Patents by Inventor Sean Alexander Courtney

Sean Alexander Courtney 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: 9473309
    Abstract: A system for providing security services to a mobile device where the mobile device is in communication with a public network through a first network path that is subject to interference by a third party. The system includes a security server and a private network. The security server is operative to communicate with the mobile device through the private network. The security server is also operative to communicate with the public network through a second network path that is less susceptible to the interference by the third party than is the first network path. The security server communicates with the public network through the second network path to provide security services to the mobile device that are delivered over the private network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: BlackBerry Limited, Certicom Corp.
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Matthew John Campagna, George Ross Staikos, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 9292314
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling system settings of a computing device are described herein. One example embodiment comprises: determining configuration data associated with a software application, wherein the configuration data identifies one or more new system settings to be temporarily enforced on the computing device during an execution of the software application, and wherein the configuration data is digitally signed; and in response to an initiation of the execution of the software application, reconfiguring system settings on the computing device; wherein the reconfiguring comprises verifying at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data; wherein if the at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data successfully verifies, then the reconfiguring further comprises temporarily enforcing new system settings for the duration of the execution of the software application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Sean Alexander Courtney, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 9014656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting to an alert message, such as a commercial mobile alert system (CMAS) message, is provided. A mobile device in receipt of an alert message automatically obtains status information such as mobile device position, for example via GPS, and prompts a user for status information such as emergency preparedness. A response message is automatically generated and transmitted to designated recipients, such as address book contacts or a datacentre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Sean Alexander Courtney
  • Publication number: 20150019857
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling system settings of a computing device are described herein. One example embodiment comprises: determining configuration data associated with a software application, wherein the configuration data identifies one or more new system settings to be temporarily enforced on the computing device during an execution of the software application, and wherein the configuration data is digitally signed; and in response to an initiation of the execution of the software application, reconfiguring system settings on the computing device; wherein the reconfiguring comprises verifying at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data; wherein if the at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data successfully verifies, then the reconfiguring further comprises temporarily enforcing new system settings for the duration of the execution of the software application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Sean Alexander Courtney, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 8799634
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling system settings of a computing device are described herein. One example embodiment comprises: determining configuration data associated with a software application, wherein the configuration data identifies one or more new system settings to be temporarily enforced on the computing device during an execution of the software application, and wherein the configuration data is digitally signed; and in response to an initiation of the execution of the software application, reconfiguring system settings on the computing device; wherein the reconfiguring comprises verifying at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data; wherein if the at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data successfully verifies, then the reconfiguring further comprises temporarily enforcing new system settings for the duration of the execution of the software application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Alexander Truskovsky, Neil Patrick Adams
  • Publication number: 20140215206
    Abstract: A system for providing security services to a mobile device where the mobile device is in communication with a public network through a first network path that is subject to interference by a third party. The system includes a security server and a private network. The security server is operative to communicate with the mobile device through the private network. The security server is also operative to communicate with the public network through a second network path that is less susceptible to the interference by the third party than is the first network path. The security server communicates with the public network through the second network path to provide security services to the mobile device that are delivered over the private network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: CERTICOM CORP., RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Matthew John Campagna, George Ross Staikos, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 8701166
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide a mechanism to enhance the security of operating client devices with systems controlling secure data. Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to authenticate a communication session between a server and a client device without providing authentication tokens to the client device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Herbert Anthony Little, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 8627108
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting data on a mobile device. A data protection module on the mobile device receives a transmission including a secret key. The secret key is used in encrypting data on the device and is then deleted. Subsequent to an event detectable to the mobile device, the data protection module receives another transmission including said secret key. The secret key is then used to decrypt the encrypted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Neil Patrick Adams
  • Publication number: 20130166899
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling system settings of a computing device are described herein. One example embodiment comprises: determining configuration data associated with a software application, wherein the configuration data identifies one or more new system settings to be temporarily enforced on the computing device during an execution of the software application, and wherein the configuration data is digitally signed; and in response to an initiation of the execution of the software application, reconfiguring system settings on the computing device; wherein the reconfiguring comprises verifying at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data; wherein if the at least one digital signature associated with the digitally signed configuration data successfully verifies, then the reconfiguring further comprises temporarily enforcing new system settings for the duration of the execution of the software application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Alexander Truskovsky, Neil Patrick Adams
  • Publication number: 20130152176
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide a mechanism to enhance the security of operating client devices with systems controlling secure data. Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to authenticate a communication session between a server and a client device without providing authentication tokens to the client device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Herbert Anthony Little, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Patent number: 8397274
    Abstract: A system, devices and methods for verifying an administrator computing device to a guest computing device, verifying the guest device to the administrator device and outputting a list of the guest device capabilities for the administrator device such that the guest device is capable of verifying the administrator device, for example to ensure it does not divulge its capabilities to imposters, and the administrator device is capable of identifying whether the list of device capabilities is authentic. Verification can be achieved through cryptographic hashes of private certificates, digital signatures or expected output from verified modules. The list of device capabilities may be restricted based on the authorization granted to the administrator computer and may be altered or watermarked for verification. A failure to verify the administrator device may restrict execution of instructions on the guest device to prevent unauthorized access to the guest device's capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Eli Omen Jackson, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Publication number: 20130013933
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting data on a mobile device. A data protection module on the mobile device receives a transmission including a secret key. The secret key is used in encrypting data on the device and is then deleted. Subsequent to an event detectable to the mobile device, the data protection module receives another transmission including said secret key. The secret key is then used to decrypt the encrypted data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Sean Alexander Courtney
  • Patent number: 8296580
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting data on a mobile device. A data protection module on the mobile device receives a transmission including a secret key. The secret key is used in encrypting data on the device and is then deleted. Subsequent to an event detectable to the mobile device, the data protection module receives another transmission including said secret key. The secret key is then used to decrypt the encrypted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Sean Alexander Courtney
  • Publication number: 20120129569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting to an alert message, such as a commercial mobile alert system (CMAS) message, is provided. A mobile device in receipt of an alert message automatically obtains status information such as mobile device position, for example via GPS, and prompts a user for status information such as emergency preparedness. A response message is automatically generated and transmitted to designated recipients, such as address book contacts or a datacentre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Sean Alexander COURTNEY
  • Publication number: 20120017081
    Abstract: A system, devices and methods for verifying an administrator computing device to a guest computing device, verifying the guest device to the administrator device and outputting a list of the guest device capabilities for the administrator device such that the guest device is capable of verifying the administrator device, for example to ensure it does not divulge its capabilities to imposters, and the administrator device is capable of identifying whether the list of device capabilities is authentic. Verification can be achieved through cryptographic hashes of private certificates, digital signatures or expected output from verified modules. The list of device capabilities may be restricted based on the authorization granted to the administrator computer and may be altered or watermarked for verification. A failure to verify the administrator device may restrict execution of instructions on the guest device to prevent unauthorized access to the guest device's capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean Alexander Courtney, Eli Omen Jackson, Alexander Truskovsky
  • Publication number: 20120011561
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for enabling temporary policies in a mobile computing device are provided. Data representative of the temporary policies is received, the data comprising a time period for applying the temporary policies. Settings of the mobile computing device are automatically changing from original settings to temporary settings, the temporary settings based on the data. When the time period has expired, the settings are changed back to the original settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean Alexander COURTNEY, Eli Omen JACKSON, Kristof TAKACS
  • Publication number: 20110185186
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting data on a mobile device. A data protection module on the mobile device receives a transmission including a secret key. The secret key is used in encrypting data on the device and is then deleted. Subsequent to an event detectable to the mobile device, the data protection module receives another transmission including said secret key. The secret key is then used to decrypt the encrypted data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Sean Alexander Courtney
  • Publication number: 20110040946
    Abstract: A computing device having controlled access and a method for controlling access there to are provided, the computing device comprising a memory device, a display device, and an input device. Data for rendering a map is retrieved from the memory device. The display device is controlled to render the map using the data. Geographic location data representative of a sequence of geographic locations selected from the map is received, via the input device. The geographic location data is converted to received password data. The received password data is compared to stored password data. If a match is found, access is granted to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO A COMPUTING DEVICE
    Inventor: Sean Alexander Courtney