WO2018029317A1

WO2018029317A1 - A method and a system for managing and structuring communication in relation to handling of patent matters

Info

Publication number: WO2018029317A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Kylin; Marwan SEMAAN
Original assignee: Hynell Patenttjänst Ab
Priority date: 2016-08-10
Filing date: 2017-08-10
Publication date: 2018-02-15

Abstract

This invention relates to A communication system for communication of confidential information related to patent applications, comprising: - a first database (85A) including a plurality of tables/cases (850), which each include a large plurality of records (850a-850n) containing information related to each one of the patent applications (850) being registered in said first database (85A), a first server (85B) for handling of said first database (85A), and software (85C) installed thereon arranged to provide administration of and access to said database (85A), - an application software device (10) arranged to enable installation thereof on smartphones (2A, 2C) and tablets/PC (1), - an application handling software (80) arranged to enable communication between said smartphones (2A, 2C) and/or tablets/PCs (1) and to enable extraction of information contained in said records (850a-850n) of said first database (85A), said application handling software (80) being connected to a second server (81) connected to a second database (82) and including at least one information tool (IT) and at least one communication tool (CT), wherein said information tool (IT) including a selected extraction of a limited number of records (850X) from said first database (85A) and at least one record (820X) arranged to enable connection via a smartphone (2A, 2C) and/or tablet/PC (1) controlled by a user (A,C,P) authorized to use said application software device (10) in connection with one or more specific patent case/s (850), and wherein said communication tool (CT) includes a trigger function (806), arranged to enable a patent administrator (A, P) having authorized access to said second database (82) to automatically communicate in real time in a specific case (850) with a predefined client (C) registered as responsible in that specific case (850) in said first database (85A).

Description

A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND STRUCTURING

COMMUNICATION IN RELATION TO HANDLING OF PATENT MATTERS.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a communication system for communication of confidential information related to patent applications, comprising:

a first database including a plurality of tables/cases, which each include a large plurality of records containing information related to each one of the patent applications being registered in said first database, a first server for handling of said first database and software installed thereon arranged to provide administration of and access to said database, an application software device arranged to enable installation thereof on smartphones and tablets/PC, an application handling software arranged to enable communication between said smartphones and/or tablets/PCs and to enable extraction of information contained in said records of said database, wherein said application handling software is connected to a second server connected to a second database and includes at least one information tool and at least one communication tool.

BACKGROUND

Handling of patent applications is a very complex procedure. There are very many deadlines that have to be met, many fees that have to be timely paid and properly signed documents that have to be filed. In order to assist in handling these procedures to eliminate mistakes, patent software has been developed that assists patent attorneys and paralegals to correctly, securely and timely take needed actions. Due to the complexity of the handling of patent applications, such software needs to be connected to databases comprising a large plurality of records containing data. These plurality of records in interaction with the software will produce numerous messages and alerts to patent attorneys and paralegals in order to proceed with prosecution of patent applications in a reliable and secure manner without making any mistakes. Some mistakes if they do occur, may lead to undesired extra costs whereas some other mistakes may lead to abandonment of a patent application.

Accordingly, it is extremely important that the different actions are handled timely and in a correct manner. It is a necessity that patent attorneys and paralegals have very good knowledge regarding patent matters, especially since there is a need for collecting complex information and decisions from applicants. In contrast to patent attorneys and paralegals, most applicants do not have any greater knowledge of patent matters and therefore it is mostly needed that patent attorneys and paralegals can communicate with the applicants in an adapted manner to obtain needed information and decisions from the applicants. In some situations, this may be problematic, since often the responsible officer at a company, being applicant of the patent application, is heavily involved in other processes in that company, making it difficult for such an individual to find time to focus in taking part in the needed kind of communication.

In today's systems generally email is used as the main channel to communicate with applicants. However, in stressful situations it may be difficult for a client responsible officer to take the time needed to handle information delivered via email. An evident supplement to obtain information, in combination with email, is telephone or Skype. However, also the use of telephone or Skype may be complicated, because it may be confusing or indeed erroneous since it is extremely important that both parts exactly know which case is being communicated about. When using email this problem does not exist because it is clearly printed what case is being handled, but orally it does occur that misunderstandings occur from time to time, which may cause drastic problems. Furthermore, many signing officers in companies have great difficulties in finding time to handle patent matters efficiently, especially since it may require to locate earlier received information and/or notes that can be hard to find, and indeed difficult to read and understand.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an easier form of communication that may assist in safe and efficient handling of patent matters. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to minimize the above mentioned problem, which is achieved by means of a system as defined in claim 1.

Thanks to the invention there is provided a supplemental communication channel that is easy and efficient to use, and which may fulfill an important need enabling especially urgent information required to/from applicants to be efficiently communicated. The invention makes use of the frequently employed smartphones of today, and also tablets and provides an easily used communication channel, which may achieve efficient and secure exchange of information, e.g. to prioritize obtaining decisions in selected cases to achieve quick and efficient handling in specific matters, and thereby may eliminate undesired mishappenings and achieve delivery of urgent decisions needed to take timely actions. According to further aspects of the invention:

said trigger function is related at least one trigger record in said second database, that when updated/changed triggers said automatic communication, wherein preferably a sub alert icon is being displayed in or adjacent a main icon to alert that a new communication has been received, which provides the advantage that the communication system may improve accessibility drastically and which also may be easily tailored to fit the various needs thanks to use of a second database connected to an easy managed application handling software, said communication tool includes a predefined comment/recommendation tool including connection to at least one trigger record arranged to enable an authorized patent administrator to update a recommendation field, wherein preferably said comment/recommendation tool includes connection to a recommendation listing having a plurality of recommendation options and more preferred said listing is activated by a sub icon, which provides the advantage that comments and/or recommendations may be extremely easily provided in a reliable manner, which in turn leads to a system that can be administered in a very efficient manner.

said records belonging to said second database includes a response listing, including a plurality of response options wherein preferably said response listing is activated by a sub icon, wherein the advantage is provided that in a similar manner as with recommendations quick and easy communication may be achieved.

said response listing at least includes one binary response pair, preferably in the form of approved and not approved and/or accepted and not accepted and/or yes and no, respectively, which provides the advantage of an unambiguous communication that may eliminate any misunderstandings and/or mistakes, said records includes at least one comment field, which provides the advantage that possibly needed background information may easily be retrieved and displayed, which may assist in an efficient communication,

said records includes at least a comment field record extracted from said second database, which provides the advantage that supplementary background information may be more easily provided.

said information tool includes a plurality of records extracted from said first database and at least one, preferably a plurality, of records extracted from said second database, wherein said records include at least one comment field record extracted from said first database, which provides advantage that existing background information need not be entered twice. said application handling software automatically sends a push notification to a user in connection with updating of specific records in said second database, which provides the advantage that any user of the client device will immediately be notified of a change of a kind that may be of great interest, whereby updates performed in the first database will not spam this communication channel, since in the first database which contains a very large number of records amendments will occur very often and not always of the kind that may be of interest to all parties.

said specific records includes at least one of a comment field record and/or a recommendation field record, which provides the advantages that very relevant information is securely displayed.

said application handling software automatically updates a selected record in said first database in connection with an update by a user using said application device, which provides the advantage that administrators of the first database and the software related thereto in real time will be informed of possibly important messages/decisions improving taking timely actions,

said communication tool combines a selected number of records, from both the first database and the second database for display by means of said client device, which provides the advantage that secure identification of a displayed case/patent matter may always be achieved and thereby safely identifies messages/decisions which may be stored for double check in any kind of log function.

said information tool combines a selected number of records, from both the first database and the second database for display by means of said client device, which provides the advantage that any user of the client device safely identifies the case in regard to which communication is performed,

said information tool includes a record displaying a chronological case status symbol, wherein preferably said application handling software includes an algorithm that automatically updates said record based on combined input from records of said first database, which provides the advantage that user of the client device easily can get an understanding of what stage the patent application/case is in.

said information tool includes a sort scroll list including a plurality of options to sort a displayed list, wherein said sort scroll list preferably includes an option that automatically displays that case having a latest change of a trigger record at the top, which provides the advantage that any user of the client device may easily retrieve a case wherein recent communication has occurred, a plurality of API's are used in connection with application handling software, wherein at least on API corresponds to a role where the user has no direct access to said first database and at least on API corresponds to a role where the user has direct access to both said first database and said second data base, which provides the advantage that there is created a safe border between the two databases/systems eliminating possible undesired actions in the first database and that a user with authority to take actions in the first database is connected communication wise to possibly take quick actions if needed. Further advantages will become apparent of the following description regarding a typical use of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures, wherein,

Fig. 1 shows a schematic technical deployment of a preferred embodiment of the invention, a server/client technology,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic overview of a preferred embodiment of possible

workflows in accordance with the invention,

Figs. 3-24 show an example of a preferred embodiment of handling a patent matter, in accordance with the invention, wherein,

Figs. 3-16 show the views of the screen of a smart phone of patent attorney,

Figs. 17-22 show the views of the screen of a smart phone of a client, and,

Figs. 23-24 show the views of the screen of a PC of a paralegal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention provides a communication center for handling of patent matters allowing all involved parties to communicate across mobile devices via the servers centrally located enabling the communication to flow accordingly.

In Figure 1 there is shown a schematic technical deployment of a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein a client C and a patent attorney A may communicate via their smart phones 2C, 2A. Fig. 2 presents schematically an overview of some preferred roles that may be involved when using the invention. This invention is technically deployed into two components as shown in Figure la, client device 10 and server components 8. The client component is a platform independent client device 10 e.g. an "App" 10 running on a mobile device 2 or a web browser running on any computer 1. The server side D includes the engine 80 running on the server side D and is the brain and orchestrator (and/or data federator) of this invention device.

The App 10 (Client side) is a piece of software, e.g. written in Objective C for Apple devices and written in Java for android devices and laptops.

The client side C of this invention takes care of the user interface and the user defined requests Y to the server. The functions in the client side C are preferably not limited to only user functionalities but also security details and access to the different accounts, that are stored locally within the App 10 and managed locally by each user A, M, P and C (see Fig. 2), to avoid putting this information on external storage and avoid the risk getting this data exposed to hackers.

The server side D may include one 81 or a plurality of servers, and preferably a load balancer 83 to weight the traffic to the least used server. The server side D includes a database 82 connected to the engine 80, providing the requested input to establish desired communication via the client component 10. Data that is required from the internal patent handling system 85, which preferably is connected via VPN 84, are requested from the database 85A connected thereto. This internal patent handling system 85 includes storing of confidential files, e.g. non-public patent applications, that contain secret information. It also contains a plurality of tables/cases 850, which each include a large plurality of records 850a-850n containing information related to each one of the patent applications, e.g. being registered in said first database 85A. Thanks to the structure of the invention there is no risk that confidential files are transferred from the database 85A of the internal patent handling system 85 to the database 82 connected to the client side C.

The logic of the engine 80 on the Server side D is the brain and the orchestrator taking care of all traffic and administration of the data. The server side D may in one embodiment be running on Linux servers and, e.g. use Apache tomcat software and PHP to expose web services APIs (Application Protocol Interface) which communicate with the devices 1, 2 over the internet 4. The database 82 is preferably a MySQL database which contains desired/selected data, user information. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a cloud service that functions to multiple set or groups of users A, C, M and P, each set of users can use the embodiment as a standalone entity.

The logic 80 may preferably use more than one API.

In the preferred embodiment the following APIs are used

- Attorney API, 86

- Client API, 87,

- Manager API, 88,

- Paralegal API, 89,

Each one of these API's are open but secured and allows for two-way communication between the client side C 1, 2 and the server side D 8.

The Attorney API 86, is a simple API and a back-end functionality that enables the software on the device 2A of the attorney W to view cases (client, application details, dead-lines, etc.) and to make recommendations/comments available for review and attest by the client C.

The Client API, 87, is a simple API and a back-end functionality that enables the software on the device 2C of the client C to view cases (application details, dead-lines, etc.) and to respond to recommendations/comments provided by the attorney A and/or paralegal P. Further it provides a means for direct communication with the attorney A and/or paralegal P, preferably in a case by case mode whereby communication mistakes may be eliminated.

The Manager API 88, is a simple API and a back-end functionality that enables the manager of the system to manage access and authorities for individuals provided with the client device 10. The Paralegal API 89 is a simple API and a back-end functionality that enables administrative staff connected to the patent handling database 85A to administer data to and from the patent handling system 85, in connection with communication by means of the client devices, and thereby also to arrange for that desired/needed actions will be taken care of.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to a method and a system to allow the different people/roles involved in handling of patent matters, based on their role and privileges, to communicate easily and securely to improve the ability to plan work/actions that may be needed and to more easily monitor status/actions and to attest desired actions. Further it enables real time cross communication among all users C, A, M and P, whereby unforeseen difficulties (not included in the work/action plan) may be quickly alerted, easily attended to and efficiently solved.

The different roles may be as follows, which preferably correspond to given different APIs enabling more flexibility to meet different needs/desires.

User A: Patent Attorney 86

- User M: Manager 88

User p: Paralegal 89

- User C: Client 87

Each of these roles are authenticated by the app 10 via an electronic id (e.g. e-mail address and/or name), on authentication (e.g. password and/or mobile bank id) and role identification, different functions are enabled on the core system e.g. multiple views, functions and restrictions are enabled.

The different roles may be described as follows:

User A, the attorney which have a major role a) being main responsible for a work plan and life cycle of a patent/application and therefore also has the main responsibility to get hold of client orders/desires to enable safe and cost-efficient handling. This role is crucial to maintain continuity in the information flow and therefore usability and efficiency to feeding the information in the app 10 is well simplified, i.e. adapted to the ability of costumers C. The key user interface functions for user A is limited to a selected rather few information fields (i.e. records 850X, 820X) that are displayed to quickly and safely get secure understanding of the case that is displayed. A preinstalled scroll list 808 with different search options 808A-D makes it easy to navigate and find a desired case 850. A preinstalled recommendation scroll list 822 makes it quick and easy to send recommendations and a preinstalled response scroll list 823 makes it quick and easy to respond.

User M, the manager gets input from attorneys and clients and feed that information into the data base 82, to provide desired access possibilities and authorities for different users A, C, P. User P, has basically the same possibilities as the attorney A, but has normally a more assisting role, i.e. to assist in providing a desired communication but more important to take needed actions, as a result of the outcome of the communication. User C, is provided with an improved communication channel between all parties, which may assist in keeping control of the cost and actions.

Preferably the invention uses the known US mobile technology and well know operating systems (OS), iOS from Apple, Android from Google and Windows 8 from Microsoft. The engine software is preferably based on well-known and proven software e.g. Linux and MySQL and Tomcat. Via mobile devices that run these OS, the invention enables instant communication.

Key benefits of this invention:

1. Efficient communication

2. Log Information

3. Access to supplemental user data not included in the first data base 85 A

4. No risk that confidential files, nor non-desired data, are revealed, thanks to

selected/limited transfer of data/files to the first data base 85A,

5. Attest of work to be done

6. Communication in specific applications, e.g. prioritized matters

7. Conversation over a specific action

8. On the run log time (attorney, paralegal)

9. Client visibility over on-going applications and projects

10. Client tracking over the accumulated cost

11. Cloud Service, allowing multiple clients C and projects to run in the same

infrastructure

In Figures 3-23 there is shown an exemplary flow of actions/recommendations according to the invention, e.g. a typical use of the system.

In Fig. 3 there is shown a screen of a smart phone 2A having an icon 200 at lower part enabling activation of the client device 10 and by means of which an attorney A may connect to the system 8. When touching the icon 200, the software 10 related thereto on the smartphone 2A will initiate connection with the system, via internet 4. In Fig. 4 there is shown three different selections 80A-80C that may be chosen once for active interaction by means of the app 10. There is one module 80A related to general information regarding companies connected within a dedicated network, a second module 80B that connects to a web 4 based interface, "IPR Control", of a specific patent software server 85B, and a third module 80C "IP management" that specifically connect to the actual core of the novel system 8, 10.

When this third module 80C is activated the screen of the smartphone will show that presented in Fig. 5, if the login of the individual having the smartphone is an attorney having authority to entry into the IP management module 80C. Not shown is that each individual having authority to enter this module will have to enter a dedicated sign in, e.g. email that is personal for that individual and also personal specific password, which all are preinstalled by the system manager M to provide access in an administration tool connected to the module 80C. In case of an attorney (or paralegal) connecting to the module 80C there will be five sub icons 801-805 appearing, inbox 801, statistics 802, Patrawin cases 803, settings 804 and time registration 805. In case where an

applicant/client C logs in to this module 80C there will be only four icons 801-804, since the time registration icon 805 will not be existing (see Fig. 19) In Fig. 6 it is shown the screen when the icon "Patrawin cases" 803 has been activated. Here a scroll list selection 806 will appear showing all cases 850 that are allocated to the attorney A activating that sub icon 803. Accordingly, only cases that this individual 855A (see Fig. 11) has authority to handle will appear, which is controlled by information stored in a record 855 for each case 850 stored in the first database 85A. In case of an attorney A it will be the cases that the attorney is responsible for. In case of a paralegal P it will be cases that the paralegal is responsible for, which often may be more cases than the attorney A. The client C (applicant/client), will of course only have displayed the cases 850 where he/she has the authority, i.e. merely cases having a record 890 confirming that the individual C has been given authority from the owner of the application 850 to actually be allowed to be involved in the prosecution, and to provide decisions. Normally it will be one individual C for a specific company 852 (see Fig.11) that has access to the cases 850 where that company is the applicant.

As shown in the heading of Fig. 6 all cases 850, together with title 851 related to the attorney A that logs in to the module 80C will appear, as also clearly displayed in a header field 809. It is then possible for that individual to scroll and chose any of all the cases 850 where he/she is responsible or given authority to interact. Further there is shown a search field 807 and a sort option field 806.

In Fig. 7 it is shown that when the sort option field 806 is activated (preferably all activations are achieved by touch control) there appears a selection list 808 with different possibilities 808a-d of sorting the cases, i.e. by latest action 808a, by oldest action 808a, by deadline 808c and by company 808d, which facilitates easy reviewal of a search case 850. In Fig. 8 it is shown that the sort by company line 808d has been chosen where all companies 852 where that attorney A has some responsibility will appear in alphabetic order, making it easy for the attorney A to scroll and chose a desired company 852. Also the costumer id 853, of the first database 85A may be presented, to improve id security since the actual connection is preferably achieved via the id.

As shown there is also a search field 806 providing the possibility to actually search for a specific company 852, which is presented in more detail in Fig. 9. There the individual attorney wants to sort out the company 852 "Bo Arnesson..." and by entering "Arn" in the search field 806 the system 80 via the client device 10 will immediately present the only company 852 having that combination of letters and present it.

Then by touching the screen to click the hyper link connected to the company name 852 on the screen ("Bo Arnesson...") the attorney A will as shown in Fig. 10 be presented with all cases 850 related to that company 852. The attorney A can then activate any of these cases, and merely by touching a chosen case, as presented in Fig. 10.

Thereby as shown in Figs 11-14 some chosen records existing in the patent database will appear on the screen of the smart phone. It is important that merely limited number of records 850, 851 from the patent database 85A are chosen to be displayed, of two reasons. Firstly, because there is insufficient space on the screen of the smartphone 2 to display too many records. Secondly because if too many records are displayed there is a risk of confusion where to look and it is important that the client C and the

attorney/paralegal A, P will have the same fields to look at in order provide for a really secure communication in a relation to which case they are communicating about.

Moreover, it is important for users that the use of the App does not risk any leakage of confidential files, e.g. non-public patent applications, which risk is eliminated thanks to the structure of the system. For instance, it is preferred to see at least two identifiers 850i extracted from the first database 85A, e.g. the title 851 and the case number 850, to identify that they are communicating in relation to the same case/application. Further, since timely handling of patent applications are extremely important there should preferably also be a due date note 856, which preferably is directly extracted from a corresponding record of the first database 85A. Moreover, there is preferably a field 862 (see Fig 12), wherein the due date 862a as such may be seen, but also preferably a due date code 862b, wherein more preferred the field also includes an information hyperlink 826c, which when activated will display an information sheet, explaining the meaning of each code 862c.

Alternatively there may be a specific field/record 863 for the deadline code.

Further there is preferably shown a brief comment 821a in a certain comment field/record 821, stored in the send database 82, regarding facts relevant in relation to the due date, which comment 821a may have been added by either the patent attorney A or the paralegal P. Accordingly, anyone either being client C or patent

attorney/paralegal A, P will immediately be informed what the situation is in relation to the due date of that case 850. When activating the field comment 821 it is possible to communicate in real time via the system, i.e. with anyone of the individuals A, C, P concerning the particular application, by means of having a key board 870 displayed that can be used to introduce text into the comment field 821. By activating a refresh button 310 the system immediately will be updated and the new comment 821a will appear, firstly preferably a push alert 890 (see fig 17) will appear on the screen of the device 2C of the client C, and then displayed in the comment field of all connected devices 2A, 2C, since it then is stored in the record 821 in the second database 82.

Further, as shown in Fig. 11, preferably, there should also be a hyper link 858 to case image, which makes it even easier to get a grip of which case it is, since as is well known that images/pictures may much more easily give precise information than words, e.g. in a title. Moreover, preferably the name 855a of the responsible attorney A will be presented in an agent field 855, a field 854 informing of the country 854a of the application and a field 857 informing of type/status 857a of the application, as defined in the first database 85A, wherein codes used among professionals are normally being used, i.e. codes that are not always easily understood without in-depth knowledge about patents, (e.g. abbreviations used by patent offices).

Scrolling down in this menu, as shown in Fig. 12 there is a further field 824 informing of status/category 824a, of the application, which is adapted to individuals have less knowledge about patents. The function of this field 824 is to quickly inform which prosecution step this application is in, wherein a chronological structure of symbols 824a is used to easily understand what step the application is in, e.g. using letters A, B, C, D, E, etc (or any other typically known structure (e.g. 1,2,3, ..i, ii, iii, etc.) that provides an intuitive impression that it is chronological) wherein A is the first phase (e.g. pre study prior to filing an application) B is a second phase (e.g. the phase after decision of filing an application and the time during drafting thereof) C is the third phase (e.g. actual filing of the application, i.e. a first filing that may be used to claim priority) D is the fourth phase (e.g. after receipt of the first communication and prior to decision regarding possible filing/s in further countries) E is a fifth phase (e.g. a time period wherein it is needed to decide regarding possible further filings in other countries, e.g. the filing of a PCT-application), F is sixth phase (e.g. a time period wherein it is needed to decide regarding possible further filings via a PCT-application), G is a sixth phase (e.g. a pending application filed nationally via PCT or directly based on a priority), H is a seventh phase (e.g. a granted patent) I is an eighth phase (e.g. an opposition case) J is a ninth stage (e.g. granted patent after opposition) K is a tenth phase (e.g. lapsed patent no longer in force), etc. In a preferred embodiment this field 824 includes an information hyperlink 824b, which when activated will display an information sheet, preferably in an easily understood combination of pictures and text that provides detailed information about the meaning of each phase/symbol 824a.

Preferably this symbol is automatically produced and updated in the record 824, by use of algorithm that can define status of a case based on the combined information in the records 850a-850n in the first data base 85A. Further this may be combined with using a change of status as a trigger record 824 for automatically sending a notification to a user A, C, P.

Further there preferably is a field 827 informing of accumulated cost 827a that may be more or less directly extracted from a corresponding record in the first database 85A. Scrolling further down in this menu, as shown in Fig. 14 there is a recommendation field 825 where a recommendation 825a may be shown and a recommendation status field 826.

When activating a recommendation list symbol 825b, preferably positioned within the recommendation field 825, this triggers a "recommendation list" 822 to be displayed, by means of which a recommendation 821 may be sent from the attorney A or paralegal P to the client C. Accordingly, one of the recommendations 825a, 825c in the list 822 is chosen (e.g. read my comment, call me, approve to my suggestion in the comment field, etc.). Then when sending, e.g. by pressing the refresh button 310, the recommendation 825a is sent, and which is being confirmed by a display of specific confirmation 874, as shown in Fig. 15. In connection therewith the recommendation status field 826 will be updated and show that in this case the system is waiting for an approval 826a from the client C.

In fig 16. It can be seen that both the comment 821a and the recommendation 825a have been sent by the attorney A to the responsible client C called Lennart for approval as suggested by the attorney A.

Accordingly, these recommendations relate to preprogrammed short recommendations 825a, 825c, that may provide the client C with easy handled decision making, e.g. to merely answer "yes" or "no", e.g. in order to handle a prosecution step in a case. The recommendations in the list 822 may be tailored as suited best for different needs. Any managing person M, having authority to change settings in the engine 80 may introduce new recommendations, which makes the system very flexible end easily adapted to new needs/situations. In Fig. 17 there is shown the screen of the client/applicant C in his smartphone 2C.

Accordingly, the client C will have a very clear pop-up notification 880 presented in the screen as soon a new recommendation 825a and/or comment 821a has been sent. In Fig. 18 it is shown that once the notification 880 in Fig. 17 has faded out the basic screen view of the smartphone 2C of the applicant/client will appear and there it will show in the icon 200 of the app that a notification/comment has been received, by means of an alert add-on icon 201.

In Fig. 19 it is shown the screen view that the client/applicant C will see once the app icon 200 has been activated. As already mentioned merely four of the sub icons 801-804 will be presented in this view. By now clicking the sub icon "Patrawin cases" 803 the screen (see Fig. 20) will show a listing of all the cases of the client C and here sorted by latest as default, wherein the actual case 850 where the patent attorney sent the latest comment/recommendation 821a, 825a will be presented as the first case. When the client C activates the case 850 it will show the recommendation 825a that the attorney A has sent and as shown in Fig. 21 the client when pressing the

recommendation list symbol 825b there will be shown a response list 823 including a plurality of response options, 826 a-c, including at least one unambiguous positive response option 826a, e.g. "approve/accept" and at least one unambiguous negative response option 826b, e.g. "not approved/not accepted". Hence, the client C may send a clear response that immediately will be displayed for the attorney A in his smart phone 2A, and preferably also in the smart phone of the responsible paralegal P. The client device 10 will then show the updated information 826a in the recommendation status field 826, as presented in Fig. 22.

In Fig. 23 it is shown a screen view of a PC 1 being connected to the first patent database 85A, wherein the actual case 850 has been opened. As can be noted, and well known within the field, there are numerous tabs for each case, wherein a default first tab 850i that shows basic bibliographic information regarding the case 850, will appear together with its image 858. Now there is a feature of the software 80 of the invention that automatically registers communications between the client devices 2C and attorney devices 2A. In a preferred embodiment this information is registered in a tab 850ii called "diarium". In Fig. 24 it is shown how this information will be automatically registered in the diarium 850ii wherein each successful sending between devices 2A, 2C will automatically be registered in one line each for each successful sending, respectively. Accordingly, in a first line A it will show the name 855a of the attorney A sending it, the recommendation 825a, the comment 821a and a time stamp. In a second line B it shows the recommendation status 826, i.e. that the client C has approved the recommendation 825a sent by the attorney A. Thanks to this feature a paralegal P, more or less in real time, may start taking necessary actions for securely handling any needed handling steps. Hence, an extremely efficient communication tool is provided by the invention that may eliminate mistakes that otherwise may occur due to problems related to traditional communication tools.

The invention is not limited by what that is described above but maybe varied within the scope of the claims. For instance, it is evident that the skilled person knows that there is a big variety of different ways of arranging the records 820X, 850X in the two databases and that there exist various ways of setting up the servers, etc. that will provide the same basic advantageous functionality as described above. Further it is possible that divisional application will be filed to cover specific aspects of the invention as such that may be beneficial also in other administrative systems than the preferred system as defined in claim 1.

Claims

A communication system for communication of confidential information related to patent applications, comprising:

a first database (85A) including a plurality of tables/cases (850), which each include a large plurality of records (850a-850n) containing information related to each one of the patent applications (850) being registered in said first database (85A),

a first server (85B) for handling of said first database (85A), and software (85C) installed thereon arranged to provide administration of and access to said database (85A),

an application software device (10) arranged to enable installation thereof on smartphones (2A, 2C) and tablets/PC (1),

an application handling software (80) arranged to enable communication between said smartphones (2A, 2C) and/or tablets/PCs (1) and to enable extraction of information contained in said records (850a-850n) of said first database (85A), said application handling software (80) being connected to a second server (81) connected to a second database (82) and including at least one information tool (IT) and at least one communication tool (CT), wherein said information tool (IT) including a selected extraction of a limited number of records (850X) from said first database (85A) and at least one record (820X) arranged to enable connection via a smartphone (2A, 2C) and/or tablet/PC (1) controlled by a user (A,C,P) authorized to use said application software device (10) in connection with one or more specific patent case/s (850), and wherein said communication tool (CT) includes a trigger function (806), arranged to enable a patent administrator (A, P) having authorized access to said second database (82) to automatically communicate in real time in a specific case (850) with a predefined client (C) registered as responsible in that specific case (850) in said first database (85 A).

A communication system according to claim 1, wherein said trigger function (806) is related to at least one trigger record (821, 824, 825, 826) in said second database (82), that when updated/changed triggers said automatic communication, wherein preferably a sub alert icon (201) is being displayed in or adjacent a main icon (200) to alert that a new communication has been received.

A communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said communication tool (CT) includes a predefined comment/recommendation tool (807) including connection to at least one trigger record (821, 825, 826) arranged to enable an authorized patent administrator (A,P) to update a recommendation field (825), wherein preferably said comment/recommendation tool (807) includes connection to a recommendation listing (822) having a plurality of recommendation options (825a, 825b) and more preferred said listing (822) is activated by a sub icon (825c).

4. Communication system according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said records belonging to said second database (82) includes a response listing (823), including a plurality of response options (826a, b, c), wherein preferably said response listing (823) is activated by a sub icon (825c).

5. Communication system according to claim 4, wherein said response listing (823) at least includes one binary response pair (826a, b), preferably in the form of approved and not approved and/or accepted and not accepted and/or yes and no, respectively.

6. Communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said records (820X, 850X) include at least one comment field (856, 821).

7. Communication system according to claim 6, wherein said records (820X, 850X) includes at least a comment field record (821) extracted from said second database

(82).

8. Communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said information tool (IT) includes a plurality of records (850X) extracted from said first database (85A) and at least one, preferably a plurality, of records (820X) extracted from said second database (82), wherein said records (820X, 850X) include at least one comment field record (856) extracted from said first database (85 A).

9. Communication system according to any of claims 2 or 7, wherein said application handling software (80) automatically sends a push notification (880) to a user (A, C,

P) in connection with updating of specific records in said second database (82).

10. Communication system according to claim 9, wherein said specific records includes at least one of a comment field record (821) and/or a recommendation field record (825).

11. Communication system according to claim 9, wherein said application handling software (80) automatically updates a selected record (850ii) in said first database (85A) in connection with an update by a user (A, C, P) using said application device (10).

12. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said

communication tool (CT), is arranged to display a push notification (880) combining a selected number of records (850X, 820X), from both the first database (85 A) and the second database (82) for display by means of said client device (10) in connection with a change/update in said trigger function (806).

13. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said

information tool (iT) combines a selected number of records (850X, 820X), from both the first database (85A) and the second database (82) for display by means of said client device (10), arranged in the background when using the communication tool (CT).

14. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said

information tool (iT) includes a record (824) displaying a chronological case status symbol (824a), wherein preferably said application handling software (80) includes an algorithm that automatically updates said record based on combined input from records (850a-850n) of said first database.

15. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein said

information tool (iT) includes a sort scroll list (808) including a plurality of options to sort a displayed list (806), wherein said sort scroll list preferably includes an option that automatically displays that case (850) having a latest change of a trigger record (821, 824, 825, 826) at the top. 16. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of API's (86, 87,88,89) are used in connection with the application handling software (80), wherein at least on API (87) corresponds to a role where the user (C) has no direct access to said first database (85A) and at least on API (86,88) corresponds to a role where the user (A, P) has direct access to both said first database (85A) and said second data base (82).

17. A communication system according to any preceding claim, wherein the structure of the system is arranged to eliminate transfer of confidential files and/or data from said database (85A) of the internal patent handling system (85) to the database (82) connected to the client side (C).