user and the third party are notified that the contract is available. A unique sharing link allows the third party to view contents of the contract via a third party device in accordance with the limitations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventor: BENJAMIN DAVID FOLLIS
-
Publication number: 20160275451Abstract: Systems and methods for retaining contracts and managing custodian operations using a management server. One embodiment involves, in a computer network environment, managing custodian operations for an electronic contract retained for an organization. This embodiment involves retaining the electronic contract on the electronic contract server for the organization, wherein non-custodians are restricted from performing custodian operations on the electronic contract. The embodiment further involves creating a custodian identifier for the electronic contract, the custodian identifier unique for the contract and the organization. The embodiment further involves receiving a request to access the electronic contract for custodian operations, the request identifying the custodian identifier. The embodiment further involves providing the electronic contract for custodian operations, wherein the custodian operations that are allowed are determined based on the custodian identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Publication number: 20160267563Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein for providing information about an obligation of an electronic contract. One embodiment involves receiving, at an electronic contract obligation server, an annotation associated with the electronic contract, the annotation specifying the obligation to be performed by a performing participant of the electronic contract according to a time constraint for the benefit of a benefited participant of the electronic contract, the electronic contract obligation server independent of the performing participant and the benefited participant. The embodiment further involves identifying, by the electronic contract obligation service, the information about the obligation based on the annotation associated with the electronic contract. The embodiment further involves providing, by the electronic contract obligation service, the information about the obligation to the performing participant or the benefited participant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2015Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9411971Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic signature service automatically updates electronic documents to prevent execution by an unauthorized signatory. The electronic signature service can receive an electronic document to be electronically signed on behalf of an organization. The electronic signature service can retrieve organization data indicative of signatories that are authorized to electronically sign the electronic document. The organization data may be inaccessible to a first signatory that is associated with the document. The electronic signature service can determine from the organization data that the first signatory is not authorized to electronically sign the document. The electronic signature service can update the electronic document with a second signatory that is determined from the organization data as being authorized to execute the document.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Publication number: 20160204944Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing an electronic signature service where the content of an electronic document to be signed remains unknown to the service. A sender of the electronic document negotiates a specification for encoding the electronic document. In particular, the specification does not include any content of the electronic document. In this manner, the content of the electronic document can be encrypted and securely transmitted between the sender and the signer via the electronic signature service using one or more data packets conforming to the specification without permitting the electronic signature service to read or otherwise decipher the content. The specification enables the electronic signature service to certify that the signer has received the electronic document and assented to its terms.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: July 14, 2016Applicant: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Benjamin David Follis, Marc Kaufman
-
Publication number: 20160171634Abstract: In some embodiments, electronic signature service provides access to an electronic agreement by a signatory. The electronic signature service determines whether a change to the electronic agreement proposed by the signatory is acceptable. The proposed change can change a task that at least one signatory will legally be obligated to perform upon execution of the electronic agreement by all signatories. The electronic signature service determines the acceptability of the proposed change based on data indicative of changes that are acceptable to another signatory. The electronic signature service can update the electronic agreement with the proposed change based on verifying that the proposed change is acceptable. The electronic signature service can determine that the updated electronic agreement is legally binding on the signatories based on determining that the electronic agreement has been executed by all signatories.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Christopher Douglas Laine, Benjamin David Follis
-
Publication number: 20160162697Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic signature service automatically updates electronic documents to prevent execution by an unauthorized signatory. The electronic signature service can receive an electronic document to be electronically signed on behalf of an organization. The electronic signature service can retrieve organization data indicative of signatories that are authorized to electronically sign the electronic document. The organization data may be inaccessible to a first signatory that is associated with the document. The electronic signature service can determine from the organization data that the first signatory is not authorized to electronically sign the document. The electronic signature service can update the electronic document with a second signatory that is determined from the organization data as being authorized to execute the document.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Patent number: 9323937Abstract: Techniques for generating and enforcing document visibility rights associated with a document in use with an electronic signature service are described. Consistent with embodiments of the invention, document visibility rights can be established for each person designated to sign and/or receive a copy of a document, and on a per-page, per-document section, or per-source document basis. Additionally, visibility rights may be conditional, such that various events (including the signing of a document) may modify visibility rights making a previously un-viewable page or document section viewable to a particular person.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Benjamin David Follis, Eran Aloni
-
Publication number: 20160048696Abstract: Techniques for generating a document according to attestation requirements are provided. A method determines attestation requirements for electronically signing an electronic document. The method modifies the document based in part on the requirements, and then provides the modified document to users requested to electronically sign the document, wherein the users are only permitted to electronically sign the document in circumstances satisfying the requirements. An electronic signature service can generate a document whose signing needs to be witnessed and/or recorded according to attestation requirements. The document may be associated with number of signers. The electronic signature service may determine one or more witnesses of the signers and may determine applicable attestation requirements based on the witnesses, the signers, and the document.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventor: Benjamin David Follis
-
Publication number: 20150379652Abstract: Mappings are received that associate one or more contract classes to one or more jurisdictions. Contract classes are determined for contracts being sent by senders or signed by signers. The contract classes may be determined by content analysis performed on the contracts. Content of the contracts may be altered with clauses specifying jurisdictions in accordance with the mappings. The contracts are enabled to be sent by senders or signed by signers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: BENJAMIN DAVID FOLLIS