DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 201641003901, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to intellectual property and more particularly to providing updates to a user related to intellectual property.
BACKGROUND
[002] Currently, the Patent Offices make public the Intellectual Property (IP) filed by an applicant. The IP can refer to a patent, a copyright, a trademark, a design/design patent, and so on. A patent application is published typically around 18 months from the priority date of the application in a journal/website. Trademarks and copyrights are published in the respective journals. However, these publications are published on the respective websites and a person, who wishes to access these publications, has to do so manually.
[003] If the person has pre-defined criterion such as a key word/phrase, the person has to re-run the search each time, the Patent Office publishes a patent/trademark/copyright/design. However, the process is not easy, as the Patent Office typically publishes the IP in an unorganized manner, which the user does not have an easy time searching. Also, this is a manual process, which can be cumbersome, especially if the user has multiple criterions.
[004] Similarly, documents and hearings related to cases related to IP are made available on the respective websites related to the court/board hearing the case. The user has to go through multiple sources to check for updates related to IP.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to Intellectual Property (IP), wherein the updates can be related to at least one of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs.
[006] Another object of the embodiments herein is to propose methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to IP, wherein the user can configure the updates using an online means such as an application resident on an electronic device.
[007] Another object of the embodiments herein is to propose methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to IP, wherein the updates can be related to cases involving IP.
[008] Another object of the embodiments herein is to propose methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to IP, wherein the updates can be related to cases involving IP and the user can configure the updates using an online means such as an application resident on an electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[009] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of components of an electronic device for enabling a user to configure and obtain updates related to Intellectual Property (IP), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of components of an IP Engine for providing a user with updates related to Intellectual Property (IP), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a system for providing alerts related to IP to at least one user, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an electronic device for receiving alerts related to IP, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the process of providing a user with updates related to IP, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to Intellectual Property (IP).
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0018] Electronic device as used herein can refer to a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable computing device, a computer, a laptop, a convertible computing device (for example, which can serve as a laptop and a tablet), gaming devices, music/media players, vehicle based infotainment systems, and any other such device that includes at least one application.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one processor 102, an input/output (I/O) interface 104 (herein a configurable user interface), and a memory 106. The at least one processor 102 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 102 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 106. The I/O interface 104 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 104 may allow the electronic device 100 to communicate with other devices. The I/O interface 104 may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, Local Area network (LAN), cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as Wireless LAN, cellular, Device to Device (D2D) communication network, Wi-Fi networks and so on.
[0020] The modules 108 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so on, which perform particular tasks, functions or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules 108 may include a device operation module 110. The device operation module 110 can be configured to allow a user to configure at least one criterion for obtaining updates. The device operation module 110 can present the user with an interface using the I/O interfaces 104 for enabling the user to configure at least one option. The device operation module 110 can be configured to allow the user to define at least one source on which a search for the criterion has to be done. The device operation module 110 can be configured to enable the user to receive a response, in response to the at least one configured option. The device operation module 110 can provide the user with an alert related to an IP configured on the device 100, such as deadlines, and so on. The device operation module 110 can be configured to execute one or more tasks corresponding to the application on the electronic device 100 in accordance with embodiments as disclosed herein.
[0021] The modules 108 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the electronic device 100. The data 112, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 108, such as options configured by the user, response(s) received in furtherance of the configured options, and other related data. Further, the names of the other components and modules of the electronic device 100 are illustrative and need not be construed as a limitation.
[0022] Referring to FIG 2, an IP Engine 200 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the IP Engine 200 may include at least one processor 202, an input/output (I/O) interface 204, and a memory 206. The at least one processor 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 206. The I/O interface 204 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 204 may allow the IP Engine 200 to communicate with other devices, such as the electronic device 100, at least one source of publications made by the Patent Office, at least one source which publishes data related to cases, and so on. The I/O interface 204 may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, Local Area network (LAN), cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as Wireless LAN, cellular, Device to Device (D2D) communication network, Wi-Fi networks and so on.
[0023] The modules 208 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so on, which perform particular tasks, functions or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules 208 may include a tracking module 210 and an updation module 212. The tracking module 210 can receive at least one criterion as configured by the user from the electronic device 100, using the I/O interfaces 204. The tracking module 210 can monitor at least one external source, such as a journal published by the Patent Office, a registry of trademarks/copyrights, a design publication, a case repository, or any other source, for at least one result matching the criterion. On detecting at least one result matching at least one criterion configured by the user, the tracking module 210 can inform the updation module 212. The updation module 212 can communicate the result to the user using the I/O interfaces 204 in the form of at least one means such as an email, a push notification, SMS (Short Messaging Service), IM (Instant Messaging) messages, or any other equivalent means. The tracking module 210 and the updation module 212 can be configured to execute one or more tasks corresponding to the application on the IP Engine 200 in accordance with embodiments as disclosed herein.
[0024] The modules 208 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the IP Engine 200. The data 214, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 208, such as options configured by the user, response(s) received in furtherance of the configured options, information related to users (such as verification means for the users, contact information for the users, preferred means of communicating the result(s) to the user) and other related data. Further, the names of the other components and modules of the IP Engine 200 are illustrative and need not be construed as a limitation.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a system for providing alerts related to IP to at least one user. The electronic device 100 can communicate with the IP Engine 200 using at least one of a wireless or a wired communication means. The IP Engine 200 can communicate with at least one source of information.
[0026] The electronic device 100 enables a user to provide at least one criterion. The electronic device 100 enables the user to enter more than one criterion. The electronic device 100 can also enable the user to use Boolean operators (such as AND, OR, and so on). The electronic device 100 can also enable the user to provide at least one source, which has to be searched for the at least one criterion. The electronic device 100 can also enable the user to configure options such as the frequency of the search, the mode(s) using which the result should be communicated to the user, and so on. The electronic device 100 communicates the criterion, and associated data to the IP Engine 200.
[0027] The IP Engine 200, on receiving the criterion and associated data from the electronic device 100, searches the source(s), based on the received criterion and associated data. The IP Engine 200 on finding at least one result, based on the received criterion, can communicate the result(s) to the user using the electronic device 100, based on the options as configured by the user.
[0028] The electronic device 100, on receiving the result(s), can enable the user to view the results. The electronic device 100 can enable the user to perform at least one operation on the results, such as sorting, filtering, and so on. The electronic device 100 can further store the results in a suitable location, such as a memory.
[0029] In an embodiment herein, the IP Engine 200 can be connected to a tracker 301, wherein the IP Engine 200 can provide the result(s) to the tracker 301. The tracker 301 can store the result(s) in a suitable location, such as a docketing system, and so on. For example, if the results are related to a patent application being published, the tracker 301 can update the status of the corresponding patent application with the status that the patent application has been published. The tracker 301 can provide an alert to at least one user, based on the provided result(s).
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts an electronic device for receiving alerts related to IP. The electronic device 100, as depicted, comprises of a controller 401, at least one User Interface (UI) 402, at least one communication interface 403, and at least one memory 404.
[0031] The communication interface 403 can comprise of at least one of a wireless communication interface and a wired communication interface. The communication interface 403 can enable the device 100 to communicate with the IP Engine 200, including sending at least one criterion to the IP Engine 200, sending at least one option related to the criterion to the IP Engine 200, receiving result(s) and associated information from the IP Engine 200, and so on. The communication interface 403 can enable the electronic device 100 to send and receive communication (comprising of instructions, data, and so on) from an external entity (such as a computing device, an authorized person, a system, and so on). The memory 404 can comprise of at least one storage location for storing data. The memory 404 can comprise of at least one of an internal memory, an expandable memory, an external memory location, an external server, a file/data server, an online storage location, the Cloud, and so on. The UI 402 can comprise of at least one of a physical interface (such as a switch, toggle, button, and so on) or an interface displayed on the body of the electronic device 100 (such as a touch screen) using software means and activated using a suitable user input such as a press, short press, long press, swiping, sliding, or any other equivalent means. The UI 402 can further comprise of a display, wherein the display can enable the user to view and access information such as the at least one criterion configured by the user, at least one option related to the criterion, received result(s) and associated information from the IP Engine 200, and so on.
[0032] The controller 401 can enable a user to provide at least one criterion, using the UI 402. The controller 401 can enable the user to enter more than one criterion, using the UI 402. The controller 401 can also enable the user to use Boolean operators (such as AND, OR, and so on), using the UI 402. The controller 401 can also enable the user to provide at least one source, which has to be searched for the at least one criterion, using the UI 402. The controller 401 can also enable the user to configure options such as the frequency of the search, the mode(s) using which the result should be communicated to the user, and so on, using the UI 402. The controller 401 can communicate the criterion, and associated data to the IP Engine 200 using the communication interface 403.
[0033] The controller 401, on receiving the result(s), can enable the user to view the results using the UI 402. The controller 401 can enable the user to perform at least one operation on the results, such as sorting, filtering, and so on. The controller 401 can further store the results in a suitable location, such as the memory 404.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the process of providing a user with updates related to Intellectual Property (IP). The user provides (501) at least one criterion using the electronic device 100. The user can enter more than one criterion. The user can use Boolean operators (such as AND, OR, and so on). The user can provide at least one source, which has to be searched for the at least one criterion. The user can also configure options such as the frequency of the search, the mode(s) using which the result should be communicated to the user, and so on. The electronic device 100 communicates (502) the criterion, and associated data to the IP Engine 200. The IP Engine 200, on receiving the criterion and associated data from the electronic device 100, searches (503) the source(s), based on the received criterion and associated data. The IP Engine 200 on finding at least one result, based on the received criterion, communicates (504) the result(s) to the user using the electronic device 100, based on the options as configured by the user. The electronic device 100, on receiving the result(s), enables (505) the user to view the results. The user can perform at least one operation on the results, such as sorting, filtering, and so on. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0035] In an example, the user can provide a key phrase to be searched on the Patent Office journals, which the IP Engine 200 will search for a matching result. In an example, the user can provide the name of an organization to be searched on the Patent Office journals, which the IP Engine 200 will search for a matching result. In an example, the user can provide a word of interest to be searched in the trademark registry, which the IP Engine 200 will search for a matching result. In an example, the user can provide a logo to be searched in the trademark registry, which the IP Engine 200 will search for a matching result. In an example, the user can provide a case number to be searched on website of a Court, which the IP Engine 200 will search for a matching result.
[0036] In an example, the user can provide the details of a patent application, and the device 100 can provide alerts related to deadlines such as deadlines for filing the Request for Examination, the expected publication date, the date range for paying maintenance fee for a patent, and so on. The tracker 301 can update this in the respective docket. In an example, the user can provide the details of a trademark application, and the device 100 can provide alerts related to actions such as forms to be filed, revocations, and so on. The tracker 301 can update this in the respective docket.
[0037] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0038] The embodiment disclosed herein describes methods and systems for enabling a person to obtain updates related to Intellectual Property (IP). Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An Intellectual Property (IP) Engine (200) for providing Intellectual Property (IP) updates, the IP Engine (200) configured to:
receive at least one configured criterion from an electronic device (100), wherein the criterion is configured by the electronic device (100) to receive IP updates; and
communicate, by an updation module (212), at least one result to the electronic device (100) based on the at least one configured criterion, wherein the at least one result is based on a determined IP update matching the at least one configured criterion.

2. The IP Engine (200), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IP update is determined by:
tracking, by a tracking module (210) in the IP Engine (200), at least one source, publishing IP updates, for obtaining the at least one result based on the received at least one configured criterion.

3. The IP Engine (200), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IP Engine (200) is further configured to provide the at least one result to a tracker (301) to store the at least one result in a docketing system.

4. An electronic device (100) for receiving Intellectual Property (IP) updates, the electronic device (100) configured to:
cause, by a device configuration module (110) in the electronic device (100), to configure at least one criterion to receive at least one IP update;
communicate the at least one configured criterion to an IP Engine (200); and
receive at least one result from the IP Engine (200) based on the at least one configured criterion, wherein the result is based on a determined IP update matching the at least one configured criterion.

5. The electronic device (100), as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electronic device (100) provides an interface (104) to provide at least one operator, to configure the at least one criterion.

6. The electronic device (100), as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one configured criterion is: at least one source for searching at least one IP updates; a frequency of search for at least one IP update; and mode of communication for receiving at least one IP update.

7. The electronic device (100), as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electronic device (100) is further configured to provide an alert on receiving the at least one result from the IP Engine (200).

8. A system for receiving Intellectual Property (IP) updates, the system comprising:
an electronic device (100) configured to:
configure, by a device configuration module (110), at least one criterion to receive at least one IP update; and
an IP Engine (200) configured to:
receive the at least one configured criterion from the electronic device (100); and
communicate, by an updation module (212), at least one result to the electronic device (100) based on the at least one configured criterion, wherein the at least one result is based on a determined IP update matching the at least one configured criterion.

9. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the IP update is determined by a tracking module (210) in the IP Engine (200) by tracking at least one source publishing IP updates, for obtaining the at least one result based on the received at least one configured criterion.

10. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the IP Engine (200) is further configured to provide the at least one result to a tracker (301) to store the at least one result in a docketing system.

11. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic device (100) provides an interface (104) to provide at least one operator, to configure the at least one criterion.

12. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one configured criterion is: at least one source for searching at least one IP updates; a frequency of search for at least one IP update; and mode of communication for receiving at least one IP update.

13. The system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic device (100) is further configured to provide an alert on receiving the at least one result from the IP Engine (200).

Dated this 3rd of August 2017