Patents by Inventor S. Lee Hancock

S. Lee Hancock 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: 10229216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 10127207
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Publication number: 20180314714
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
  • Patent number: 9928252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
  • Publication number: 20170351776
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for enhancing search results. In one embodiment, search results responsive to user search terms are combined with real-time content and input from content providers. The content providers can further generate and edit text based filters to cause the search engine to reprioritize the search results, wherein higher search results contain links and other viewable digital content, such as real-time data obtained directly from content providers, that is more responsive to the user search terms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Publication number: 20170277718
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
  • Patent number: 9729381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Location Services IP, LLC
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Jordan Hastings, Scott D. Morrison
  • Patent number: 9678986
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner, Phil Dhingra
  • Publication number: 20170011018
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 9372934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Publication number: 20150331956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 9098580
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: WGRS LICENSING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 8935220
    Abstract: The present invention involves a Universal Geographic Database (“UGD”). The UGD is an automated, central or distributed, registry of real-world locations and location-related information for businesses and other entities, analogous to the registry of domain names for Internet and web sites. By this central registry, businesses and other entities are facilitated to post their location and location-related information in a single place, for all users who need or want it; and users can refer to this single place, via the Internet, Web, and other telecommunications devices, to obtain accurate, complete and timely location and location-based information about the registered businesses and other entities. Each record of the UGD is keyed by a proprietary location address (PLA) based on the World Geographic Referencing System (WGRS), and optionally may have one or more proprietary location addresses (PLAs), which also may serve as keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: WGRS Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Jordan Hastings, Scott D. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20140324844
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Jordan Hastings, Scott D. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20140304286
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Publication number: 20140223283
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: S. Lee Hancock, Stephen L. Hancock, Chris Kerstner
  • Publication number: 20140181150
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 8676861
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Publication number: 20130332491
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock
  • Patent number: 8510348
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: WGRS Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: S. Lee Hancock