Intellectual Property Management Patents (Class 705/310)
  • Publication number: 20110276501
    Abstract: A license management apparatus including an issuing unit configured to generate and issue a license identifier and license information, the license identifier being associated with a product identifier of at least one purchased program and also with the license information for the purchased program; a storing unit configured to store the license identifier in a license information storing unit; a determining unit configured to receive a license identifier via a network, and to determine whether the license identifier is stored in the license information storing unit; and a sending unit configured to send via a network instruction information to acquire the purchased program or a program entity corresponding to the product identifier associated with the license identifier, and to also send via a network a license file configured to allow usage of the purchased program, in the case that the license identifier is stored in the license information storing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ryosuke Sako, Tatsuo Ito
  • Publication number: 20110258082
    Abstract: A server in a Shared Resource Computing (SRC) system runs applications and manages licenses for those applications across multiple sessions and/or user terminals. Plug-ins created by an SRC App Store translate the licensing requirements of various applications into terms that can be monitored and enforced by the SRC App Store. When payments are necessary to comply with the licensing requirements, the SRC App Store manages the payments. The SRC App Store also enforces the licensing requirements by providing feedback regarding enforcement consequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wilhelm Schmieder, James S. Duffus, Clark David Nicholson, Amit Mital
  • Publication number: 20110246379
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for scoring an intellectual property asset, such as a patent. A platform for automated scoring can implement a z-score statistical method, or variations thereof, to score a patent. The z-score statistical method can be used to measure where a value of a parameter in a patent lies in relation to the average value of that parameter in a patent population. Parameter scores can be obtained for each parameter of the patent. Additionally, a composite score can be provided that indicates an overall score or value of the patent, at least with respect to the parameters examined, as against the patent population. The composite score can be a weighted score of the z-scores of different parameters of the patent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CPA GLOBAL PATENT RESEARCH LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeff Maddox, Jason David Resnick, Randy W. Lacasse
  • Publication number: 20110246380
    Abstract: A search platform that can locate a technology center within an organization using a patent search engine. Since organizational resources tend to be associated with patents or patent-related projects from a technical standpoint, the search platform can utilize these associations to identify particular technology centers within the organization. By searching patent collections and organizational workspaces associated with patents to obtain information on an organization's technology centers, the search platform can provide business intelligence to the organization without the need for a dedicated knowledge network to be built and maintained by the organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CPA GLOBAL PATENT RESEARCH LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason David Resnick, Randy W. Lacasse
  • Publication number: 20110246378
    Abstract: Systems and methods automatically determine responses to content based on semantic analysis, token analysis and influence ratings. The systems and methods identify relevant queries for product support, purchase or advocacy from multiple communications channels and further separate the high-value conversations and individuals from the low value conversations and individuals in an efficient manner. Described herein is a system and method to use the identification of important individuals and the context of their conversations to appropriately route content items and messages and subsequent responses in such a way as to allow an efficient interaction to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: E. Fredrick PRUSSACK, Greg Gianforte, Douglas K. Warner, David A. Vap
  • Publication number: 20110238584
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided to allow different users to search for company-specific terms in a terminology database maintained by a company or website. Information about the terminology provided to the user may include acceptability of use, details of acceptable or unacceptable use, description, synonyms, and related terms. Terms not found in the database may be added from a submission by the user. As a result, users may better understand terminology used by the company or website. In other embodiments, terminology can be searched for acceptable use in social networking sites or other areas or searched for plagiarism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Karin Andrea Ikavalko, Grahame Andrew Jastrebski
  • Publication number: 20110238585
    Abstract: The invention comprises systems, methods and a computerized data management device for creating and using data relating to a medical or non-medical product or device to enhance the safety of the product or device. A vast amount of data regarding adverse events associated with a particular product or device is analyzed to identify new essential adverse events associated with the product or device. At least one database of new essential adverse event information is created and utilized, and new characteristics of or uses for the product or device related to the new essential adverse event information are determined. Adverse event information is gathered for a large number of population sub-groups. The system may also be programmed to incorporate the information into intellectual property and contract documents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: CLASSEN IMMUNOTHERAPIES
    Inventor: John Barthelow CLASSEN
  • Publication number: 20110231281
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110231325
    Abstract: A method of preparing a patent application by running a software macro to present a Tool bar to display options including Setup and Number Claims and Build Description and Build Intro Sections and Build Abstract and Count Abstract and Format and Mark Element and Element List and Number Patent wherein a Collect option for arranging the order of and renumbering the claims to place each claim as close as possible to the parent claim from which it depends is presented in response to selecting Number Claims and an Element Combinations option for displaying the element combinations assigned to a selected element name in the plural without an adjective and all reference numerals used with that selected element name differentiated by adjectives is presented in response to selecting Mark Element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jacob Allen, Harold W. Milton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110231322
    Abstract: A rules engine program is driven by one or more stored “rules” to make rights determinations normally made by a human operator; that is whether a request for a right can be granted, what price should be paid by the requestor and how much royalty should be paid to the rightsholder. In order to avoid specific coding for each right, the rules and parameters necessary to make the required determinations are constructed to form a standard set of reusable rule records that can be linked in different ways to process different rights. Additional display rules that are linked to the type of use control a graphic user interface in order to prompt the user for information needed to decide whether the request can be granted and to display to the user a determined price if the request is granted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE CENTER, INC.
    Inventor: Keith Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110231324
    Abstract: A computer implemented system and method of attracting and lodging PCT national phase patent applications. The computer system for lodging a PCT national phase application with a patent office has an interface which is adapted to receive a national phase filling instruction. The interface is in communication with a document generator which is adapted to generate a national phase entry message. The generator is in communication with a document sender which is adapted to send the national phase entry message to the patent office. When the interface receives a national phase filing instruction the document generator generates the national phase entry message and the document sender sends the message to the patent office thereby lodging the PCT national phase application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: PCTFILER HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Justin Ryan Simpson
  • Publication number: 20110231323
    Abstract: A licensing application implemented in a computational device receives a request to enable a feature for a logical volume of a plurality of logical volumes controlled by the computational device, wherein each feature of a plurality of features is configurable to be enabled or disabled for one or more logical volumes of the plurality of logical volumes. The licensing application determines, whether enabling the feature for the logical volume causes a licensed capacity limit for the feature to be exceeded. Enabling the feature for the logical volume is avoided, in response to determining that enabling the feature for the logical volume causes the licensed capacity limit for the feature to be exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Ripberger
  • Publication number: 20110231220
    Abstract: An on-line invention disclosure system includes a user computer, a server and a database coupled to the server. The server provides user screens to the user to prompt the users to provide disclosure information to the server. The server receives the disclosure information from the users and stores the information in the database while allowing access to the database after storing the information on the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Anuradha Narasimhaswamy Melkote, Damian Porcari, Kelly Anne Slank
  • Publication number: 20110225019
    Abstract: A method of categorizing a brand comprising the steps of: (i) Collecting a brand-related search term from a user via an interface; (ii) Scanning a computer network (optionally the Internet) for data containing the brand; (iii) Scanning one or more pre-selected data sources for data containing the brand; (iv) Returning search results from the two said scanning steps; (v) Comparing the search results with a set of keywords associated with one or more predetermined categories; (vi) Suggesting one or more categories for the brand based on the results of the keyword search; (vii) Ranking the suggested categories in order of relevance to the brand;
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: David Taylor, Benjamin Lehman, Duncan Bucknell
  • Publication number: 20110218928
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for automated license determination. In one aspect, an interface repository comprises a set of data schemas defining a license determination rule structure for all available control regulations offered by data providers. In another aspect, license determination rules for a certain product may be automatically extracted from the interface repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: THORSTEN REFIOR, Torsten Zube
  • Publication number: 20110213720
    Abstract: Rights are managed for content at a content server. The content server receives an asset representing intellectual property (IP) and a rights designation for the asset. The rights designation defines rules for usage of the IP represented by the asset. The asset and rights designation are received from an administrator of the asset. The content server receives content from content providers. The content includes one or more pieces of IP. The content server uses the asset to determine whether the received content is claimed by the administrator. If the content is claimed, rules in the rights designation for the asset are applied to the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Frey Waid, Yi-Ling Su, Shuehan Bishop, Philip Snowberger
  • Publication number: 20110213721
    Abstract: A method, system, and device for license-centric content use or distribution, including a pre-existing digital rights management (DRM) system having a unique interface to a repository of data thereof to govern use of content; a shared license repository configured to access the data to govern the use of the content and to communicate with the unique interface of the pre-existing DRM system; and a user interface configured to interact with the pre-existing DRM system, and configured to allow the user to send a license associated with the content from the shared license repository to the pre-existing DRM system or to another shared license repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ContentGuard Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles RALEY, Eddie J. CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110213713
    Abstract: A “Bring Your Own License” (BYOL) service can convert users' “off-the-shelf” (OTS) software licenses for use in public clouds according to rules provided by independent software vendors (ISVs). The BYOL service can offer additional license terms to the users during conversion of the OTS software license on behalf of the ISVs. The additional license terms can be an expansion of the use of the software, an expansion of the technical support offer by the new cloud license, and expansion of the duration of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Michael Ferris, Gerry Edward Riveros
  • Publication number: 20110213719
    Abstract: A “Bring Your Own License” (BYOL) service can convert users' “off-the-shelf” (OTS) software licenses for use in public clouds according to rules provided by independent software vendors (ISVs). The rules provided by an ISV can convert the terms associated with the ISV's OTS software licenses (e.g. number of instances, number of users, duration, technical support provided) to terms associated with public clouds (e.g. number of concurrent users, number of virtual machines, number of different clouds, technical support). The BYOL license service can convert the OTS software licenses according to the rules provided by the ISVs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Michael Ferris, Gerry Edward Riveros
  • Publication number: 20110213686
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for managing a software subscription between an independent software vendor (ISV) and a cloud network provider. In embodiments, the software subscription can be a Software as a Service (SaaS) agreement whereby an amount of resources of the cloud network to be operated by end users can be specified. In embodiments, a resource tracking module associated with the cloud network can track the actual amount of resources operated by the end users in executing applications associated with the ISV. The resource tracking module can compare the actual amount to the amount specified in the SaaS, and adjust the resources of the cloud network accordingly. In embodiments, the SaaS can be updated based on the adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Michael FERRIS, Gerry Edward Riveros
  • Patent number: 8005760
    Abstract: A facility has been developed whereby an applicant (or his representative) may initiate performance of an intellectual property service such as the making of a maintenance fee, annuity, renewal, tax or other payments and transact the associated fees coincident therewith. Such a facility has several advantages including the ability to reduce float time. Outside the context of annuity-type payments, similar facilities may be employed in conjunction with preparation, filing and prosecution support tools to similarly transact fees associated with the performance of intellectual property services at or about the time such intellectual property services are performed. An intellectual property portal or hub is employed, which in some realizations is hosted on a public, packet switched data network and communicates with both applicants (or representatives) and associates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110202430
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing media content sharing. The concepts and technologies disclosed herein can be employed to share media content with a social network, even for content subject to access control mechanisms and/or copyright laws. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, media content can be shared with a social network, or the like. An application running at or in conjunction with a computer can obtain information relating to media content displayed at or accessible to the computer, format the data, and transmit the data to a social networking site or other location in a format appropriate for the site. Contents and technologies for viewing the shared content also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Raman Narayanan, Rajendra Vishnumurty, Russell Songco, Paresh Suthar, Suresh Babu Velagapudi, Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20110196713
    Abstract: Disclosure is related to idea tracking and management. The disclosure invokes a method and system for displaying and tracking ideas from a database. The invention accesses a data repository via a data connection, displays the data from the data repository, and allows the displayed data to be characterized as scheduling data, statistical data, action items, current status, and listing of individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, Kevin C. McConnell, Timothy M. Waters
  • Publication number: 20110191255
    Abstract: A software brokering method and framework are presented. The software brokering method includes a step of establishing a use-based pricing scheme for a set of software modules that are utilized at a customer's site. By pricing software according to its use rather than a set fee, flexible pricing is facilitated for meeting the broad spectrum of customers needs. The software modules are distributed to customers. The software modules are preferably downloaded from an e-commerce site, but may also be mailed or distributed from conventional retail outlets. Use of the software at a customer's site is monitored by processes integrated into the deployment and execution components of a software module integration platform residing at the customer's site. Customers are charged based upon their actual use of the software modules, as registered by the software module integration platform, in view of the software pricing scheme established for the downloaded software modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Charles Sowell
  • Publication number: 20110184871
    Abstract: The invention provides an end-to-end automated streaming workflow process which enables real-time or batch processing to grant licenses and to acquire licenses for 3rd party copyrighted content. Using a computer, the invention automates the permissions transaction process of procuring and processing licenses real-time or by batch, reducing lead-times from many weeks or months to hours, automatically transforming and translating requests and responses for global e-commerce among multi-vendor systems and non-standard rights semantics and languages, eliminating or reducing manual labor effort, negotiating licensing fees to conform with specifications, protecting rights-holders' intellectual property rights and assuring rights-holders they are fairly compensated and paid for their work, identifying “public domain” and/or “fair use” works, saving companies time and money, while providing a competitive advantage for publishers and the enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Stahl
  • Publication number: 20110178886
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the installation of an operating system from the fulfillment, installation, and entitlement of other digital assets. Information associated with the purchase of a system and digital assets to be processed by the system is received, including the system's unique system identifier. The unique system identifier is associated with the digital assets to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent installed on the system determines the system's unique system identifier and automatically downloads the purchased digital assets, which comprises an operating system (OS), and their associated digital assets entitlement data. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data to first install the OS according to any restrictions imposed by the OS manufacturer, and then the remaining digital assets, on the system, which is then entitled to process the installed digital assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110178887
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment. Information associated with the purchase of a system and digital assets to be processed by the system is received, including the system's unique system identifier. The unique system identifier is associated with the digital assets to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent installed on the system determines the system's unique system identifier and automatically downloads the purchased digital assets and their associated digital assets entitlement data. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data to install the purchased digital assets on the system, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, William A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7983928
    Abstract: A facility has been developed whereby an applicant (or his representative) may file corresponding applications in multiple jurisdictions using multiple associates while automating the preparation of filings in accordance with jurisdiction- and/or associate-specific requirements and/or procedures. An intellectual property filing portal or hub is employed, which in some realizations is hosted on public, packet switched data network and communicates with both applicants (or representatives) and associates. The intellectual property filing portal facilitates selection, by applicants (or representatives) of particular jurisdictions and associates based at least in part on fee quotations in accordance with particulars of an intellectual property filing and in accordance with fee structures of the particular jurisdictions and foreign associates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110153509
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method to provide cross-referencing of important IP relationships. The system comprising software executing on a computing platform for displaying relationships between various domains of IP information selected from the group of claims, prosecution history, products, concepts or art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: IP DEVELOPMENT VENTURE
    Inventors: Steven W. Lundberg, Janal M. Kalis
  • Publication number: 20110153434
    Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110153444
    Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110153455
    Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110153501
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic transactions are provided, in which a business object is employed that includes a plurality of modular object sections that function as agreed-upon standard descriptors of an electronic transaction. The sections of the object may include a quote section, an elections section and a fulfillment section. The quote section contains information relating to a seller's willingness to transfer rights in an asset to a purchaser. The elections section contains transaction parameters that are modifiable in response to input from the purchaser. The fulfillment section contains information pertaining to consummation of the transaction and is configured to enable and facilitate the performance of transaction-related fulfillment tasks by one or more third parties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gaurav Agarwal, James Skinner
  • Publication number: 20110153370
    Abstract: The system, method and product of the present invention provides protection against an unknown defect in the title of an intellectual property asset (IPA) having various intellectual property rights (IPRs) associated therewith. Through due diligence, a variety of defects or title encumbrances are identified and investigated, and, if possible, cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas F. Gillespie, III
  • Publication number: 20110137734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new method and related applications for the national, and global branding of multi-dimensional business models through the process and use of productions of educationally based media programs where there is not a clear “call to action” or advertisement. The educational media programs employed are those featuring topics of interest to adult audiences, and branding is solidified as a result of goodwill and developing trust with the public. Subsequent to a goodwill building stage, commercial exploitation of said brand commences by a variety of methods including through the use of software and computing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Mykalai Kontilai
  • Publication number: 20110138486
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for protection and delivery of content. Upon initiation of a user account for use in conducting transactions involving delivery of content to a user, digital rights management (DRM) information is created and stored in association with user information. A copy of the DRM information is provided to or made accessible to the user in such a way that the DRM information can made accessible to a suitable playback device to allow playing of content protected with the DRM information. When a user enters into a transaction to receive content, the DRM information associated with the user is used to protect the content before delivery to the user. When the user wishes to play the content, the removable media device storing the user's DRM information must be present in order to allow playing of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Frederick White
  • Patent number: 7958085
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, systems and/or devices for managing content are disclosed. Briefly, in accordance with one particular embodiment, managing content includes presenting one or more references to one or more digital media assets. A request to reserve one or more of the referenced digital media assets is received, and the references to one or more digital media assets are updated such that the references include data indicating that one or more of the referenced digital media assets have been reserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Alexander, Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20110131115
    Abstract: A purchase type determining unit 244 determines whether content is rental content, which has a valid time limit for enjoying, from purchasing type information included in the license information. An icon image processing unit 352 disposes an icon image of the content in a menu screen. In case the content is determined to be rental content by the purchase type determining unit 244, a rental mark disposing unit 356 disposes a rental mark indicating that associated content is rental content near the icon image of the content or disposes the rental mark so as to overlap with the icon image of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamanaka, Masaki Higuchi, Hirofumi Shimada, Syunichi Souma, Kiyobumi Matsunaga, Yuichiro To
  • Publication number: 20110131141
    Abstract: The present invention includes an approval engine for pre-approving media content by which a user can interact with an ad generator and request at least one content item not owned by the user for inclusion in a creative. The approval engine also includes a content provision rules engine that includes a plurality of rules asserted by the owner of the requested content to govern the inclusion of the content in the creative, where ones of the plurality of rules includes a minimum price. The content provision rules engine further includes a content provision interface by which the owner of the requested content can interact with the content rules engine to assert the plurality of rules. The user then receives authorization to include the requested content upon meeting the requirements of each of the plurality of rules asserted by the owner prior to the content request made by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Ryan Steelberg, Chad Steelberg
  • Publication number: 20110131142
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing and distributing patent-product information are presented herein. The systems and method facilitate the exchange of patent-product information, by performing the steps of: a) receiving patent-product information from a plurality of users; b) storing the patent-product information in a patent-product database on a server, in accordance with an input hierarchy; c) receiving a demand query from a public user, based on an identification marker; d) searching the patent-product database and obtaining patent-product information responsive to the public user's demand query; and e) delivering the obtained patent-product information to the public user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: James Malackowski, Jason Cohen
  • Publication number: 20110131143
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing and distributing patent-product information are presented herein. The systems and method may facilitate the exchange of patent-product information, by performing the steps of: a) receiving patent-product information from a plurality of users; b) storing the patent-product information in a patent-product database on a server, in accordance with an input hierarchy; c) receiving a demand query from a public user, based on an identification marker; d) searching the patent-product database and obtaining patent-product information responsive to the public user's demand query; and e) delivering the obtained patent-product information to the public user. The systems and methods also provide for automatically issuance of an alert to a previously-specified recipient at a previously-specified time before expiration of a patent associated with the patent-product information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: James MALACKOWSKI, Jason Cohen
  • Publication number: 20110125655
    Abstract: A license-renewal management apparatus, connected to an image forming apparatus and a license management server, includes: a storage unit that stores an identifier that identifies the image forming apparatus associated with payment information about whether usage charge for the software has been paid; a notification receiving unit that receives a notification of expiration of the license from the image forming apparatus; and a renewal-method setting unit that, on receiving the notification, causes automatic renewal of the license for the software installed onto the image forming apparatus to be stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Naoki CHIYO, Masami Nasu
  • Publication number: 20110125649
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to protect a copyright for each of subcontents of a digital content. A computer system, comprising: a content providing server for providing a user terminal with a digital content obtained through digitization; and a copyright management server for managing copyright information on the digital content, wherein the content providing server is configured to: obtain copyright information set for each of subcontents included in the digital content from the copyright management server; associate the obtained copyright information with the each of the subcontents, and add the copyright information to the digital content; and transmit the digital content to which the copyright information is added to the user terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Kazuya KUKITA, Yoshinao Kiuchi, Tetsuya Oohashi, Yusuke Obi
  • Publication number: 20110125599
    Abstract: To encourage purchases and use, licenses to certain interactive applications and/or content are able to be given as gifts to others as part of a user purchasing a license for herself. In one implementation, each purchase of a license to an application includes the right to give a license to up to a predefined limit of other people. For example, the purchasing user buys a license for herself and the right to name a number of other people to also receive licenses to the same interactive application or content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: David Morin, Joshua E. Elman, Vishu Gupta, Blaise A. DiPersia
  • Publication number: 20110119696
    Abstract: A method and system for gifting multimedia content enables a first user of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) to select a recipient for an obtainable multimedia asset from an electronic address book. The electronic address book may be accessible via a public network and/or via the MCDN. The recipient may be a second user of the MCDN. The first user may be charged for the multimedia asset. The second user may be authorized to receive and view the multimedia asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: David J. Piepenbrink, Lee M. Chow, James T. Sofos
  • Publication number: 20110119097
    Abstract: A system and method of use for enhancing the utility of facilities suitable for presentation and viewing of Intellectual Property (IP). The system includes a rights management system for storing and managing information relating to IP having information associated therewith including IP-Owners and terms of use of the IP including royalties; a facility availability database system for storing and managing information relating to the availability of the facility; an audience contacting system for enabling a stakeholder to contact individuals targeted by the stakeholder as the audience for viewing the IP; a booking system enabling the stakeholder to arrange exhibition of the IP at the facility at specific times and terms; an information database for storing information relating to stakeholders and individuals of an audience; and a revenue determination, collection, accounting and royalty distribution system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Zee
  • Publication number: 20110099096
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing a musical works administration service to digital music service providers (DSPs), to provide a streamlined approach for such DSPs to comply with copyright licensing, accounting, and reporting requirements. The service receives, from the DSP, information relating to sound recordings used by the DSP during a relevant time period. Using several matching techniques, the service identifies specific musical compositions embodied in each sound recording, and also determines corresponding publisher-share information. Subsequently, the service employs several mechanisms to attempt to obtain licenses for publisher-shares that are not already covered by preexisting client licenses. Based on the client's usage of such sound recordings and other information required to calculate the royalty rate(s) associated with such usage, the service also performs accounting, reporting and payment operations for the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Music Reports, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shanley, Richard Revilla, Roger Ging, Ronald H. Gertz, Miller L. Watkins, III, William B. Colitre, II
  • Publication number: 20110093353
    Abstract: A syndication server is in communication with the portal software and receives the market offer, the syndication server aggregates a number of market offers to create a syndication document. A subscriber server receives the syndication document and publishes an indication that the particular intellectual property is associated with the market offer. If a prospect clicks on the indication, the prospect is directed to a sellers website. The syndication server receives a message that the prospect has clicked on the indication and uses this information to prepare reports and pay the subscriber server's owner a click fee. Thus providing the subscriber server an incentive to publish the market offers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur M. Nutter, Matthew P. Troyer, Carlos H. Parez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110082805
    Abstract: A method of creating patent rights for a business entity in a drug candidate for clinical development, in which an expert in pharmaceutical science and an expert in pharmaceutical patent law collaborate in a risk-free environment to identify and protect drug candidates, and a kit useful in the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: MARTIN ALEXANDER HAY
  • Publication number: 20110066526
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for electronic publication of original, creative works on a website as well as systems and methods for compensating the author(s) of the original creative works. The electronic publishing systems of the present invention can also be utilized in novel methods of fund raising for charitable and/or non-profit organizations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Tom Watson