Abstract: Action data is exchanged between a service provider and a service consumer. Action data include service requests from a service consumer, service reports and billing reports from a service provider. Action data for both the provider and the consumer are encapsulated into an action object by an action processor and transmitted via common telecommunications infrastructure. When received, the action object is unencapsulated by an action processor and processed further by updating the receiver's action database or visually displaying the data in a computer monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for patent and claim tracking are described. Embodiments include tracking changes in claims through amendments, and displaying the claims in a marked-up format for viewing the changes. Other embodiments include recording and displaying references that may have been cited against a patent application and its claims. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for docketing an action or event, such as an action or event defined in a form received from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The method includes scanning the form having written information thereon, the written information comprising a date and indicia defining a docket event, to obtain a scanned image. The indicia on the form defining a docketing event includes a title such as, “Office Action,” “Notice of Allowance,” “Notice of Missing Parts” and so forth. The date on the form includes, in many embodiments, “Date Mailed.” The method also includes processing the scanned image with character recognition logic and identifying the indicia defining the docket event or action and the date on the image.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and system for one-click docketing of tasks in an internet based patent and trademark application management system. In some embodiments, a client computer is operatively coupled to an application server, which in turn is operatively coupled to a patent information server. These computers are connected via an internet. The configuration of the various computers disclosed herein may vary based upon the distribution the functionality implemented. A user will initiate a one-click (i.e., use a single input signal) docketing process with an input device, such as mouse, or keyboard, wherein an application server will be asked to retrieve case information data from a database. This case information data will, in turn be provided to a patent information server. The patent information server will then use this case information data to retrieve patent information, and provide it to the application server to fill a template.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for docketing an action or event, such as an action or event defined in a form received from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The method includes scanning the form having written information thereon, the written information comprising a date and indicia defining a docket event, to obtain a scanned image. The indicia on the form defining a docketing event includes a title such as, “Office Action,” “Notice of Allowance,” “Notice of Missing Parts” and so forth. The date on the form includes, in many embodiments, “Date Mailed.” The method also includes processing the scanned image with character recognition logic and identifying the indicia defining the docket event or action and the date on the image.

Abstract: Action data is exchanged between a service provider and a service consumer. Action data include service requests from a service consumer, service reports and billing reports from a service provider. Action data for both the provider and the consumer are encapsulated into an action object by an action processor and transmitted via common telecommunications infrastructure. When received, the action object is unencapsulated by an action processor and processed further by updating the receiver's action database or visually displaying the data in a computer monitor.

Abstract: The present invention includes as organizer, comprising a main body comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is sized to receive an airline ticket or boarding pass and the second compartment is sized to receive an identification card, the first compartment and second compartment each having a transparent window for displaying indicia on the airline ticket or boarding pass and identification card.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for a law firm to interact with clients, comprising: an enterprise platform that includes file wrapper means; messaging means; docketing means; reference means; and notice means wherein a law firm notifies the client of a change in status of one or more of file wrapper means, messaging means, docketing means, and reference means.

Abstract: An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm includes foreign payables chargeable against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. The system includes a server coupled to the Internet, the server including a website for foreign invoice entry and including a database of invoices, the invoices containing identification information for a matter of a client of a firm and a requested foreign fee associated with the matter for payment to an outside vendor or foreign associate. A number of remote terminals are coupled to the Internet, at least one of the remote terminals including an order entry system. The remote terminals adapted for generating the foreign invoice and uploading the foreign invoice to the database of invoices. The order entry system adapted for reviewing the foreign invoices and issuing a charge for the foreign fee.

Abstract: An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm includes foreign payables chargeable against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. The system includes a server coupled to the Internet, the server including a website for foreign invoice entry and including a database of invoices, the invoices containing identification information for a matter of a client of a firm and a requested foreign fee associated with the matter for payment to an outside vendor or foreign associate. A number of remote terminals are coupled to the Internet, at least one of the remote terminals including an order entry system. The remote terminals adapted for generating the foreign invoice and uploading the foreign invoice to the database of invoices. The order entry system adapted for reviewing the foreign invoices and issuing a charge for the foreign fee.

Abstract: Systems and methods manage information disclosure statement (IDS) references.

Abstract: A system for managing patent and trademark application data via the Internet, comprising matter, task, and security modules. The matter module is operable to manage data such as docketing data relating to patent matters, the tasks module is operable to manage tasks related to each matter managed by the matter module, and the security module is operable to restrict access to task and matter data management to selected system users. The system is implemented in some embodiments as a World Wide Web site on the Internet, which in further embodiments comprises various components such as an application server, a Java server, and a database.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and electronic mail messages (emails) are provided for automatically linking emails to matters or organizations. An email is received or constructed and linked to matters or organizations. The matters and the organizations are associated with matter areas and organization areas. Each of the areas includes matter data, organization data, personnel data, assignment data, and contact data. In one embodiment, the email is also interfaced to a billing system, a document management system, and a docketing system.

Abstract: There is disclosed method, software and apparatus for creating a user portfolio of IP asset records. Such portfolios can be created by searching existing records to find a group, adding records one at a time, or automatically adding records using a watch function. Other management or analysis tools can be applied to manage user portfolios.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization.

Abstract: A screen saver provides that questions and answers are displayed to a user while in a foreground screen saver mode. Scores may be kept track of, and users may customize the database, or select different sets of data to use.

Abstract: A computer mouse cable holder is provided for holding a mouse cable in a stationary position relative to an area of use of the computer mouse. Numerous embodiments are described including cable holders of a sufficient weight and gripping surface to hold a mouse cable stationary. Mouse cable holders are also described having an adhesive surface for affixing the cable holder. One embodiment of the invention provides a fastener molded as an integral unitary one-piece construction as part of a molded plastic computer component housing, wherein the fastener holds the mouse cable in fixed relation to the component at a point along its length. Further, novel embodiments are described for manufacturing the mouse cable holder.

Abstract: A screen saver provides that questions and answers are displayed to a user while in a foreground screen saver mode. Scores may be kept track of, and users may customize the database, or select different sets of data to use.