WO2015119596A1 - Système et procédé de duplication d'une salle de négociation de transactions de propriété intellectuelle - Google Patents

Système et procédé de duplication d'une salle de négociation de transactions de propriété intellectuelle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015119596A1
WO2015119596A1 PCT/US2014/014777 US2014014777W WO2015119596A1 WO 2015119596 A1 WO2015119596 A1 WO 2015119596A1 US 2014014777 W US2014014777 W US 2014014777W WO 2015119596 A1 WO2015119596 A1 WO 2015119596A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
data
marketplace
deal room
various embodiments
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/014777
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tracey R. Thomas
Original Assignee
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. filed Critical American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US2014/014777 priority Critical patent/WO2015119596A1/fr
Publication of WO2015119596A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015119596A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
    • G06Q30/0226—Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
    • G06Q30/0227—Frequent usage incentive value reconciliation between diverse systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10—Services
    • G06Q50/18—Legal services
    • G06Q50/184—Intellectual property management

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to providing a trading marketplace, and more particularly, to providing an automated platform to enable intellectual property transactions and search of related content.
  • IP intellectual property
  • IP Marketplace intellectual property
  • IP assets IP owners, buyers, consultants, etc.
  • the IP Marketplace system provides user and organizational registration and profiling, IP disclosure and approval, valuing and rating of IP assets, merchandising and cataloging, customized searches and IP matching algorithms, referral services, deal negotiation, transaction execution, marketing tools, collaboration tools, IP asset management (e.g., royalty and maintenance fee management), and data collection and reporting.
  • the IP Marketplace system may provide a template that requests standardized data for characterizing IP assets.
  • the system receives IP documentation for an IP asset and a portion of the IP documentation includes the standardized data.
  • the IP documentation is validated, and in various embodiments, the system obtains approval from the IP owner of the data collected for the IP asset.
  • a logic engine accesses algorithms and inputs data from both internal and external data sources, then creates a valuation and a rating of the IP asset.
  • the IP Marketplace generates a summary of the IP asset which includes a marketing document used to market the IP asset to potential buyers.
  • a project is set up for the commercialization of the IP asset and the project may be based upon a standardized workflow for executing an IP transaction.
  • Permissions are associated with the IP documentation and other data stored for an IP asset.
  • the IP Marketplace may enable various levels of permissions to accommodate the complex set of users, data and steps associated with an IP transaction.
  • the system receives an inquiry from a buyer that includes requested IP asset attributes.
  • the system matches the request to the IP asset using a proprietary matching algorithm.
  • the system may facilitate consummation of the IP transaction by generating a transaction task list for an asset based upon a standardized IP transaction workflow.
  • The may also track the status of a plurality of tasks that comprise the transaction task list.
  • the system also provides logistical support by providing referrals for service providers (e.g., lawyers, valuation experts, etc.) and by identifying resources such as, for example, meeting rooms that can be accessed by transaction participants.
  • the system further provides comprehensive IP commercialization support by enabling post-transaction activities, such as tracking patent maintenance fee payments and calculating royalty payments.
  • an IP search system includes functionality to group or associate data into vertical silos of data that may relate to a particular subject area or vertical segment (such as an industry).
  • the IP search system receives a search request from a user via a silo search interface, and searches IP content data to determine search results.
  • the IP content data may comprise tags that associate the IP content data with a vertical silo of data.
  • the IP search system may present the search results to the user in a search results interface.
  • an IP system for facilitating IP transactions includes functionality to create a first deal room for an intellectual property transaction between a first user and a second user.
  • the system may associate a plurality of documents relating to the transaction with the deal room.
  • the system may receive an instruction to duplicate the first deal room.
  • the system may create a second deal room based on the first deal room.
  • Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating a high level conceptual design for enabling an IP marketplace, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figure IB is a block diagram illustrating major system components for enabling an IP marketplace, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for enabling IP commercialization, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for disclosing IP asset information, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user interface for a marketing interface, according to various embodiments
  • Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user interface for a channel guide, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user interface for a channel guide, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 7 is a screenshot illustrating a deal room summary, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 8 is a screenshot illustrating a deal room, according to various embodiments.
  • Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process for creating a duplicate deal room, according to various embodiments. Detailed Description
  • the systems and methods provide an improved, tangible, integrated, online IP marketplace.
  • An embodiment may be implemented by a system, computer readable medium or a method or any combination thereof.
  • the systems and methods include a unique combination of one or more features associated with an IP marketplace.
  • the system provides a marketplace for interested buyers and sellers to engage in IP transactions.
  • the system may be implemented as a web-based system that provides a process for managing the marketing and sales process of licensing and commercializing IP assets.
  • a transaction platform (or transaction engine) consolidates the processes necessary for sellers to present their available IP, thereby allowing for a more efficient, standardized process for bringing IP to the market.
  • the system enables a one-stop shopping resource for buyers of IP, providing not only a marketplace for available IP, but centralized access to service providers.
  • the system facilitates deal negotiation and execution, while also providing search and referral services for IP resources.
  • Exemplary benefits of the system include providing standardized data, processes, and valuation and rating methods to members of an IP marketplace.
  • the members of the marketplace benefit by the efficiency and transparency created by this standardization.
  • Sellers are better able to market and commercialize IP assets and buyers benefit from being able to perform comparative analysis for IP assets that are presented in a standardized manner.
  • the IP marketplace provides new revenue streams to the IP owners by helping to merchandise IP assets. Efficiencies are gained by creating a community of IP owners, industry professionals, sellers and service providers that transact across a common platform.
  • the system includes a user interface (UI), a software module, logic engines, numerous databases and computer networks. While the system may contemplate upgrades or reconfigurations of existing processing systems, changes to existing databases and system tools are not necessarily required by the system and method.
  • UI user interface
  • software module software module
  • logic engines logic engines
  • numerous databases and computer networks numerous databases and computer networks. While the system may contemplate upgrades or reconfigurations of existing processing systems, changes to existing databases and system tools are not necessarily required by the system and method.
  • Entity may include any individual, consumer, consumer, group, business, organization, government entity, transaction account issuer or processor (e.g., credit, charge, etc), merchant, consortium of merchants, consumer, account holder, charitable organization, software, hardware, and/or any other entity.
  • transaction account issuer or processor e.g., credit, charge, etc
  • merchant consortium of merchants, consumer, account holder, charitable organization, software, hardware, and/or any other entity.
  • an “account”, “account number” or “consumer account” as used herein, may include any device, code (e.g., one or more of an authorization/access code, personal identification number (“PIN”), Internet code, other identification code, and/or the like), number, letter, symbol, digital certificate, smart chip, digital signal, analog signal, biometric or other identifier/indicia suitably configured to allow the consumer to access, interact with or communicate with the system.
  • the account number may optionally be located on or associated with a rewards account, charge account, credit account, debit account, prepaid account, telephone card, embossed card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radio frequency card or an associated account.
  • the system may include or interface with any of the foregoing accounts or devices, or a transponder and RFID reader in RF communication with the transponder (which may include a fob).
  • Typical devices may include, for example, a key ring, tag, card, cell phone, wristwatch or any such form capable of being presented for interrogation.
  • the system, computing unit or device discussed herein may include a "pervasive computing device," which may include a traditionally non-computerized device that is embedded with a computing unit. Examples may include watches, Internet enabled kitchen appliances, restaurant tables embedded with RF readers, wallets or purses with imbedded transponders, etc.
  • the account number may be distributed and stored in any form of plastic, electronic, magnetic, radio frequency, wireless, audio and/or optical device capable of transmitting or downloading data from itself to a second device.
  • a consumer account number may be, for example, a sixteen-digit account number, although each credit provider has its own numbering system, such as the fifteen-digit numbering system used by American Express.
  • Each company's account numbers comply with that company's standardized format such that the company using a fifteen-digit format will generally use three-spaced sets of numbers, as represented by the number "0000 000000 00000".
  • the first five to seven digits are reserved for processing purposes and identify the issuing bank, account type, etc. In this example, the last (fifteenth) digit is used as a sum check for the fifteen digit number.
  • the intermediary eight-to-eleven digits are used to uniquely identify the consumer.
  • a merchant account number may be, for example, any number or alpha-numeric characters that identify a particular merchant for purposes of account acceptance, account reconciliation,
  • a "transaction account” may include any account that may be used to facilitate a financial transaction.
  • a financial institution or transaction account issuer includes any entity that offers transaction account services to consumers. Although often referred to as a "financial institution,” the financial institution may represent any type of bank, lender or other type of account issuing institution, such as credit card companies, card sponsoring companies, or third party issuers under contract with financial institutions. It is further noted that other participants may be involved in some phases of the transaction, such as an intermediary settlement institution, but these participants are not shown.
  • An "owner,” “IP owner,” or “seller” may include any entity that owns, owns a majority interest, owns a minority interest, owns any portion, controls, has a right to exploit, or is authorized to convey (e.g., an agent or lawyer) any asset (e.g., an IP asset such as a patent).
  • a "buyer” may include any entity that purchases goods, services, assets, rights, or IP. For example, a buyer may acquire rights to an IP asset, purchase (via an assignment) an IP asset or may purchase a license to rights associated with an IP asset.
  • a “financial processor,” “payment network,” or “payment system” or “transaction account issuer” may include any entity which processes transactions, issues accounts, acquires financial information, settles accounts, conducts dispute resolution regarding accounts, and/or the like.
  • Figure 1A shows an embodiment of a high level conceptual design for enabling an IP marketplace.
  • Participants in the online marketplace may include both member and non- member sellers, buyers and service providers. These participants interact with the IP marketplace platform via user interfaces.
  • the platform may include templates (and logic engines for dynamically creating templates), access to user profiles and history, models (e.g., for valuating and/or rating an IP asset), research tools and access to news.
  • System 100 facilitates interaction between a user 105 and IP marketplace 1 15 through, in various embodiments, client 1 10 with a network connection to an Internet server 125 by way of the Internet.
  • Internet server 125 employs authentication server 130 to validate credentials, assign proper permissions, and retrieve preferences information for authorized user's 105 of IP marketplace 1 15.
  • Internet server 125 employs application server 145 to manage various applications and utilities that are utilized by system 100.
  • application server utilizes APL+Win, and JBOSS utilizing SEAM, Richfaces JBPM, and other Java libraries (j Query and Javascript), JAX-WS, Apache POI, and Quartz.
  • Internet server 125 interacts directly with the various systems and components disclosed herein.
  • System 100 may include any number of computing platforms and databases such as, for example, IP merchandising and transaction engine (IP MATE) 147, workflow engine 148 and IP asset database 150.
  • Other systems may include, for example, accounting systems, financial transaction systems, reporting systems, new accounts systems, management information systems, business information systems, external data sources, proprietary systems and the like.
  • Each of the systems may be interconnected within by a network in via any method and/or device described herein.
  • a middleware server and/or application server 145 may serve as an intermediary between the various systems to ensure appropriate communications between disparate platforms.
  • a report engine retrieves and/or is provided with data from certain of the various systems in order to generate notices, bills, contracts, messages, audit reports, and the like.
  • System 100, IP marketplace 115 and/or any other components discussed herein may further include one or more of the following: a host server or other computing systems including a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled to the processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data; an application program stored in the memory and accessible by the processor for directing processing of digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to the processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases.
  • a host server or other computing systems including a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled to the processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data; an application program stored in the memory and accessible by the processor for directing processing of digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to the processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases.
  • system 100 may be embodied as a customization of an existing system, an add-on product, upgraded software, a stand alone system (e.g., kiosk), a distributed system, a method, a data processing system, a device for data processing, a computer and/or a computer program product.
  • individual system 100 components may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware.
  • a system 100 component e.g. a computer
  • individual system 100 components may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium.
  • Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROM, flash memory, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like.
  • the system contemplates uses in association with web services, transaction processing, utility computing, pervasive and individualized computing, security and identity solutions, autonomic computing, commodity computing, mobility and wireless solutions, open source, biometrics, grid computing and/or mesh computing.
  • User 105 may include any buyer, seller, IP owner, individual, customer, group of individuals, charity, cardholder, business, entity, government organization, software and/or hardware that utilizes system 100 or accesses system 100 functionality.
  • User 105 may include, for example, a potential buyer of IP assets, a full member of the IP marketplace, a partial member, a service provider, etc.
  • User 105 may also include any consumer that has a transaction account with a transaction account issuer.
  • User 105 may also include anyone who applied for the account, currently has the card in her possession, has proxy or other rights to use or maintain the account, is partially or fully responsible to pay the charges on the account and/or the like.
  • User 105 may include a consumer who uses an account code without any physical card, uses a transponder, and/or uses a physical transaction card, to purchase items which are billed on the billing statement discussed herein.
  • user 105 may interface with IP marketplace 1 15 via any communication protocol, device or method discussed herein or known in the art.
  • user 105 may interact with IP marketplace 1 15 by way of an Internet browser at client 1 10.
  • Client 1 10 comprises any hardware and/or software suitably configured to facilitate requesting, retrieving, updating, analyzing, entering and/or modifying data.
  • client 1 10 is configured to facilitate input, receipt, presentations, analysis and/or review of information relating to IP assets, merchandising of IP assets and facilitating IP transactions.
  • Client 1 10 includes any device (e.g., personal computer) which communicates (in any manner discussed herein) with IP marketplace 1 15 via any network discussed herein.
  • Such browser applications comprise Internet browsing software installed within a computing unit or system to conduct online transactions and/or communications.
  • client 1 10 may or may not be in direct contact with IP marketplace 1 15.
  • client 110 may access the services of IP marketplace 1 15 through another server, which may have a direct or indirect connection to Internet server 125.
  • Client 1 10 may be mobile or may be located in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an exemplary embodiment, access is through a network or the Internet through a commercially-available web-browser software package.
  • client 1 10 includes an operating system (e.g., Windows NT, 95/98/2000, OS2, UNIX, Linux, Solaris, MacOS, Android, iPhone OS etc.) as well as various conventional support software and drivers typically associated with computers or computing devices.
  • Client 1 10 may include any suitable personal computer, mobile device, phone, network computer, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe or the like.
  • Client 1 10 can be in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an exemplary embodiment, access is through a network or the Internet through a commercially available web-browser software package.
  • various components, modules, and/or engines of system 100 may be implemented as micro-applications or micro-apps.
  • Micro-apps are typically deployed in the context of a mobile operating system, including for example, a Palm mobile operating system, a Windows mobile operating system, an Android Operating System, Apple iOS, a Blackberry operating system and the like.
  • the micro-app may be configured to leverage the resources of the larger operating system and associated hardware via a set of predetermined rules which govern the operations of various operating systems and hardware resources. For example, where a micro-app desires to communicate with a device or network other than the mobile device or mobile operating system, the micro-app may leverage the communication protocol of the operating system and associated device hardware under the predetermined rules of the mobile operating system.
  • the micro-app desires an input from a user, the micro-app may be configured to request a response from the operating system which monitors various hardware components and then communicates a detected input from the hardware to the micro-app.
  • Client 1 10 may be independently, separately or collectively suitably coupled to the network via data links which includes, for example, a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) over the local loop as is typically used in connection with standard modem communication, cable modem, Dish networks, ISDN, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or various wireless communication methods, see, e.g., Gilbert Held, Understanding Data Communications (1996), which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • ISP Internet Service Provider
  • the network may be implemented as other types of networks, such as an interactive television (ITV) network.
  • Client 1 10 may include any number of applications, code modules, cookies, and the like to facilitate interaction with IP marketplace 1 15 in order to, for example, input data, complete templates/forms, view reports, validate data, approve data, review IP asset info, participate in a negotiation, review due diligence documents, respond to a survey, and the like.
  • client 1 10 may store user 105 preferences and/or any other information disclosed herein on a hard drive or any other local memory device. Accordingly, client 1 10 may retrieve and store consumer information within a memory structure of client 110 in the form of a browser cookie, for example.
  • client 1 10 retrieves infonnation relating to user 105 from IP marketplace 1 15 on establishing a session with Internet server 125.
  • Firewall 120 may comprise any hardware and/or software suitably configured to protect IP marketplace 1 15 components from users of other networks. Firewall 120 may reside in varying configurations including stateful inspection, proxy based and packet filtering among others. Firewall 120 may be integrated as software within Internet server 125, any other IP marketplace 1 15 components or may reside within another computing device or may take the form of a standalone hardware component. Although depicted as a single firewall in Figure 1, one skilled in the art will recognize that a firewall or multiple firewalls may be implemented throughout system 100 to enable system and data security.
  • Internet server 125 may include any hardware and/or software suitably configured to facilitate communications between client 1 10 and one or more IP marketplace 1 15 components. Further, Internet server 125 may be configured to transmit data to client 1 10 within markup language documents (e.g., XML, HTML, etc.). As used herein, "data” may include encompassing information such as commands, queries, files, data for storage, and/or the like in digital or any other form. Internet server 125 may operate as a single entity in a single physical location or as separate computing components located together or in separate physical locations.
  • markup language documents e.g., XML, HTML, etc.
  • data may include encompassing information such as commands, queries, files, data for storage, and/or the like in digital or any other form.
  • Internet server 125 may operate as a single entity in a single physical location or as separate computing components located together or in separate physical locations.
  • Internet server 125 may provide a suitable web site or other Internet-based graphical user interface which is accessible by consumers.
  • Internet server 125 employs RedHat Linux Enterprise 5.x Server and Apache Http server.
  • the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS), and Microsoft SQL Server are used in conjunction with the Microsoft operating system, Microsoft NT web server software, a Microsoft SQL Server database system, and a Microsoft Commerce Server. Additionally, components such as Access or Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, Informix MySQL, InterBase, etc., may be used to provide an Active Data Object (ADO) compliant database management system.
  • ADO Active Data Object
  • Any of the communications, inputs, storage, databases or displays discussed herein may be facilitated through a web site having web pages.
  • the term "web page" as it is used herein is not meant to limit the type of documents and applications that might be used to interact with the user.
  • a typical web site might include, in addition to standard HTML documents, various forms, Java applets, JavaScript, active server pages (ASP), common gateway interface scripts (CGI), extensible markup language (XML), dynamic HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), helper applications, plug-ins, and/or the like.
  • a server may include a web service that receives a request from a web server, the request including a URL (e.g.
  • Web services are applications that are capable of interacting with other applications over a communications means, such as the Internet. Web services are typically based on standards or protocols such as XML, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI. Web services methods are well known in the art, and are covered in many standard texts. See, e.g., Alex Nghiem, IT Web Services: A Roadmap for the Enterprise (2003), hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Internet server 125 may invoke authentication server 130 in response to user 105 submissions of authentication credentials received at Internet server 125 from client 1 10.
  • Authentication server 130 may include any hardware and/or software suitably configured to receive authentication credentials, encrypt and decrypt credentials, authenticate credentials, and grant access rights according to privileges (e.g., pre-defined privileges) attached to the credentials.
  • Authentication server 130 may grant varying degrees of application and data level access to users based on information stored within a database and/or any other known memory structure.
  • IP MATE 147 comprises hardware and/or software modules that execute processes, access data from IP asset database 150 and interact with workflow engine 148 to enable the functionality of IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • Workflow engine 148 comprises hardware and/or software modules that implement process definition, tracking and execution.
  • Workflow engine 148 may comprise one or more software applications, modules or data objects.
  • the software may be any executable code written in any software programming language, such as, for example Java®.
  • workflow engine 148 reads data from IP asset database 150 and instantiates a data object (e.g. a Java Bean®) to store the data for use by software modules or other objects.
  • workflow engine 148 executes an automated or partially automated process such as a price negotiation or an auction.
  • workflow engine 148 enables users 105 to document a process and track progress toward completion of the process.
  • Workflow engine 145 reads schedules, sends notices and triggers report creation.
  • IP asset database 150 may include any hardware and/or software suitably configured to facilitate storing data relating to, for example, IP assets, legal documents, marketing documents, tracking and status data, schedules, transactions, statements, amounts owed, payments, authentication credentials, user permissions, consumer preferences, and the like.
  • IP asset database ] 50 stores standardized templates and stores IP asset data submitted in standardized form and divided or parsed into separate data (e.g., data elements or attributes).
  • system 100 may employ any number of databases in any number of configurations. Further, any databases discussed herein may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, graphical, object-oriented, and/or other database configurations.
  • databases Common database products that may be used to implement the databases include DB2 by IBM (White Plains, NY), various database products available from Oracle Corporation (Redwood Shores, CA), Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server by Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington), or any other suitable database product.
  • the databases may be organized in any suitable manner, for example, as data tables or lookup tables. Each record may be a single file, a series of files, a linked series of data fields or any other data structure. Association of certain data may be accomplished through any desired data association technique such as those known or practiced in the art. For example, the association may be accomplished either manually or automatically.
  • Automatic association techniques may include, for example, a database search, a database merge, GREP, AGREP, SQL, using a key field in the tables to speed searches, sequential searches through all the tables and files, sorting records in the file according to a known order to simplify lookup, and/or the like.
  • the association step may be accomplished by a database merge function, for example, using a "key field" in pre-selected databases or data sectors.
  • a "key field" partitions the database according to the high-level class of objects defined by the key field. For example, certain types of data may be designated as a key field in a plurality of related data tables and the data tables may then be linked on the basis of the type of data in the key field.
  • the data corresponding to the key field in each of the linked data tables is preferably the same or of the same type.
  • data tables having similar, though not identical, data in the key fields may also be linked by using AGREP, for example.
  • any suitable data storage technique may be utilized to store data without a standard format.
  • Data sets may be stored using any suitable technique, including, for example, storing individual files using an ISO/IEC 7816-4 file structure; implementing a domain whereby a dedicated file is selected that exposes one or more elementary files containing one or more data sets; using data sets stored in individual files using a hierarchical filing system; data sets stored as records in a single file (including compression, SQL accessible, hashed via one or more keys, numeric, alphabetical by first tuple, etc.); Binary Large Object (BLOB); stored as ungrouped data elements encoded using ISO/IEC 7816-6 data elements; stored as ungrouped data elements encoded using I SO/1 EC Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN. l) as in I SO/I EC 8824 and 8825; and/or other proprietary techniques that may include fractal compression methods, image compression methods, etc.
  • BLOB Binary Large Object
  • the ability to store a wide variety of information in different formats is facilitated by storing the information as a BLOB.
  • any binary information can be stored in a storage space associated with a data set.
  • the binary information may be stored on the financial transaction instrument or external to but affiliated with the financial transaction instrument.
  • the BLOB method may store data sets as ungrouped data elements formatted as a block of binary via a fixed memory offset using either fixed storage allocation, circular queue techniques, or best practices with respect to memory management (e.g., paged memory, least recently used, etc.).
  • the ability to store various data sets that have different formats facilitates the storage of data associated with system 100 by multiple and unrelated owners of the data sets.
  • a first data set which may be stored may be provided by a first party
  • a second data set which may be stored may be provided by an unrelated second party
  • a third data set which may be stored may be provided by an third party unrelated to the first and second party.
  • Each of these three exemplary data sets may contain different information that is stored using different data storage formats and/or techniques. Further, each data set may contain subsets of data that also may be distinct from other subsets.
  • the data can be stored without regard to a common format.
  • the data set e.g., BLOB
  • the annotation may comprise a short header, trailer, or other appropriate indicator related to each data set that is configured to convey information useful in managing the various data sets.
  • the annotation may be called a "condition header”, “header”, “trailer”, or “status”, herein, and may comprise an indication of the status of the data set or may include an identifier correlated to a specific issuer or owner of the data.
  • the first three bytes of each data set BLOB may be configured or configurable to indicate the status of that particular data set; e.g., LOADED, INITIALIZED, READY, BLOCKED, REMOVABLE, or DELETED. Subsequent bytes of data may be used to indicate for example, the identity of the issuer, user, transaction/membership account identifier or the like.
  • the data set annotation may also be used for other types of status information as well as various other purposes.
  • the data set annotation may include security information establishing access levels.
  • the access levels may, for example, be configured to permit only certain individuals, levels of employees, companies, or other entities to access data sets, or to permit access to specific data sets based on the transaction, merchant, issuer, user or the like.
  • the security information may restrict/permit only certain actions such as accessing, modifying, and/or deleting data sets.
  • the data set annotation indicates that only the data set owner or the user are permitted to delete a data set, various identified users may be permitted to access the data set for reading, and others are altogether excluded from accessing the data set.
  • other access restriction parameters may also be used allowing various entities to access a data set with various permission levels as appropriate.
  • the data, including the header or trailer may be received by a stand-alone interaction device configured to add, delete, modify, or augment the data in accordance with the header or trailer.
  • the header or trailer is not stored on the transaction device along with the associated issuer-owned data but instead the appropriate action may be taken by providing to the transaction instrument user at the stand-alone device, the appropriate option for the action to be taken.
  • System 100 contemplates a data storage arrangement wherein the header or trailer, or header or trailer history, of the data is stored on the transaction instrument in relation to the appropriate data.
  • any databases, systems, devices, servers or other components of system 100 may consist of any combination thereof at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database or system 100 includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, encryption, decryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like.
  • network includes any cloud, cloud computing system or electronic communications system or method which incorporates hardware and/or software components. Communication among the parties may be accomplished through any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital assistant (e.g., iPhone®, Palm Pilot®, Blackberry®), cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications, satellite communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), networked or linked devices, keyboard, mouse and/or any suitable communication or data input modality.
  • a telephone network such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital assistant (e.g., iPhone®, Palm Pilot®, Blackberry®), cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications, satellite communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),
  • the system is frequently described herein as being implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the system may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, any tunneling protocol (e.g. IPsec, SSH), or any number of existing or future protocols.
  • IPX IPX
  • Appletalk IP-6
  • NetBIOS NetBIOS
  • OSI any tunneling protocol
  • SSH Secure Shell
  • Cloud or “Cloud computing” includes a model for enabling convenient, on- demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
  • Cloud computing may include location-independent computing, whereby shared servers provide resources, software, and data to computers and other devices on demand.
  • NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • system 100 may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and/or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
  • integrated circuit components e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and/or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
  • the software elements of system 100 may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements.
  • Software elements e.g., modules, engines, etc
  • web services are implemented using Webservice Interoperability Organization Basic Profile 1.1.
  • system 100 may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and/or the like. Still further, system 100 could be used to detect or prevent security issues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.
  • client-side scripting language such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.
  • These software elements may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
  • These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer- readable memory (or "computer-readable medium") that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
  • the computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer- implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
  • steps as illustrated and described may be combined into single web pages and/or windows but have been expanded for the sake of simplicity.
  • steps illustrated and described as single process steps may be separated into multiple web pages and/or windows but have been combined for simplicity.
  • Data may be represented as standard text or within a fixed list, scrollable list, drop-down list, editable text field, fixed text field, pop-up window, and/or the like.
  • methods for modifying data in a web page such as, for example, free text entry using a keyboard, selection of menu items, check boxes, option boxes, and/or the like.
  • System 100 enables user 105 (e.g., an IP marketplace participant such as an IP owner or a potential buyer), to buy, sell, search for, catalogue, disclose, negotiate, package, license, etc. IP assets.
  • System 100 combines unique standardization, process improvement, workflow, data integration, searching, and data security features to enable a seamless, feature-rich IP marketplace. While certain embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in terms of a patent, practitioners will appreciate that the teachings of the present invention may be equally applicable interchangeably between any type of intellectual property including, for example: trade marks, trade dress, know how, trade secrets, copyrights, etc.
  • IP transactions may be disclosed herein in terms of a sale (or assignment) of IP assets, practitioners will appreciate that the present invention enables any type of IP transaction such as a grant of partial rights, an exclusive license, a non-exclusive license, a sublicense, a settlement agreement, etc.
  • Internet server 125 may invoke an application server 145.
  • Application server 145 invokes logic in the IP MATE 147 by passing parameters relating to the user's 105 requests for data.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 manages requests for data from IP MATE 147 and communicates with system 101 components. Transmissions between user 105 and Internet server 125 may pass through a firewall 120 to help ensure the integrity of IP marketplace 1 15 components. Practitioners will appreciate that the invention may incorporate any number of security schemes or none at all.
  • Internet server 125 receives requests from client 1 10 and interacts with various other system 100 components to perform tasks related to requests from client 1 10.
  • Internet server 125 may invoke an authentication server 130 to verify the identity of user 105 and assign roles, access rights and/or permissions to user 105. In order to control access to the application server 145 or any other component of IP marketplace 1 15, Internet server 125 may invoke an authentication server 130 in response to user 105 submissions of authentication credentials received at Internet server 125.
  • Internet server 125 determines if authentication is required and transmits a prompt to client 110.
  • User 105 enters authentication data at client 110, which transmits the authentication data to Internet server 125.
  • Internet server 125 passes the authentication data to authentication server which queries the user database 140 for corresponding credentials.
  • user 105 may access various applications and their corresponding data sources.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables a standards based, workflow driven, IP commercialization process.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes user and organizational registration and profiling (step 205), IP disclosure and approval (step 210), valuing and rating of IP assets (step 215), merchandising and cataloging (step 220), customized search and IP matching algorithms (step 225), referral services, deal negotiation (step 230), transaction execution, marketing tools, collaboration tools, IP asset management (e.g., royalty and maintenance fee management) (step 230), and data collection and reporting.
  • users 105 i.e., "members” are registered as IP owners, customers interested in obtaining the rights to IP and/or service entities (e.g., lawyers, bankers, accountants, technology partners etc.).
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 also allows licensed partners the right (e.g., within certain geographic regions) to offer, negotiate and consummate membership agreements and the like, for participants to transact on and use the site.
  • a buyer is interested in obtaining the rights to any IP asset, it is the responsibility of the IP owner to invite any relevant registered members to the deal phase. Once the deal phase is complete, it is once again the responsibility of the IP owner to remove all access, and if required, remove any related data.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables collecting and validating IP asset data.
  • a user 105 logs in to IP Marketplace 1 15 and indicates the desire to enter information regarding an IP asset.
  • IP MATE 147 in conjunction with IP asset database 150 and workflow engine 148, determines a template that will be used to collect standardized information regarding the IP asset.
  • "Standardized", as used herein, may include a template that includes one or more common questions or information requests from multiple users.
  • the template is a standardized disclosure questionnaire.
  • the template can be standardized based upon various factors such as, for example, industry, technology, type of IP asset, contemplated transaction (e.g., license or sale) or seller of the IP asset.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 enables commercialization of any type of IP asset including patent, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets and know-how.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine a standard set of questions for the template based on an indication by user 105 that the IP asset involves computer software for the financial industry and may also determine additional questions based upon a company profile which is stored in IP asset database (or other IP Marketplace 1 15 databases).
  • the company profile may include company standards (e.g., business rules and formats) for collecting information for IP assets of the company.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine a standard template for collection IP asset information based upon best practices that are automatically generated and refined by IP Marketplace 1 15. For example, the beset practices may be developed based upon previous transactions, user feedback, industry standards, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 provides (e.g., via client 110), the standardized template for characterizing the IP asset (Step 305).
  • the standardized template comprises a survey tool that each IP owner registered on IP Marketplace 1 15 and it can be customized as to what questions are included in the survey.
  • the data input can be controlled at an account (IP owner) level.
  • IP owner IP owner
  • the standardized template may be a single form, multiple forms, multiple input screens, requests to upload documents, new or revised questions based upon responses to previous questions, etc.
  • providing the standardized template includes formatting an HTML based form comprising a plurality of questions and receiving a plurality of responses.
  • IP MATE 147 determines a second question based upon the response received from a first question.
  • IP MATE 147 evaluates the response to the first question and may perform an analysis comprising database searches or pattern matching to determine relevance to previous transactions or to existing IP assets in a company's IP asset inventory.
  • IP MATE 147 formulates the second question (or series of second questions) based upon the analysis.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives responses based upon the standardized template (Step 310).
  • the responses include IP documentation (forms, documents, data, etc) for an IP asset.
  • IP documentation forms, documents, data, etc
  • at least a portion of the IP documentation received from user 105 regarding an IP asset is in standardized form.
  • upon IP MATE 147 invokes logic to parse a portion of the documentation into data elements.
  • the parsing process may include decrypting the IP documentation and/or encrypting the IP asset data elements.
  • IP MATE 147 may also characterize the data to form individual attributes describing the IP asset.
  • IP MATE 147 validates the IP documentation (Step 315). Similar to the various methods (e.g., as described above) of standardizing input via a template, IP MATE 147 may employ various methods and/or draw from a variety of sources to validate the IP documentation. For example, in various embodiments, IP documentation may be submitted via a company proprietary input template and IP MATE 147 may parse the submitted documentation into data elements and validate the data elements against validation rules that are standardized for IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • IP MATE 147 enables IP Marketplace 1 15 to allow an IP owner (e.g., a company) to collect IP asset documentation based upon a company standard and enforce general standardization of the data by checking certain standards for data completeness, valid values, etc.
  • IP owner e.g., a company
  • the validation process may include a process of resolving data discrepancies.
  • IP MATE 147 may detect that a certain data field, that may not have been required by a company template, may be required or desired for the standard cataloging of the IP asset. In order to resolve this data discrepancy, IP MATE 147 may determine a default value and assign it to the IP asset and/or IP MATE 147 may invoke workflow engine 148 to generate a series of tasks aimed at resolving the discrepancy.
  • IP MATE 147 sends an authorization request for the IP asset.
  • IP MATE 147 may format a report, send the originally submitted IP documentation, and/or send a message to log in to IP Marketplace 1 15 to review the IP asset data. Similar to processes for resolving data discrepancies, IP MATE 147 may also use workflow engine 148 to generate a workplan (a step or series of steps) for obtaining IP owner approval for the IP asset. For instance, in various embodiments workflow engine 148 reads IP asset database 150 to determine whether the IP owner has a custom approval process. Based upon the custom approval process, workflow engine 148 creates a series of steps (or tasks) to track and execute the approval process.
  • workflow engine 148 may send a message to a number of approvers and then track whether each approver has signed off on the IP asset data.
  • IP MATE 147 determines when the approval process is complete (e.g., electronic approvals received from all approving personnel) (Step 320). As discussed in more detail below, IP MATE 147 manages the data security (e.g., user permissions) for the IP documentation (step 325) and publishes the IP asset information based upon data security considerations (step 330).
  • the data security e.g., user permissions
  • IP marketplace 115 enables project management functionality.
  • a project overview data structure summarizes the IP asset that user 105 (e.g., an IP owner) is considering for license/sale.
  • IP MATE 147 invokes workflow engine 148 and accesses IP asset database 150 to determine a set of tasks related to states of the IP asset commercialization project.
  • the tasks involved may include approving the IP documentation submitted, valuing and rating the IP asset, creating a marketing package (e.g., information sheets, brochures, demonstrations, etc) for the IP asset, cataloging the IP asset to systematically package (e.g., combine assets into a portfolio) and characterize the IP (by industry, index, subject matter, etc) to prepare it for potential sale, and managing data access permissions for users 105 (e.g., a potential buyer) wishing to receive additional information regarding the IP asset.
  • a marketing package e.g., information sheets, brochures, demonstrations, etc
  • systematically package e.g., combine assets into a portfolio
  • characterize the IP by industry, index, subject matter, etc
  • IP asset IP marketplace 1 15 enables marketing IP assets via the internet and management of the contract process for the purpose of selling IP rights.
  • data stored in IP asset database 150 may be deemed as public due to the fact that such data may be published for the purpose of selling IP.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 enables both open access publishing and controlled publishing.
  • a user 105 authorizes controlled publishing of IP asset data, i.e., only invited users are able to access the data.
  • the data stored during a contract negotiations phase is considered restricted. If the negotiations for a transaction are unsuccessful, then the specific data may be deleted (or archived) from the system by user 105.
  • the secure and authorized access to data on the platform is enabled by workflow engine 148 and processes defined in IP asset database 150.
  • IP MATE 147 includes robust user and permissions logic. In various embodiments, upon receipt of a data request, permissions are verified by IP MATE 147 and/or a web-service invoked by IP Marketplace 1 15. Thus, IP Marketplace enables security such that the users that created the data can grant access to other users.
  • IP MATE 147 enforces two requirements for granting access to data. First, IP MATE 147 ensures that the requesting user 105 is associated with the IP owner (e.g., company associated with the asset) or is associated with network of confirmed associates of the IP owner. Secondly, a user 105 that created the data explicitly grants access to anyone in their network to the module of the application for which the data was created. In this manner, confidentiality is the responsibility of the user/owner. In various embodiments, the IP owner has full access to delete files, can remove any other user's access, and can make a project inactive, so that no one has access. In various embodiments, backup data is updated during incremental backup procedures so that once deleted, it is also deleted on the backup memory.
  • IP owner e.g., company associated with the asset
  • network of confirmed associates of the IP owner e.g., a user 105 that created the data explicitly grants access to anyone in their network to the module of the application for which the data was created. In this manner, confidentiality is the responsibility of the user/owner.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 enables merchandizing of an IP asset.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 receives IP documentation for an IP asset.
  • IP documentation is in a standardized format based upon a standardized template.
  • IP MATE 147 determines, based upon the IP documentation, a category for the IP asset. In various embodiments multiple categorizations may be made by IP MATE 147.
  • IP MATE 147 may also determine an industry and assign a unique identifier (e.g., serial number) for the IP asset.
  • IP MATE 147 creates a marketing document (e.g., a fact/information sheet, brochure, etc.) based upon the IP documentation.
  • the marketing document may be standardized based upon, for example, the type of IP, industry, IP owner, associated technologies and/or anticipated market or buyers for the IP asset.
  • the marketing document may include a valuation and/or a rating of the IP asset.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 allows an IP owner to group IP assets together create an IP portfolio and marketing documents associated with the IP portfolio.
  • IP MATE 147 stores the marketing document in IP asset database 150.
  • the marketing document may be published to any user (open access publishing) of IP Marketplace 1 15, or IP Marketplace 1 15 may limit access to authorized users (controlled access publishing).
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 requests approval of the marketing document by the IP owner regardless of how the marketing document will be published. The approval may be based upon a company specific approval processes a default process or a combination.
  • Workflow engine 148 controls and tracks the approval process.
  • the approval process is iterative and interactive; for example, the IP owner may modify format and content of the marketing document during the approval process.
  • IP MATE 147 invokes logic to publish the marketing document and other data associated with the IP asset.
  • workflow engine 148 reads the work plan associated with commercializing the IP asset and performs other tasks such as activating the IP asset to be included for consideration by a matching algorithm that matches buyer requirements with IP assets.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a user interface enabling an IP owner to easily manage IP assets listed on the marketplace and track the assets' progress towards commercialization.
  • User 105 is presented with a dashboard showing the user's "commercialization projects," any associated files (e.g., IP documentation, term sheets, ratings, etc) and tasks.
  • the dashboard also presents a list of contacts to create a network related by working relationships that consist of other users (internal or service providers) that have been selected by the user.
  • the ability to create a customized network of contacts not only gives the user complete control of collaboration, it also allows complete control over sharing project information.
  • IP MATE 147 executes processes to value and rate an IP asset.
  • IP MATE 147 retrieves IP asset data associated with the IP asset.
  • the IP asset data is comprised of data elements and each data element corresponds to an IP attribute.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine a plurality of IP attributes to retrieve for the IP asset. For instance the plurality of attributes may be determined based upon a rating method, a valuation process, the inputs to a valuation model (e.g., valuation algorithm), the IP asset type, the IP owner, a country granting an IP right associated with the IP asset, the industry, the technology associated with the IP asset, etc.
  • IP MATE 147 uses the IP asset data retrieved from IP asset database 150 to determine a rating and a value for the IP asset.
  • IP Marketplace 147 may provide standardized ratings using a number of rating methods.
  • IP MATE 147 rates an IP asset based at least partially upon a comparison to a market portfolio and/an an internal portfolio.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine the internal portfolio by accessing IP asset information stored on IP asset database 150, determining a plurality of similar IP assets, and comparing attributes of the plurality of similar IP assets to the IP asset data for the IP asset being rated.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine a market portfolio by accessing an external data source, accessing a market analysis and/or obtaining an expert opinion. Ratings may be based upon an evaluation by an industry association, by experts, the reputation of an inventor associated with the IP asset and/or the reputation of the owner of the IP asset.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 enables polling (e.g., via an online survey) other marketplace participants to determine reputation of an inventor and/or an IP owner.
  • valuing an IP asset may comprise a variety of calculations, forecasts, comparisons, analysis, etc.
  • the value of a patent may be based upon determining whether any third party has, or may claim title to, the patent (e.g., if an inventor that did not properly assign the patent rights).
  • the value of a patent may depend on a title search and clean title history of the ownership rights of the patent.
  • IP MATE 147 may perform numerous valuations of an IP asset based upon, for example, an industry standard valuation model, a valuation model of the owner, a valuation model of a potential buyer, a standard valuation model for the particular technology area, etc.
  • IP MATE 147 performs valuation models based upon historical comparables. Values may be determined based upon comparable transactions. The data for the comparable transaction may come from external data sources (e.g., the internet, other IP transaction databases), from historical transaction data stored on IP asset database 150, or from a combination of the two. The valuation may be based upon a cost valuation and a utility valuation. The value may also be a range of values. In various embodiments, IP MATE 147 may individually value a number of IP assets that have been grouped into a portfolio and may also determine a value of the portfolio based upon, for example, the strategic significance of obtaining ownership rights to all the IP assets in the portfolio.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines factors associated with patent quality and produces a valuation based upon the factors.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 retrieves IP asset data from IP asset database 150, determines a plurality of factors associated with the value of the IP asset and determines, based at least partially upon the IP asset data, a valuation of the IP asset.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may obtain patent data from a government data source associated with a government authority such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"), the European Patent Office or a foreign patent governing authority.
  • USPTO United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may, for example: determine whether the inventorship on an inventor declaration is consistent with the inventorship on an application data sheet; determine whether the inventorship on an assignment document is consistent with the inventorship on an assignment document; audit a chain of title associated with the patent; determine whether maintenance fees associated with the patent are up-to-date; determine whether a claim of invalidity against the patent exists; determine whether a request for reexamination of the patent exists; identify litigation associated with the patent; determine a remaining period before the patent expires; identify licenses associated with the patent; identifying the rights granted in the licenses associated with the patent; determine, based upon patent rules of a country associated with issuing the patent, whether the claims of the patent can be amended; determine whether a duty of disclosure has been met for the patent; determine whether an information disclosure statement of the patent is cross- referenced in the file history of all patents related to the patent; determine whether a related patent application may be filed claiming priority to the patent; and/or determine whether an interference proceeding associated with a patent application was initiated, wherein the patent is
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives an inquiry from a user 105 (e.g., a potential buyer).
  • the inquiry comprises requested IP asset attributes such as price range, technology, time remaining on patent, countries/jurisdictions where the IP asset enjoys protection, number of related patents, etc.
  • IP MATE 147 determines a match between the IP asset and the requested IP asset attributes and identifies the IP asset to the buyer.
  • IP MATE 147 may search for matches on IP asset database 150 (internal search) or may search external data sources such as, for example, the Internet, proprietary databases, subscription databases and corporate databases.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may provide comprehensive matching of all available IP assets that a potential buyer may be interested in.
  • IP MATE 147 creates a list of available IP assets that match the requested IP attributes and provides the list to user 105.
  • the list presented to user 105 may show the IP asset marketing data, a category, a subject matter associated with the IP asset, an industry associated with the IP asset and a unique identifier associated with the IP asset.
  • user 105 may select an IP asset from the list of IP assets and IP MATE 147 creates a response providing more data about the selected IP asset.
  • the additional data may comprise the marketing document, a rating, a valuation, contact information of the seller, etc.
  • the marketing document is in a markup language format and a web page is dynamically created based at least partially upon data in the IP asset database.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 enable an IP owner to merchandize and catalogue an IP asset, but it also facilitates a complete IP transaction process.
  • IP marketplace 115 receives, from a buyer, an inquiry comprising requested IP asset attributes, matches an IP asset and the requested IP asset attributes and identifies the IP asset to the buyer.
  • a buyer indicates interest in purchasing or licensing the IP asset and IP MATE 147 creates a "deal room" on IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • the deal room is a virtual space, or data area on IP Marketplace 1 15 that may be dedicated to a specific IP transaction.
  • the IP owner may invite a potential buyer (or potential licensee's) into the data room to share data, tasks and milestones in an effort to streamline the deal making process.
  • the deal room enforces data permissions that may be specific to the IP transaction or to the users authorized to access the deal room.
  • IP Marketplace 115 receives a due diligence (DD) request from the buyer for additional data on the IP asset that is being considered for a transaction.
  • IP MATE 147 may automatically create (e.g., by allocating memory, creating custom interfaces, assigning permissions, etc.) the deal room and send a approval request to the IP owner to allow the buyer access to the deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 in response to a DD request, sends an approval request directly to the IP owner and, upon approval, sends the requested DD information directly to the buyer.
  • DD information may also be preauthorized for viewing by any buyer that requests it.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives a purchase request (or a buy offer) from a buyer.
  • the request may include exact terms or the request may be an indication of a willingness to enter into negotiations.
  • IP MATE 147 invokes an IP transaction workflow based upon a predefined process.
  • the predefined process may include business rules and process steps and the business rules that are either standardized by IP Marketplace 1 15 or defined by the buyer, defined by the IP owner, defined by an industry standard, etc.
  • IP MATE 147 generates, based upon a standardized IP transaction workflow, a transaction task list for a pending transaction associated with the IP asset and tracks the status of a plurality of tasks that comprise the transaction task list.
  • the IP transaction workflow dictates the timing with which certain data permissions are activated (and deactivated) for various participants (e.g. buyer, seller, valuation experts, consultants, etc.) in the IP transaction.
  • the data permissions profile for a user 105 is associated with multiple levels of data security and the levels are determined at least partially by an IP transaction workflow.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine that the buyer is permitted to view a set of documents (or a level of data) based upon a status of a negotiation between the buyer and an owner of the IP asset, the receipt of a payment (or other document) from the buyer, an approval by an owner of the IP asset, an approval of a licensee of the IP asset, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 115 enables the buyer to perform a custom valuation of the IP asset. For example, IP Marketplace 115 receives a request from the buyer for a custom valuation of the IP asset; IP MATE 147 determines the algorithm and data inputs for the custom valuation and performs the custom valuation of the IP asset.
  • IP Marketplace 115 comprises interfaces and communication functionality to facilitate online negotiation with between participants of an IP transaction.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may also include a scheduler that accesses IP asset database 150 to determine a physical meeting place that may support a "live" meeting between participants of an IP transaction.
  • membership in the IP Marketplace provides access to resources and facilities associated with the IP Marketplace.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 facilitates a referral network of service providers.
  • IP asset database 150 includes a directory of service providers and IP Marketplace 1 15 includes an interface that allows a user 105 to request a service provider.
  • IP MATE 147 may execute an algorithm to determine an appropriate service provider to match with a user 105.
  • IP Marketplace 115 also supports post-IP transaction activities such as tracking patent or trademark fees and calculating royalty payments.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 obtains transaction data defining an IP licensing transaction, analyzing the transaction data to determine royalty payment terms and facilitates collection of royalty payments based upon the royalty payment terms.
  • the IP transaction data may be retrieved from IP asset database 150 (e.g., if the transaction was facilitated by the marketplace) or may be entered by the IP owner on a user interface provided by IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • Royalty payment terms may include a payment schedule, a royalty base, a royalty calculation and a royalty report description. Based upon a schedule defined at least partially by the royalty payment terms, IP Marketplace 115 sends a royalty report reminder and/or royalty payment reminder to a licensee.
  • IP Marketplace 115 receives a licensee report associated with the IP licensing transaction.
  • IP MATE 147 analyzes the licensee report and calculates, based upon the royalty payment terms, at least one of a royalty due amount and a royalty base.
  • IP MATE 147 creates a royalty invoice and IP Marketplace 1 15 sends the invoice to the licensee.
  • IP Marketplace receives a royalty payment, notifies the IP owner of the royalty payment and, in various embodiments, verifies the amount of the royalty payment.
  • the royalty payment may be paid using an account the licensee has with IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes transaction account functionality and issues transaction accounts to its members. Royalty payments may be made by a licensee via a transaction account and IP Marketplace 1 15 may debit the licensee's account and credit an IP owner's transaction account.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 also enables automated audit of data submitted to the system.
  • IP marketplace 115 performs an automated audit of a licensee report, sends a report based upon the audit and may determine, based IP transaction data, a penalty associated with non-compliance by the licensee.
  • IP Marketplace facilitates recording an IP transaction by, for example, creating a report based upon the IP licensing transaction and sending the report to a license recording authority.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes membership accounts. IP Marketplace 1 15 may provide incentives to conduct transactions, or perform other activities via the system.
  • the incentives may include one or more of a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on a transaction account, a discount on the finance charges, a rebate on finance charges, a cash bonus, a cash-back amount, membership reward points, reduced renewal fee, achievement credit toward a future incentive, increased credit line, increased spend line, statement credit, gift vouchers, gifts, special privileges, special access passes (e.g., backstage pass).
  • APR Annual Percentage Rate
  • the incentives may be selected using a tiered incentive model.
  • an achievement credit comprises a credit or increment of a balance.
  • a discount is a reduction in the amount of finance charges accrued (or fees assessed) on the transaction account.
  • a rebate may be a refund and/or credit of a portion of finance charges accrued (or fees assessed) on the transaction account.
  • a rebate may be sent to a customer (or credited to a customer account) several months after criteria for an incentive have been satisfied.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 may provide the selected incentives to user 105 by updating its internal databases as well as communicating the incentive information to user 105 through various means known in the art. For example, IP marketplace 1 15 may adjust future billing statements of user 105, update consumer's 105 transaction account to reflect the incentives that the consumer has accrued, and/or send user 105 incentive related communication in subsequent billing statements or separately via email, facsimile or post.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables commercial transactions involving the exchange of monetary value for goods, services, or other value between remote individuals, such as users of a distributed computer network or Internet users.
  • the present invention also provides remote purchasers with means for making a secure, confidential transfer of funds; means for immediate initiation of shipment by a seller; means for releasing funds to a seller only after approval of the goods, services, or other value received from the seller; means for demonstrating proof of payment; and means for having some level of recourse against a remote seller.
  • the invention facilitates commercial transactions by suitably coordinating the transfer of financial tender from a financial account associated with a first party to a financial account associated with a second party in exchange for the transfer of an IP asset, goods, or services from a second party to a first party. Additional details are disclosed in U.S. Application Serial No. 12/242,759 entitled “Systems And Methods For Facilitating Transactions” and filed on September 30, 2008, , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • IP Marketplace 1 1 5 provides lending services and/or support to lending institution. For instance the buyer of an IP asset may want to use credit to pay for a portion of the IP transaction. IP Marketplace 1 15 enables a structural risk analysis. Outputs of a total structural risk model can be used in any business or market segment that extends credit or otherwise needs to evaluate the creditworthiness of a particular consumer. As such, the marketplace may facilitate evaluating credit risk and securing credit for its members.
  • Modeling consumer risk includes, in various embodiments, obtaining consumer data, modeling and/or processing the consumer data, and creating an output. The output may then be used to make business decisions.
  • the present invention uses a variety of data (e.g., consumer data) in conjunction with several modeling/processing procedures to assess risk.
  • a debt obligation includes any obligation a consumer has to pay a lender money. Any extension of credit from a lender to a consumer is also considered a debt obligation.
  • a debt obligation may be secured or unsecured. Secured obligations may be secured with either real or personal property.
  • a loan or a credit account are types of debt obligations.
  • a security backed by debt obligations is considered a debt obligation itself.
  • a mortgage includes a loan, typically in the form of a promissory note, secured by real property.
  • the real property may be secured by any legal means, such as, for example, via a mortgage or deed of trust.
  • a mortgage is used herein to refer to a loan secured by real property.
  • An automobile loan includes a loan, typically in the form of a promissory note, which is secured by an automobile.
  • an automobile loan is used herein to refer to a loan secured by an automobile.
  • a lender is any person, entity, software and/or hardware that provides lending services.
  • a lender may deal in secured or unsecured debt obligations.
  • a lender may engage in secured debt obligations where either real or personal property acts as collateral.
  • a lender need not originate loans but may hold securities backed by debt obligations.
  • a lender may be only a subunit or subdivision of a larger organization.
  • a mortgage holder includes any person or entity that is entitled to repayment of a mortgage.
  • An automobile loan holder is any person or entity that is entitled to repayment of an automobile loan.
  • Credit issuers may include financial services companies that issue credit to consumers.
  • a trade or tradeline includes a credit or charge vehicle typically issued to an individual consumer by a credit grantor.
  • Types of tradelines include, for example, bank loans, credit card accounts, retail cards, personal lines of credit and car loans/leases.
  • Tradeline data describes the consumer's account status and activity such as, for example, names of companies where the consumer has accounts, dates such accounts were opened, credit limits, types of accounts, balances over a period of time and summary payment histories.
  • Tradeline data is generally available for the vast majority of actual consumers.
  • Tradeline data typically does not include individual transaction data, which is largely unavailable because of consumer privacy protections.
  • Tradeline data may be used to determine both individual and aggregated consumer spending patterns, as described herein.
  • Internal data is any data a credit issuer possesses or acquires pertaining to a particular consumer. Internal data may be gathered before, during, or after a relationship between the credit issuer and the consumer. Such data may include consumer demographic data.
  • Consumer demographic data includes any data pertaining to a consumer.
  • Consumer demographic data may include consumer name, address, telephone number, email address, employer and social security number.
  • Consumer transactional data is any data pertaining to the particular transactions in which a consumer engages during any given time period.
  • Consumer transactional data may include transaction amount, transaction time, transaction vendor/merchant, and transaction vendor/merchant location.
  • Transaction vendor/merchant location may contain a high degree of specificity to a vendor/merchant.
  • transaction vendor/merchant location may include a particular gasoline filling station in a particular postal code located at a particular cross section or address.
  • transaction vendor/merchant location may include a particular web address, such as a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL"), an email address and/or an Internet Protocol ("IP”) address for a vendor/merchant.
  • URL Uniform Resource Locator
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • Transaction vendor/merchant location may also include information gathered from a WHOIS database pertaining to the registration of a particular web or IP address.
  • WHOIS databases include databases that contain data pertaining to Internet IP address registrations.
  • Transaction vendor/merchant, and transaction vendor/merchant location may be associated with a particular consumer and further associated with sets of consumers.
  • Consumer payment data includes any data pertaining to a consumer's history of paying debt obligations.
  • Consumer payment data may include consumer payment dates, payment amounts, balance amount, and credit limit.
  • Internal data may further comprise records of consumer service calls, complaints, requests for credit line increases, questions, and comments.
  • a record of a consumer service call includes, for example, date of call, reason for call, and any transcript or summary of the actual call.
  • Internal data may further comprise closed-loop data and open-loop data.
  • Closed- loop data includes data obtained from a credit issuer's closed-loop transaction system.
  • a closed-loop transaction system includes transaction systems under the control of one party. Closed-loop transaction systems may be used to obtain consumer transactional data.
  • Open- loop data includes data obtained from a credit issuer's open-loop transaction system.
  • An open-loop transaction system includes transaction systems under the control of multiple parties.
  • Credit bureau data is any data retained by a credit bureau pertaining to a particular consumer.
  • a credit bureau is any organization that collects and/or distributes consumer data.
  • a credit bureau may be a consumer reporting agency. Credit bureaus generally collect financial information pertaining to consumers.
  • Credit bureau data may include consumer account data, credit limits, balances, and payment history.
  • Credit bureau data may include credit bureau scores that reflect a consumer's creditworthiness. Credit bureau scores are developed from data available in a consumer's file, such as the amount of lines of credit, payment performance, balance, and number of tradelines. The data available in a consumer's file is used to model the risk of a consumer over a period of time using statistical regression analysis. In various embodiments, those data elements that are found to be indicative of risk are weighted and combined to determine the credit score. For example, each data element may be given a score, with the final credit score being the sum of the data element scores.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines or accesses consumer information that includes a comprehensive consumer default risk value for a consumer.
  • One method comprises obtaining consumer credit data relating to the consumer, modeling consumer spending pattern of the consumer using the consumer credit data, and calculating the comprehensive consumer default risk value for the consumer based upon the consumer credit data and the consumer spending pattern.
  • the method includes obtaining internal data relating to the consumer and further calculating comprehensive consumer default risk value for the consumer based upon the internal data.
  • determining the default risk value of the consumer may also include receiving credit bureau data related to multiple accounts of the consumer and for a previous period of time, identifying balance transfers into, or out of, those accounts, discounting any spending identified for any of the accounts for any portion of the previous period of time in which a balance transfer to such account is identified, and estimating a purchasing ability of the consumer based on the credit bureau data and the discounting.
  • the invention includes a method for facilitating earning loyalty points, wherein the loyalty points are associated with a geographic area, and the method includes: receiving purchase data; determining a geographic area related to the purchase data; determining an amount of geographic area loyalty points based on the geographic area information and purchase data; and updating the loyalty account with the geographic area loyalty points.
  • Receiving purchase data may include: receiving and storing manufacturer item identifiers; receiving and processing a consumer ID; receiving and processing purchase data, wherein the purchase data comprises a retailer item identifier; associating at least two of consumer ID, purchase data, and a manufacturer item identifier; and performing an analysis that is dependent upon the step of associating.
  • the invention also facilitates redeeming loyalty points, wherein the loyalty points are associated with a geographic area, by maintaining a database for storing geographic area loyalty points in a loyalty account corresponding to a participant; receiving a request related to a requested geographic redemption area to redeem an amount of the geographic area loyalty points; determining if the requested geographic redemption area is associated with the geographic area loyalty points; and, adjusting the loyalty account based upon the amount of geographic area loyalty points.
  • the invention further includes redeeming geographic area loyalty points in a predetermined geographic area.
  • the determination of a geographic area may be accomplished by using at least one of: zip codes, retailer identification codes, retailer item identifier, store identifier, warranty data, service establishment codes, SKU codes, UPC manufacturer codes, consumer ID, retailer ID, manufacturer ID, purchaser profile, consumer enrollment data, retailer loyalty identifier, consumer account, aggregate consumer account, consumer profile, supplementary member profile, and third party provider information.
  • Calculating the geographic area loyalty points may include using at least one of a formula, ratio, percentage, consumer level, global positioning system information, point level, retailer level, manufacturer level, and reward level.
  • the method may be implemented by an interactive, online computer system and may further include informing a consumer of the loyalty points in real-time at a point-of-sale, a suggestive sale in a geographic area, pooling, gifting and transferring the geographic area loyalty points or receiving purchase data includes receiving consumer data from a dual use transaction card. More details regarding geographic systems and loyalty point systems which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 10/708,570 entitled “Geographic Loyalty System And Method” and filed on March 1 1, 2004; U.S. Patent Application No. 10/304,251 entitled “System And Method For The Transfer Of Loyalty Points" filed on November 26, 2002, U.S. Patent No.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may offer a savings program to its members which creates discounts on transactions at specific, program-enrolled merchants and/or based upon consumer spending. In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 enables systematic and automatic discount to consumers when they use their transaction account for payment.
  • participant in the IP Marketplace may earn loyalty points, redeem loyalty points, receive advanced loyalty points and receive a cash advance associated with loyalty points.
  • loyalty accounts may be associated with executing a transaction or using a preferred service provider.
  • An exemplary system and method of the present invention is generally described, in terms of a transaction phase, a transaction authorization and settlement phase, and an account reconciliation phase.
  • a loyalty program participant e.g., a consumer desiring to spend accumulated loyalty points selects products or services for purchase from an individual merchant or a shopping/redemption network of merchants.
  • the participant may select a "pay with loyalty points" hyperlink button, thereby invoking a process to convert accumulated loyalty points to some currency value such as a credit to a participant's financial transaction account.
  • the participant After selecting a given product or service to purchase, the participant provides his or her transaction card number and the transaction is processed as with any other transaction.
  • the account manager verifies that sufficient credit is available on participant's financial transaction account and/or sufficient loyalty points are available in participant's loyalty account.
  • a charge authorization system is accessed to compare the transaction details with account information stored in the participant's loyalty account and the participant's transaction account.
  • an account participant is issued a number of advanced loyalty points to facilitate a purchase when a loyalty account balance is not sufficient to complete such a transaction.
  • an account manger uses a number of preset rules and criteria to calculate a number of points available to an account participant as an advance.
  • the account participant may subsequently utilize the advanced loyalty points to purchase goods and/or services from the account manger or any merchant that accepts the loyalty points.
  • the user is allotted a period of time for which to earn enough loyalty points to offset the loyalty point advances. If, at the end of the allotted period of time, a balance of advanced loyalty points has not been offset, then the account manager may charge the participant an amount equal to the currency value of the loyalty points at the time of the advance.
  • account manager may consider consumer information (e.g., participant and financial account attributes). These attributes may include, for example, the participant's account history, other parties responsible for the participant's account, the length of time the participant has been enrolled in the loyalty program, the product type associated with the loyalty account, the intended use of the points, and/or the like. For example, participants may be classified into tiers according to the type of financial instrument associated with the loyalty account.
  • the available points for advance may also change depending on how quickly a previous advance is replenished, or the available advance points may increase as each previously advanced point is replenished. Practitioners will appreciate that the calculation of loyalty points available for advance may be based on any number of characteristics and variables.
  • a loyalty point transaction may include a participant desiring to apply loyalty points to facilitate a particular transaction over a computerized network such as the internet: (1) uses his or her charge card number to make an online purchase, (2) associates the charge card account with a loyalty account; and (3) invokes a process to apply a currency value 7 credit (corresponding to a defined amount of loyalty points) to the participant's designated charge card account.
  • This currency value credit may offset all or part of a corresponding purchase. Therefore, loyalty points are not used to make the purchase, but may be used to offset at least part of a corresponding charge.
  • an action on IP Marketplace 1 15 is associated with a loyalty point advance or a loyalty point cash conversion.
  • the system receives a request from a consumer to exchange loyalty points for a purchase of an IP asset or to pay a service provider.
  • the system issues a loyalty point advance to the loyalty account of the consumer to facilitate the purchase.
  • a desired consumer behavior is associated with accumulating loyalty points, depleting the loyalty point account, closing the loyalty account, closing a second loyalty account, transferring loyalty points from a second loyalty account, or redeeming loyalty points.
  • the system may determine a time period during which the consumer may earn loyalty points to offset the loyalty point advance and a positive behavior reward associated with an incentive may involve offsetting at least a portion of the loyalty point advance in response to the determining the desired behavior attribute is satisfied.
  • the system charges a transaction account associated with the consumer for the amount of the purchase minus the cash value associated with the loyalty point advance. However, in response to determining the desired behavior for an incentive is satisfied, the system may reward the consumer by crediting the transaction account for the cash value associated with the loyalty point advance.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes functionality to enable opportunity, product and/or service development, evolution, refinement and funding.
  • This "Start Up Zone" (not pictured in Figure IB) area of IP Marketplace 115 may be used by an entity to organize, design, develop, showcase, receive feedback, receive expert advice, construct, fund, market and sell IP such as a digital product or a digital service (collectively, "digital product").
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a multitude of tools such as, for example, a search tool, a statistical scoring tool, an access configuration tool, an interactive assessment tool, a recommendations tool, a storage tool, a feedback tool, an expert advice tool, a web recording tool, a market research tool, a project management tool, a prototype tool, a demonstration tool, a connect and recommend tool and a mobile alert tool.
  • tools such as, for example, a search tool, a statistical scoring tool, an access configuration tool, an interactive assessment tool, a recommendations tool, a storage tool, a feedback tool, an expert advice tool, a web recording tool, a market research tool, a project management tool, a prototype tool, a demonstration tool, a connect and recommend tool and a mobile alert tool.
  • a user may access Start Up Zone and its associated tools via an online portal.
  • the tools available to the user at the online portal may be a customized set of tools.
  • the user may configure the online portal by purchasing access to tools from an ala carte menu of tools.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine the tools available to the user based upon, for example, a user subscription level, the industry, the type of user, or characteristics of the digital product. For example, IP Marketplace 1 15 may make available to the user a different set of tools if the digital product is a game, than if the digital product is a business application.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 is configured to facilitate the application of standardized processes to a product development lifecycle (e.g., for an entrepreneur). For example, IP Marketplace may configure a market research tool differently for a user that is developing a high-priced business application, than for a user who is developing a $0.99 app for use on a mobile phone.
  • the interactive assessment tool enables the application of standardized processes, assessments and evaluations to a product development effort.
  • the interactive assessment tool is used by Start Up Zone to gather standardized data regarding an opportunity, a project and/or a product or service.
  • the tool is set up with discrete steps in the product development process, such as define target segment, size market, define value proposition.
  • the tool is pre-defined with a number of questions to help the entrepreneur assess and benchmark the state of product development. The questions are both qualitative and multiple choice in nature.
  • the tool will compute the inputs from the entrepreneur to calibrate within its database and peer universe from other entrepreneur to provide guidance on the state of product development and identify areas where further research/validation would be useful to further enhance likelihood of success.
  • the search tool allows a user to find experts based upon search criteria. For example, a user may search for an expert based upon the relevance of the expert to a product being developed.
  • Start Up Zone determines a relevance score for each expert among the plurality of experts and the relevance score is at least partially based upon an industry, a skill set of the expert, a reputation of the expert, a cooperativeness factor, an effectiveness factor, a qualification and/or a location.
  • the score for the expert will incorporate the inputs from the statistical scoring tool, that will calibrate from general web content generated by the expert, level of activities/interactions with the experts on the Startup Zone, and ratings (both in terms of mean and variances) for the expert as well as the level of authority of users providing the ratings within the Startup Zone community.
  • the search tool enables the user to search for the expert based upon the relevance score, or for any of the data upon which the relevance score is based.
  • the statistical scoring tool enables a user to review and interpret feedback received regarding a digital product and/or an opportunity.
  • the statistical scoring tool may utilize any statistical scoring, forecasting, prediction or simulation method now known or later developed.
  • Feedback may include a score, a rating, an offer to purchase, an offer to invest, a recommendation, a critique, a comparison, verbal advice, written feedback, numerical feedback, etc.
  • the statistical scoring tool will balance the calibration of rankings / ratings in terms or mean, variance, size of universe, and the level of authority of those providing the ratings / rankings within the Startup Zone community.
  • the access configuration tool enables a user to specify who, when, how and what type of data other users of the Start Up Zone may be able to view about an opportunity or digital product. Permissions are configurable by the user and may be stored at the entity (e.g., user or company) or opportunity (e.g., digital product) level.
  • the Start Up Zone may enable various levels of permissions to accommodate the complex set of users, data and steps associated with a product development effort. For example, a user may wish to grant a technical expert access to technical documentation for a digital product while keeping such data/information hidden from a marketing consultant. Furthermore, an investor who is subject to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), may be granted full access to all the data stored in IP asset database 150 for a particular digital product.
  • NDA non-disclosure agreement
  • IP MATE 147 includes robust user and permissions logic. In various embodiments, upon receipt of a data request, permissions are verified by IP MATE 147 and/or a web-service invoked by IP Marketplace 1 15. Permissions may be associated with the IP documentation and other data stored for an IP asset.
  • the web recording tool enables the recording and storage of data exchanged in the Start Up Zone. For instance, the Start Up Zone may enable a user to access a product design expert via chat or instant messaging functionality. The digital data exchanged may include text, audio (e.g., voice), graphics, video etc.
  • the web recording tool enables a user to record the data offered by the expert.
  • the web recording tool is also configured to allow the user to associate notes, tags and other data to the recorded data, in order to enhance the organization and usability of the recorded data.
  • the market research tool is an interactive tool that leverages the traditional market research methodologies (e.g. focus group, survey, conjoint analysis) to help entrepreneurs to a) identify which methodology is more appropriate, b) design the study, c) seek inputs from experts regarding design, administration, and analysis; d) interpret study results.
  • the tool will also showcase sample studies and analysis.
  • the project management tool enables users to schedule, manage, track and/or assign tasks.
  • the tool also enables a user to track milestones, send status reports and receive status reports.
  • the project management tool includes a facility to draft, review and modify notes regarding various activities, tasks, ideas and events. The tracking of milestones can also be presented to a potential investor or a client.
  • the prototype tool is specifically designed to help entrepreneurs who have completed the initial steps of product development (such as define segment, size market, define value proposition).
  • This tool will define steps to build a prototype in a systematic fashion (e.g. draft design, design architecture, define generation 1 functionalities, test).
  • the tool maps out the "how to" recommendations with features that allow the users to solicit feedback and validation from experts and potential customers.
  • the demonstration tool will host and present the prototype to potential investors and customers with the milestones from the market research tool, prototype tool, and tournament results. It will allow potential investors and clients to evaluate various prototypes with metrics from the tournament, market research tool and prototype tool with additional context in the product development cycle.
  • the connect and recommend tool provides social networking functionality in the Start Up Zone. For example, users can search for and connect to each other and send and receive feedback, advice and recommendations from the online community. Users can send links to another user to connect with a member in his/her online network with specific information about the nature of engagement, areas of mutual interest, and provide an introduction for the two parties. The user can also define and solicit the type of members he/she wants to connect with. The tool will recommend members from the online community and the shortest way to connect with these recommended members leveraging the user's existing network of contacts within the Startup Zone.
  • the mobile alert tool enables an alert to be automatically generated and sent to a user.
  • the alert may comprise an email, a text message, a phone call and/or an indicator on the user's online portal.
  • the mobile alert may be triggered by any event captured by the Start Up Zone.
  • the Start Up Zone recognizes a connection to the user's product page, a download of a product and/or receipt of a recommendation, a score, or feedback.
  • a mobile alert may be generated by the project management tool (e.g., upon the completion of a task, to alert a scheduled item, etc.).
  • the Start Up Zone enables a user to enter information regarding an opportunity, such as for example, a digital product.
  • the information may be entered according to a standardized process.
  • Start Up Zone presents a first question in a template, where the template includes fields which request standardized data for assessing the standardized product.
  • the Start Up Zone receives a response to the first question and the first response is stored in IP asset database 150 as standardized data associated with the opportunity.
  • the Start Up Zone or one of its components determines a second question based at least partially upon the response to the first question.
  • the Start Up Zone may determine from the response to the first question that the user is an entrepreneur and formulate a second question in order to determine what stage of the product life cycle the product is in.
  • the Start Up Zone configures an online portal for the user that provides a plurality of tools to the user.
  • the Start Up Zone may acquire (e.g. via user input) opportunity data such as, for example, a title, a description, a product image, and/or a link to product information.
  • the Start Up Zone may validate the opportunity data based upon predefined rules.
  • the user may provide a digital upload of the digital product to the Start Up Zone.
  • the Start Up Zone may also determine based upon the product and/or based upon the interactive assessment process, a standard set of processes for developing the product.
  • the Start Up Zone may create a marketing package, a demonstration or a web page at least partially based upon at least one of the opportunity and the digital product.
  • the Start Up Zone may receive feedback associated with a product, a project, etc from a user.
  • the user may be, for example, a member of the online community (e.g. an inventor or entrepreneur), a service provider (e.g., a consultant, a lawyer or an expert), a product tester or an investor.
  • the Start Up Zone may also allow a user to request and download a digital product.
  • a user may be a product tester or a potential customer that downloads a digital product and uses it for a period of time.
  • the user may provide a product evaluation of the product.
  • the Start Up Zone may determine a product score for the digital product.
  • the product score is determined, in various embodiments, based upon a number of downloads of the digital product, a usage duration of the digital product and/or a product evaluation of the digital product.
  • the Start Up Zone may provide a user with various methods to receive assessments and advice regarding a product, a service, a project, or a task involved with developing any of these.
  • the Start Up Zone may include a search tool that enables a user to identify an expert and receive feedback from the expert.
  • the expert may be an industry expert, a member of the media, a judge in a product tournament and/or an investor.
  • choosing an expert that may be relevant to the user is based upon expert rating databases, qualifications, peer ratings, industry knowledge and/or experience.
  • the Start Up Zone may determine a relevance score for the expert.
  • the relevance score includes an expertise score and a cooperativeness score.
  • the cooperativeness may indicate, for example, how easily others that have relied on the services of the expert were able to contact the expert and/or whether the expert was able to provide relevant and/or timely feedback.
  • the Start Up Zone may also provide a marketplace for offering expert and/or consulting services and determining a price for those services.
  • pricing for an expert may be a flat rate, a metered (e.g., by the minute) rate or a price determined based upon an auction.
  • Start Up Zone enables a user (e.g., entrepreneur) to bid on the services of an expert (or a number of experts) and/or have experts bid to provide a service.
  • an expert may provide feedback in a variety of ways.
  • feedback may include a score, a rating, an offer to purchase, an offer to invest, a recommendation, a critique and/or a comparison.
  • feedback is given interactively, for example, in an online meeting or chat session.
  • the Start Up Zone may aid entrepreneurs and/or facilitate the development and identification of desirable or high quality products by conducting a product tournament.
  • Start Up Zone may identify products eligible for a tournament, while in various embodiments, entrepreneurs may opt-in to a tournament.
  • a plurality of judges may download, use, rate, score and/or provide feedback for a digital product.
  • Tournaments may be scored based upon formal feedback of judges or based upon unstructured feedback of a crowd. For instance, tournaments may be scored based upon a crowd-sourcing feedback model.
  • Tournament judges may also include, for example, investors, industry experts, consumers and an appointed panel.
  • Tournaments may include one or more rounds.
  • Start Up Zone determines the score of a digital product for a first round of the tournament. Determining the score may be based upon at least one of a number of downloads of the first digital product, a usage duration of the first digital product, a product evaluation of the first digital product, and/or a ranking of the first digital product.
  • Start Up Zone applies a predetermined scoring algorithm to aggregate a plurality of scores received from the plurality of tournament judges. For a multi-round tournament, Start Up Zone may determine the winners of the first round and those winners advance to a second round. Prizes may be awarded for participating, scoring above a certain level, advancing to a subsequent round and/or winning a tournament.
  • a prize may include, for example, a credit toward the Start Up Zone online portal and the use of the plurality of tools provided by the Start Up Zone.
  • a tournament participant may have the opportunity to modify or enhance a product during the tournament. For example, based upon feedback received during the first round of a tournament, a participant may develop a second version of a digital product which will be judged during the second round of the tournament.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a variety of channels in an "IP Channel Guide" that may be useful to a user in commercializing an IP asset and/or an IP portfolio.
  • a channel may include tools, interfaces and third party service provider linkages for IP portfolios, IP assets, companies, industries, etc.
  • a channel may be, for example, an internal tool, relevant content, a service provided by IP Marketplace 115, an external tool, a third party service, a partner website, and/or the like.
  • a channel may have many subchannels associated with the channel. The subchannels may vary depending upon a myriad of factors such as, for example, the user, IP assets associated with the user, a workflow associated with the user and or IP assets, a user's channel usage, a user's IP portfolio, etc.
  • Content provided via channels and subchannels may include, for example, specific technologies that exist or are being developed; the companies, research centers, incubators, technology centers and universities that have created or are developing the technologies; the service providers specializing in a certain technology, market or industry; the experts in a field; buyers, investors, sellers and licensees in the field and what they are looking for, and the like.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 For example, a member of the licensing department for a large biotech company may use IP Marketplace 1 15 to develop the commercialization strategy for an IP portfolio.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 presents channels, tools and service providers that "make sense” based upon what IP Marketplace 1 15 "knows" about the user, the user's company, their IP assets and portfolios, inventor information, previous IP commercialization efforts, and/or the like.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables an organization to focus on the commercialization effort and allows the organization to expand their marketing and distribution outreach and to find out about and access IP tools that may have not been known to the organization.
  • IP Channel Guide groups channels into channel groupings. For example, IP MATE 147 determines that a company owns a number of IP assets in a particular industry that have not been commercialized (e.g., licensed) and determines a customized grouping of channels that may be of interest to the company. IP Channel Guide is an online user interface. In various embodiments, access to channels and channel groupings may vary depending upon the user profile. For example, some users may have access to all or any portion of the functionality of IP Marketplace 1 15, to channels only, to marketing channels only, and/or the like. In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 provides a variety of interfaces that present channel groupings in an IP Channel Guide interface.
  • the IP Channel Guide and/or associated data is an expert information system.
  • the IP Channel Guide includes at least two types of content: people/players and technology or intellectual property.
  • the people/players may be, for example, service providers, intermediaries, investors, buyers, sellers, and/or experts (e.g., technical, marketing, financing, legal, etc.).
  • technology includes, for example, a report, a description, a disclosure and/or an analysis associated with a technology area, a technology group and/or an industry.
  • IP Channel content may be assessed for and/or associated with a relevancy factor. Relevance may be an indicator of the usefulness, currency, significance, importance, weight, relevance and/or applicability of content.
  • Such relevance data may be represented, quantified, signified and/or codified by a credential.
  • a credential may be associated with IP Channel data via expert review or rating that indicates, for example, the accuracy of the technical information and/or a quality rating of a tool.
  • Credentials may also be determined based upon collaborative or community feedback; e.g., a seller that is rated by previous buyers, a technology that is rated via a survey, etc.
  • IP MATE 147 may automatically and/or continuously evaluate and/or update a credential of an IP asset or an IP Marketplace Entity (e.g. a seller) based upon information entered and/or uploaded into the system.
  • an IP asset may receive different credentials based upon one or more of whether: a complete description is entered, there are expert reviews of associated technology, a valuation has been performed, etc.
  • Channel Guide data may be filtered and/or sorted by a relevance factor and/or credential.
  • a user may search for companies that are involved in financial industry IP.
  • the IP Channel Guide may sort the resulting companies based upon a credential that takes into account one or more of the number of patents awarded to the company, the amount of money in the company's research and development budget, the number of customers that use a particular technology, etc.
  • sorting may be based upon a single credential or may be based upon an aggregate of one or more credentials.
  • IP MATE 147 retrieves user profile data from user database 140.
  • the user profile data may include, for example, company information, a company hierarchy, partner and affiliate information, transaction data, associated buyers, associated sellers, associated inventors, an industry, a technology, a commercialization strategy, business rules, and/or a commercialization workflow.
  • IP MATE 147 retrieves IP asset data, based upon the user profile data, from an intellectual property (IP) asset database.
  • IP MATE 147 may determine channels and channel grouping based upon the user profile data, the IP asset data and/or other configuration data.
  • IP Channel Guide may be any graphical user interface and employ any user interface style, theme and/or strategy.
  • IP Marketplace 115 includes a channel customization tool that enables a user, company and/or other entity to define, customize and/or personalize a channel interface. For example, a user views the channel guide and identifies a channel that is not being used (e.g., an "empty" channel). The user clicks on the unused channel and the system prompts the user to enter information to configure the channel; i.e. "new channel parameters.” For example, configuration information may include the URL associated with the channel, a category to associate with the channel, etc.
  • the new channel parameters comprise at least one of a category, a favorite list, a link, a uniform resource locator (URL), a customized web page, a social networking web site, a priority order, a channel sponsor, a color, a logo, a graphic, a description, and an extensible markup language (XML) file.
  • Marketplace 1 15 saves the new channel parameters and configures the channel guide interface based upon the new channel parameters.
  • the IP Channel Guide may include one or more of customized channel groupings, access to internal company tools, features of the company's IP portfolios, and/or the like.
  • a company may configure the IP Channel Guide to be at least partially determined and driven by a workflow.
  • the channel interface may be standardized based upon a company's IP commercialization workflow. If an IP asset or portfolio is in a particular commercialization stage, the company may wish to present users (e.g., the licensing staff) with a particular set of channels and/or may choose to group the channels in a particular manner.
  • Another example of channels being at least partially determined or suggested by a workflow are "proactive" or "smart" recommendations.
  • IP MATE 147 may present channels to a user based upon a particular stage and/or based upon an event. For example, a user that acquires patents may be automatically presented with channels for patent annuity providers. A second example is during the IP disclosure and approval process. Depending upon, for example, the type of inventor involved and/or the type of IP assets being disclosed, IP MATE 147 may determine channels to include in the IP Channel Guide. In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 may use a defined workflow to, for example, determine channel search results, prioritize channel search results, determine subchannels, present channel suggestions to the user, and/or the like.
  • Marketplace 1 15 may determine that a user owns (or is associated with) an IP asset that has been offered for sale but has not received many bids from potential buyers. Based upon the workflow of an IP commercialization strategy, IP Marketplace 115 may determine channels that are relevant to the current state of the IP asset and recommend the channels to the user. In various embodiments, the subchannels associated with a channel may vary depending upon a workflow associated with a user, an IP portfolio and/or an IP asset.
  • IP Channel Guide channel groupings may present channels in any order or priority.
  • IP MATE 147 determines the channels that are most relevant, most effective, most useful, and/or most popular and emphasizes those channels (e.g., on the top of the list, with different fonts or colors and/or in a separate portion of the channel interface).
  • Channels may be predefined (e.g., through a configuration or channel registration process) in IP Marketplace 1 15 and channels may also be identified by IP Marketplace 1 15 in real time; for example, IP MATE 147 may execute a search of external data sources and/or the internet to identify marketing or distribution channels and other tools that may be relevant to a user.
  • channel providers register a channel with IP Marketplace 1 15 via a channel registration interface. The interface enables the channel provider to define the capabilities of the channel and to associate the channel with categories and subcategories.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables search functionality.
  • a user may search for channels based upon a myriad of channel parameters, content, characteristics and stored metadata regarding the channels.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may provide a channel search interface where the user may enter search criteria.
  • search criteria may not be received via a channel search interface and may be received via, for example, an API, a web request, an XML file, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives a channel search request and searches based upon the channel search request, channel data to determine search results.
  • the search results may comprise channels, subchannels, service provider advertisements, a grouped set of channels, etc.
  • the channel data comprises at least one of channel metadata, channel registration data, channel attributes and channel content.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 presents the search results to the user in a search results interface to the user.
  • the search results interface is similar to the IP cannel guide interface.
  • the search request may comprise a keyword search, a parameter based search or a semantic search.
  • IP Marketplace 115 may perform word sense disambiguation on the search request in order to generate more relevant and/or accurate search results.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 also provides the ability to drill down or view more specific data from its various interfaces.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 presents the search result to the user in a search results interface or the channel guide interface.
  • the system is configured to facilitate receiving first input from the user.
  • the system presents additional data based upon the first input.
  • the additional data may be channel content and/or a list of subchannels associated with a channel that the user clicked on.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 presents search results in a priority order based upon a user's indication that the channel is a favorite channel.
  • Favorite channels may also be configured to stand out in the various interfaces using enhanced formatting such as varying colors or highlighting, varying font and font size and placing a logo, icon or other indicator by the favorite channel.
  • favorite channels or favorite subchannels may be displayed to the user as a result of the user drilling down.
  • the list of subchannels displayed to a user in response to the user selecting a channel may be a prioritized list based upon user favorite channels, sponsorship of the channels, channel rating, channel relevancy, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 employs different methods to determine and present channels that may be relevant to a user. IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine relevant channels based upon several different factors and may combine the relevant channels into a set channels targeted toward the user. IP marketplace 1 15 may then present the targeted channels to the user in the channel guide interface. In various embodiments, IP marketplace 1 15 may limit channel searches to a user's targeted channels and/or may list the targeted channels in an enhanced format or priority sort order when presenting the results of a user search. In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 determines an IP portfolio associated with a user and determines, based upon the IP portfolio, a first plurality of channels. The first plurality of channels is associated with the IP portfolio.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 analyzes the IP portfolio to determine a plurality of factors associated with the IP portfolio and determines a community recommendation based upon community knowledge and at least one of the user, the IP portfolio or the plurality of factors.
  • the community recommendation comprises a second plurality of channels.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 obtains IP transaction data associated with a user and determines a third plurality of channels based upon the IP transaction data.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines an industry associated with the user and determines a fourth plurality of channels based upon the industry.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 combines the first plurality of channels, the second plurality of channels, the third plurality of channels and the fourth plurality of channels to create targeted channels for the user.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables filtering of IP Channel Guide data. Filtering may occur automatically or in response to a user initiated command.
  • a user's (or other entity such as the company with which the user is associated) preferences are stored in user database 140 and the preferences may specify the amount and/or type of information that the user wishes to see and/or wishes not to see. For example, a user may save preferences indicating that the user wishes to see only nontechnical data regarding an IP asset.
  • the user accesses the IP Channel Guide and the Channel Guide interface filters off technical (e.g. drawings, specifications, claims, prosecution history, etc.) data. A user may specify the amount of information that the user wishes to view.
  • an IP Channel Guide interface presents a control (e.g.
  • a drop down list that enables the user to specify the level of detail that is presented in the IP Channel Guide interface.
  • a user may obtain a list of channels relevant to the biotech industry and may toggle a button on the IP Channel Guide interface.
  • the system may filter away all but summary level data.
  • the IP Channel Guide also enables a scrolling presentation of data. For example, as a result of a user drilling down or executing a search, the number of resultant channels (e.g. channels, subchannels, tools, etc.) may be far too numerous to fit on a screen. IP Channel Guide presents a first number of channels on the screen and then may enable a separate user interface control that enables the user to scroll through the entire list of relevant channels (e.g., the first number plus all remaining results). In various embodiments, the order in which channels are displayed, in the Channel Guide list and/or in the scrolling control, may be determined randomly, based upon sponsorship (e.g., paid sponsorship), relevance, credibility, user preference, alphabetical, recency (e.g. most recently accessed or used), etc.
  • sponsorship e.g., paid sponsorship
  • relevance e.g., credibility
  • user preference e.g. most recently accessed or used
  • IP Channel Guide may present channels based upon an agreement between a service provider and IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • a provider of IP valuation tools may have an agreement with IP Marketplace 115 that the provider's tools will be prioritized over other valuation tools.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may emphasize an IP trading platform in the IP Channel Guide because the trading platform may provide IP marketplace 1 15 with a commission for transactions that occur as a result of a referral from IP marketplace 1 15.
  • IP MATE 147 includes a channel agreement workflow and/or IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a channel agreement interface.
  • the channel agreement workflow defines a process by which the IP Marketplace and a channel provider negotiate terms of a channel agreement.
  • IP MATE 147 automatically registers the channel and configures the IP Channel Guide based upon a channel agreement for the channel.
  • an intellectual property (IP) marketplace system comprises a network interface communicating with a memory, the memory that stores a computer program and communicates with a processor for IP commercialization.
  • the processor when executing the computer program receives from a channel provider, a negotiation request associated with a first channel and parses the negotiation request into a plurality of negotiation parameters.
  • the system determines a first response based upon the negotiation parameters and sends the first response to the channel provider.
  • the system receives an acceptance of the first response from the channel provider and, in response to the receiving the acceptance, displays the first channel in a channel guide interface of the IP marketplace system.
  • the system determines first channel agreement terms based upon at least one of the negotiation request, negotiation parameters, the first response, the acceptance and the channel.
  • the system saves a channel agreement based upon the first channel agreement terms.
  • the system generates the channel guide interface based upon the first channel agreement tenns.
  • the terms comprise at least one of a request or requirement for at least of when to display the first channel, how to display the first channel, customers for which the first channel is to be displayed, a first channel priority, and a channel grouping.
  • the automated negotiation enabled by the IP Marketplace 1 15 includes first responses based upon a predetermined rule.
  • a rule may be associated with a category associated with the first channel, a pricing plan, a tiered pricing plan, an existing channel agreement, and a channel usage estimate.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes logic (e.g. IP MATE 147) to track a channel statistic associated with the first channel.
  • a channel statistic may include, for example, channel usage volume, channel rating, channel usage type, channel usage frequency and channel feedback.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 automatically generates statistics based upon, for example, the user searching on or selecting a channel or subchannel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may compile (or otherwise calculate or determine) a statistic associated with the user, a channel, a subchannel, IP asset associated with the user. For example, IP Marketplace 1 15 may calculate a statistic as a frequency of channel usage based upon a presentation of a channel in the channel guide interface. IP Marketplace 1 15 may generate a report based upon the first channel statistic. For example, IP Marketplace 1 15 may generate an invoice showing negotiated terms and a calculation of a commission based upon the terms. With reference now to Figure 4. in various embodiments. IP Channel Guide includes a marketing screen. Asset description 405 identifies and describes an IP asset that is available for sale, license and/or other exploitation.
  • Asset description 405 may refer to an individual IP asset (e.g., a patent) or a grouping of IP assets (e.g., an IP portfolio).
  • the channel guide may be scrolling and/or color-coded.
  • the channel guide may comprise a plurality of IP channels 410.
  • the IP channels may comprise at least four high level categories 420; for example, Services 425, 3rd Party Channels 430, Tools 435 and Buyers 440.
  • the Services 425 category includes sub-categories 445 such as service providers (e.g., law firms, valuation companies, IP consultants and the like).
  • the 3rd Party Channels 430 include 3rd party platforms, exchanges and the like through which IP and/or technology can be bought, sold, licensed and/or otherwise exploited.
  • Tools 435 may include applications, systems and processes that facilitate IP commercialization including, for example, workflow processes, marketing, publishing, sales, research, negotiation and post transaction activities.
  • Buyers 440 include companies, individuals, collaborative groups, pools and others seeking to buy, license and/or gain rights to IP and technology.
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a category view in the IP Channel Guide.
  • Each sub-category 445 may also be selected and viewed in the IP Channel Guide. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the user selects the Legal sub-category in the Services category and IP MATE 147 generates a list of law firms (and legal-related firms) and displays the list on an interface. Sub-categories may be color-coded in the same manner as categories.
  • the IP Channel Guide may be launched from any screen/interface within IP Marketplace 1 15 including from any phase in the workflow process.
  • the channel guides shown in Figures 5-6 may be launched from the marketing interface shown in Figure 4.
  • the IP Channel Guide may also be configured as a default page that a user sees upon entering the IP Zone application.
  • the IP Channel Guide is simultaneously launched with the marketing interface, appearing in an appropriately sized window and located anywhere on the viewing screen.
  • the full IP Channel Guide screen may appear and may automatically start scrolling from the top of the guide beginning at IP Channel 0001.
  • the user selects a channel and is provided with a full description of the channel and the opportunity to access and/or link to a service provider, a 3rd Party Channel, a tool and/or buyer(s).
  • the IP Channel Guide interfaces are not limited to those illustrated in Figures 5-6.
  • IP assets may be associated with each other into various portfolios.
  • Portfolio groupings are associations and not necessarily exclusive groupings.
  • an IP asset may be associated with zero, one or many portfolios depending upon the factors that are used to define a portfolio.
  • portfolios may be associated with other portfolios.
  • Portfolios may be user or system defined.
  • a user e.g. a company
  • IP MATE 147 defines a portfolio based upon factors associated with a user. Factors may vary widely based upon the type of user; e.g., whether the user is an inventor, an executive at a corporation that owns multiple IP portfolios, a potential buyer, a service provider, a broker, and/or the like.
  • IP MATE 147 determines factors based upon various data such as data stored in IP asset database 150, a user profile, a company profile, IP asset data, external databases and the like. Factors may include any data that may be associated with any entity. Such factors may include a commercialization strategy, a commercialization stage, a legal status, an owner, an inventor, a portfolio type, an IP asset type, an asset valuation, an asset rating, a portfolio valuation, a portfolio rating, an industry, a technology, a IP asset transaction history associated with an owner, an interest level of a potential buyer, an IP acquisition strategy of a potential buyer, an IP transaction history of a potential buyer and/or a service provider incentive.
  • a computer-based method for IP commercialization includes determining an IP portfolio (or an individual IP asset) associated with the user. For example, based upon the user's profile and other configuration information, IP MATE 147 determines whether the user is associated with customized (e.g. user defined) IP portfolios and also may determine logical IP asset groupings (system defined portfolios). IP MATE 147 determines a plurality of factors associated with the IP portfolio and, based upon the factors, determines channels to present to the user. For example, an IP portfolio may include a number of IP assets that would be suitable for licensing under a unit license right model and IP MATE 147 may determine that IP trading platform may be an IP commercialization channel that the IP owner may want to consider.
  • IP portfolio or an individual IP asset associated with the user. For example, based upon the user's profile and other configuration information, IP MATE 147 determines whether the user is associated with customized (e.g. user defined) IP portfolios and also may determine logical IP asset groupings (system defined portfolios). IP MATE 147 determine
  • IP MATE 147 may determine that a number of attributes or data elements for one or more of the IP assets in an IP portfolio are missing or incomplete. In this case, IP MATE 147 may suggest various tools that assist the IP owner in characterizing, developing, rating and valuing the IP assets in order to develop a more robust characterization of the IP assets.
  • IP MATE 147 groups the channels into channel groupings and presents the channels to the user in a user interface.
  • a user may be presented with multiple screens or interfaces (e.g. in a tab user interface format).
  • a user may be presented with a channel grouping for every IP portfolio associated with the user.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may group channels in any manner; e.g., based upon user preference, company policy, predefined system settings, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 is configured with default groupings (e.g., categories) for channels.
  • one interface provided by IP Marketplace 1 15 may resemble the channel guide interface of a television content provider (e.g. a cable television provider).
  • a default interface may show channels grouped by industry, technology, service provider type, IP asset type, etc.
  • channels within the groupings may be sorted or prioritized in any manner.
  • Channels may also be filtered by IP Marketplace 1 15. For example, IP Marketplace 1 15 may rate the channels based upon relevancy and only present channels with a relevancy rating above a certain threshold. In various embodiments, relevancy ratings are over-ridden by other factors such as preferred partner agreements.
  • a low relevance rating that would normally render a channel such that it would not be presented to a user may be nonetheless presented to the user, if a service provider associated with the channel has paid to have the channel shown to the user.
  • considerations as preferred partner agreements are automatically factored into the relevancy rating algorithm.
  • IP Channel Guide allows a user to choose a channel.
  • IP Marketplace 115 receives input from the user indicating a selection of a channel and IP Marketplace 1 15 initiates a software program (e.g., a opens a website, runs a program on the user client machine, etc.) associated with the channel. Some channels or tools may allow IP Marketplace 1 15 to send data associated with the user and or the IP assets.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines interface parameters associated with the channel and retrieves data (e.g. from IP asset database 150). IP Marketplace 1 15 makes the retrieved data available to the channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives data from a channel.
  • a patent valuation tool may return various data regarding the value of a patent.
  • data is received from a channel based upon a preconfigured interface, and in various embodiments the data interface between IP Marketplace 1 15 and a channel is dynamic.
  • the channel may return XML describing the data that is returned to the marketplace.
  • a marketing channel may assist IP owners in identifying potential buyers for the owners' IP assets.
  • a user may wish to utilize the channel's services and click on the channel from IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine the type of data that the marketing channel may need in order to most effectively identify potential buyers.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may invoke an application programming interface (API) or read XML and determine that the channel recommends that portfolios be based upon a certain technology grouping in order to achieve the best results for the channel. Based upon this information, IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine an appropriate IP portfolio to share with the channel, retrieve the data associated with the portfolio and invoke a software program associated with the channel sending the IP asset data to the software.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may help negotiate data requirements between the channel and the user. For example, a channel may request detailed IP asset data that the user may not necessarily be ready or willing to share. IP Marketplace 1 15 may prompt the user on a data element by data element (or asset by asset) basis to determine which data the user wishes to be sent to the marketing channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a software module configured to invoke a survey or otherwise solicit feedback from a user regarding a channel. Feedback data regarding channels is stored (e.g., in IP Asset Database 150) by IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • the various interfaces of IP Channel Guide may include feedback data, rankings or other information regarding the usefulness, accuracy, relevancy, effectiveness etc. of a channel.
  • credits, loyalty points, a commission, a bounty and/or other forms of value may be awarded by a channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 maintains a rewards program whereby a user may accumulate points based upon usage (or other interaction) with various service provider through the channels. IP Marketplace 1 15 may earn a commission or bounty for referral of a customer to a partner via the channel interface. 2014/014777
  • Commissions or bounties may be based upon any event, calculation and/or model agreed to between IP Marketplace 1 15 and the service provider.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a channel registration interface that enables service providers to register channels with the marketplace.
  • the channel registration interface enables the service provider to characterize the services provided by the channel, identify customer and/or IP assets of interest to the service provider, define rewards and/or commissions and negotiate incentives between IP Marketplace 1 15 for offering and prioritizing the channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives a channel registration request and notifies an approver of the channel registration request.
  • the approver may be any entity, software, hardware and/or human user.
  • Marketplace 1 15 receives an approval of the channel registration request and saves the channel.
  • saving the channel may include parsing the channel registration request (and other data) to determine channel parameters such as, for. example, a category, a favorite list, a link, a uniform resource locator (URL), a customized web page, a social networking web site, a priority order, a channel sponsor, a color, a logo, a graphic, a description, and an extensible markup language (XML) file.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 displays the channel along with a plurality of channels in the channel guide interface.
  • IP Marketplace 115 configures the channel guide interface based upon the channel guide parameters.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables a user to request a channel. For example, a user may execute a search for a channel, information or a service, and IP Marketplace 1 15 may not provide any results at all or may not provide results that the user considers useful or relevant. The user may then enter, via a channel request interface, a request for a new channel. IP Marketplace 1 15 receives the request and analyzes it. In response, IP Marketplace 1 15 may conduct an automated search in order to determine if there are any channels that may be relevant to the user's new channel request. In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 may send out a request for a service provider to provide a new channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives a service provider acceptance of the new channel request and parses the service provider information in order to determine service provider attributes for the new channel. IP Marketplace 1 15 may parse, validate and/or confirm the service provider attributes and may test, rate, and/or evaluate the attributes (e.g., by establishing a channel relevancy or rating). IP Marketplace 115 saves the new channel and makes it available to Marketplace 1 15 users.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 comprises a plurality of application programming interfaces (APIs). The APIs enable IP Marketplace 1 15 to interface with various systems (e.g. a third party application). API specifications may be open or proprietary.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a plurality of API's enabling third party or external applications to access the services of the marketplace and to build their own integrated channels.
  • a channel API enables a channel provider the ability to define and configure a channel
  • a deal API enables a buyer to invoke the negotiation workflow of IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • a user e.g. a channel provider
  • may build custom applications a.k.a., "apps" that access the capabilities of IP Marketplace 1 15 via APIs.
  • APIs may include, for example, a channel registration API, a channel configuration API, a channel output API, a channel promotion API, a channel integration API and a channel negotiation API.
  • IP Marketplace 115 enables the operator of a channel to configure and offer promotions via the IP Marketplace.
  • a company that runs a valuation channel may wish to increase usage of their service.
  • the company may configure a promotion on IP Marketplace 1 15 such that the terms of the promotion are advertised to IP Marketplace 1 15 users.
  • Promotions may be configured via a promotions configuration interface and/or via a channel promotion API.
  • IP Marketplace 115 receives a promotion setup request and parses the request into promotion parameters. Promotion parameters may include for example, criteria for whom the promotion is offered to, criteria for the timing of the promotion, a reward associated with a promotion, criteria for qualifying for the reward, etc.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 associates promotion parameters with one or more channels and saves the promotion (e.g. to a promotion database).
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine system entities (e.g. a user, a company, an IP Owner, an IP asset and an IP portfolio) that comply with first promotional criteria (as identified in the promotion parameters) and send a notice of the promotion to such entities.
  • sending the notice may include sending a promotion solicitation via an email message, a link, a uniform resource locator (URL), a customized web page, a social networking web site, an app, a text message and a mobile application.
  • users that are being offered a promotion receive notice of the promotion via the channel guide interface. For example, the channel associated with the interface may be displayed with an indicator (e.g.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables integration among and between different channels. IP Marketplace 1 15 may define, track, coordinate and/or enforce interface requirements for channel input and output. Thus, IP Marketplace 1 15 enables, for example, the user to access a first channel and use the first channel output as an input to a second channel. This functionality enhances the value to the user of the channels available in IP Marketplace 1 15 as the user may use the advice and tools from multiple channels to build a database of analysis or other relevant data that can be used as input for further analysis and/or data sharing with other service providers via their respective channels. In various embodiments, such integration may be enabled by a channel integration API.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine channels to display in the channel guide interface based upon a community recommendation, a channel relevancy and/or a channel effectiveness.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes social networking aspects that allow the community of users in the marketplace to network, collaborate and share information regarding resources (e.g., channels), best practices and the like.
  • IP Marketplace 115 determines an IP portfolio associated with a user and analyzes the IP portfolio to determine a plurality of factors associated with the IP portfolio.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may mine the various internal and external data sources to create "community knowledge" that may be relevant to a user, IP assets, portfolios, a company, a technology, an industry and channels offered in the IP marketplace.
  • community knowledge represents an aggregation of an data, feedback and/or results from a variety of users or other data sources.
  • community knowledge may include, for a plurality of users, IP transaction histories, IP transaction size, IP transaction frequency, demographics, IP asset types, industry, company size, technology, marketing plan and IP marketplace strategy.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines a community recommendation based upon community knowledge and identifies one or more channels to show on the channel guide of the user. IP marketplace 1 15 continuously updates and refines community knowledge based upon, for example a survey, a channel rating, a transaction history, an expert rating, a contest and/or an award received by a channel. Determining the community recommendation may include use of at least one of deductive logic, inferential analysis, forecasting and artificial intelligence. In various embodiments, the user approves channels before they are included in the channel guide. IP Marketplace 1 1 5 may determine a category, a presentation style or a sort order for a channel based upon community knowledge.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may also determine whether, how and/or when to display a channel in a channel guide interface based upon a channel relevancy and/or a channel effectiveness (e.g., as represented by a channel rating). In various embodiments, IP Marketplace 1 15 determines a user, a channel relevancy for a channel and decides based upon the channel relevancy, whether to include the channel in a channel guide interface associated a user. IP Marketplace 1 15 may also analyze the channel (or data associated with the first channel) to determine a channel effectiveness of the channel. IP marketplace may configure the channel differently based upon the channel effectiveness. For example, the channel may be manually or automatically included in a favorites channel list. The channel may also be automatically included in a favorites channel list based on a certain rule or condition (e.g., if the channel effectiveness is above a certain threshold). The channels in the list of favorites may be the only channels appearing in the guide, upon being selected.
  • a channel effectiveness e.g., as represented by a channel rating
  • the channel relevancy may be based upon an IP asset of the first user and/or an analysis of similar users. Similar users may be determined, for example using a clustering algorithm or other statistical, inferential or numerical method. In various embodiments, the clustering algorithm is based upon at least one of transaction histories, user profile data, industry data, company profile data, portfolio analysis and service providers.
  • Channel relevancy may also be determined based upon a marketplace strategy, a marketplace stage, a legal status, an owner, an inventor, a portfolio type, an IP asset type, a valuation, a rating, an industry, a technology, a IP asset transaction history associated with an owner, an interest level of a potential buyer, an IP acquisition strategy of a potential buyer, an IP transaction history of a potential buyer, service provider incentive and a service description of the channel.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines a channel rating and/or a channel relevancy for a channel.
  • the channel may be one of a plurality of channels each of which represent, for example, an IP asset distribution channel, a product distribution channel, an IP asset marketing channel, a service provider tool and/or an IP analysis tool.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may include a channel in a channel guide interface based upon its channel rating or relevancy and may include the channel in channel search results based partially or completely on the channel rating, the channel relevancy or both.
  • the channel search request interface may allow the user to specify at least one of a channel rating threshold and/or a channel relevancy threshold.
  • channels may be presented to a user (or suppressed from a user's channel guide) based upon data access rules.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 obtains IP transaction data associated with an IP asset and determines a first user as a buyer and a second user as a seller of the IP asset. IP Marketplace 1 15 may also determine a transaction status of the IP asset, wherein the transaction is associated with the buyer, the seller and the IP asset. In various embodiments, the transaction status is determined based upon an IP transaction workflow.
  • IP marketplace 1 15 generates a first channel guide interface for the buyer based upon the transaction status and/or a first data permissions profile associated with the buyer, and generates a second channel guide interface for the seller based upon the transaction status and/or a second data permissions profile associated with the seller.
  • the first channel guide may be sorted differently than the second channel guide and/or include a different channel category grouping than the second channel guide.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 determines that the buyer is permitted to view a first channel based upon a status of a negotiation between the buyer and the seller.
  • a channel may be associated with a group.
  • a group may comprise, for example, a group of inventors, a group of experts, an industry group, a special interest group and/or the like.
  • a group may be an industry association, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the American Medical Association (AMA), or a group may be an independent patent valuation group, or a group of inventors such as inventors interested in touch screen technologies.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 receives a request for a new channel and determines (e.g., based upon the request parameters and/or the requestor) that the new channel should be associated with one or more groups.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 may determine a category for the channel based upon the group and, in various embodiments, may configure the channel guide interface to include a custom color or a custom logo associated with the group.
  • the channel may provide a referral service to members of the group. For example, IP Marketplace receives from a user a selection of a channel and determines based upon a referral algorithm, a member of the group to which to refer the user. The referral algorithm may be based upon, for example, a group profile, a user profile, a member rating, a member priority, a member location and a random selection.
  • a channel may be associated with an industry. IP Marketplace 1 15 receives from a requestor a new channel registration request and the new channel registration request comprises new channel parameters.
  • IP Marketplace 115 may be based upon, for example, the requestor and/or the new channel parameters, that the new channel registration request is associated with an industry and determine a first category to associate with the new channel.
  • Channels may be registered, or otherwise made available in IP Marketplace 1 15 for any industry; including, for example: healthcare, eCommerce, transportation, biotech, media, banking, finance, technology, semiconductor, consumer electronics, telecommunications, computers, electronics, education and manufacturing.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 includes a plurality of channels that are oriented toward or otherwise may provide useful information or services to the healthcare industry.
  • IP Channel Guide may group channels into categories that are appropriate for the healthcare industry such as, for example: medical devices, healthcare information systems, privacy, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, imaging and medical transport.
  • IP Marketplace 115 may access healthcare data such as, for example, healthcare channel content, a healthcare directory, a government database, a service provider database, and a federal regulation regarding healthcare.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 also provides industry based referrals. IP marketplace 1 15 receives from a user a selection of the new channel. IP Marketplace 1 15 determines based upon a referral algorithm a member of the industry and refers the user to the member (e.g., a company, an association, a service provider, an individual, etc.).
  • a user initiates a channel by selecting the channel from the channel guide interface.
  • IP Marketplace initiates the channel and determines channel information or channel output to present to the user.
  • the user interface is unchanged and/or the user does not have any visual or explicit indication that IP Marketplace 1 15 is accessing a third party system or service.
  • IP Marketplace 1 15 enables a seamless integration with channels.
  • the channel output is presented in the IP marketplace system, the channel output is presented the channel output without exiting the IP marketplace system, and/or the channel output is presented to the user at the same web site as the IP marketplace system.
  • IP Marketplace 115 includes a sophisticated search engine to enable customized, granular searching of all (or any portion of) the content available via IP Marketplace 1 15, IP MATE 147, IP asset database 150, along with the associated systems and IP Marketplace 1 15 databases (e.g., accounting systems, financial transaction systems, reporting systems, new accounts systems, management information systems, business information systems, external data sources, proprietary systems and the like).
  • IP Content Database is a database that includes, associates or accesses (e.g. links to) all (or any portion of) the content available across all (or any portion of) the internal and external databases and systems associated with IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • IPCDB includes database structures, reference tables, pointers, indices, metadata, tags or other means to associate data ("tags" or “tagging”).
  • a targeted grouping or association is called a silo or “targeted echosphere” (hereinafter collectively referred to as "silo").
  • silo may associate the data that is relevant for a particular vertical segment of the overall content.
  • Such a "vertical" segment may correspond to an industry, a technology, an inventor, a user, a company, a service provider and/or the like.
  • IPCDB tags are established via feedback or other input from IP Marketplace 1 15 users.
  • the tags are established by a subset of users such as major participants or sponsors of IP Marketplace 1 15.
  • input regarding content associations to establish in IPCDB for the healthcare industry may be received from a group of users from companies such as GE, United Healthcare, Pfizer, etc.
  • tags can also be self-building or automatically established via artificial intelligence or similar techniques (e.g., IPCDB tags for a particular silo may be established based upon frequency of use data).
  • IP MATE 147 contains logic that causes a processor to search external databases and automatically assesses the relevancy of content (news, events, transactions, IP assets, registrations, litigation, etc) to a particular silo.
  • tags may be established, but are not automatically activated (i.e., the tag may not automatically be used by the system to include the data associated by the tag into a vertical silo).
  • IP Marketplace 115 identifies a user to approve the tag, sends the "approver" a request to approve the tag and receives approval (or denial) of the tag.
  • the tag is activated such that the data association of the tag is used to define a vertical silo.
  • a user may access content and be presented with content groupings via channels. Users may also conduct general or "horizontal' " searches of the data using various search tools enabled by IP Marketplace 115.
  • IP Mate 147 enables silo searching.
  • the user may choose the healthcare silo.
  • the user is presented with a silo searching interface that provides custom search capabilities that may be specific to the silo.
  • IP MATE 147 is configured with logic to search the IPCDB tags in order to compile search results that are most relevant to the silo.
  • the user may elect to search the comprehensive set of databases and data sources accessible by the IP Marketplace 1 15 and/or may elect to perform a search of a vertical silo.
  • the deal room summary may comprise a listing of some or all of the names of deal rooms 710 that a user has partially or fully created or has permission to access.
  • Each deal room may represent a potential transaction between users of the IP Zone.
  • a seller may create a deal room for one or more assets which may be sold or licensed to a buyer.
  • a first deal room may be created in order for ACME company to license a patent from a user.
  • the user may select the first deal room, and a deal room screen may be presented to the user displaying information associated with the first deal room.
  • the deal room may comprise various stages 810 associated with a deal.
  • the deal room may comprise a non-disclosure agreement ("NDA") stage, a Due Diligence stage, a Term Sheet stage, a Contract stage, and a Post-Contract stage.
  • NDA non-disclosure agreement
  • the user may attach files or create tasks that are relevant to the particular stage.
  • Each stage may comprise a plurality of categories which provide locations for a user to upload or edit information.
  • each stage may comprise an asset manager category, a task manager category, a privacy settings category, a documents category, and a messages category.
  • the user may add assets, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and real property which may be part of the transaction to the asset manager category.
  • the user may add tasks which need to be completed by certain dates, such as uploading documents or providing disclosures, etc. to the task manager category.
  • the privacy settings category may display all users which have access to the deal room.
  • the user may also add authorized users or edit privacy settings for specific users or information in the privacy settings category.
  • the user which created the deal room may grant varying levels of access to a user, such as view only, edit, and full control. View only access may allow a user to only view documents and information in the deal room without editing the information. Edit access may allow the user to edit documents or information in the deal room. Full control may allow a user to add users to the deal room or edit other users' privacy setting.
  • the user may add documents such as contracts, purchase agreements, or any other documents relevant to the transaction.
  • the user may add messages to the various participants in the messages category.
  • the deal room may allow a user to upload a side project.
  • Side projects may allow the user to upload information which may be relevant to the transaction in the deal room which may not be required in order for the transaction to be completed.
  • a deal room may be created to complete a patent licensing transaction, and a side project may be added to the deal room relating to trademarks owned by the seller.
  • users of the deal room may conveniently access related side projects from within the deal room.
  • the system may comprise a deal room duplication button 720 (or setting).
  • IP MATE 147 may create a new deal room based on an original deal room.
  • the user which creates the new deal room may be referred to as a manager.
  • An original deal room may be any deal room which has already been created in IP MATE 147.
  • IP MATE 147 may prepopulate the new deal room with some or all of the information from the original deal room. For example, a deal room in the list of deal rooms may be highlighted.
  • IP MATE 147 may create a new deal room based on the information contained in the highlighted deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may present a list of deal rooms, from which the manager may select a deal room to duplicate.
  • each deal room listed in Figure 7 may have an associated duplication button, which the manager may select in order to create a new deal room.
  • all or any subset of information associated with the original deal room may be incorporated into the new deal room.
  • the new deal room may include the assets, tasks, privacy settings, documents, buyers, and/or messages from the preexisting deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may present the manager with the information and the manager may select which information should be duplicated in the new deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may present the manager with a list of the assets in the original deal room, and the manager may select or deselect which assets should be included in the new deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may save settings for which information should be duplicated from the original deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may comprise a "new buyer" deal room duplication feature.
  • IP MATE 147 may create a new deal room comprising information from the original deal room not specific to the buyer.
  • IP MATE 147 may duplicate all of the seller information and assets from the original deal room and prompt the manager for information pertaining to the buyer for the new deal room.
  • IP MATE 137 may create an original deal room (step 910).
  • the original deal room may have been created at any time based on information provided by a user.
  • IP MATE 147 may associate a plurality of documents with the original deal room. The associated documents may have been uploaded to the original deal room previously.
  • IP MATE 147 may receive an instruction to duplicate the original deal room (step 920).
  • a manager which may or may not be the same user that created the original deal room, may select a duplicate button.
  • IP MATE 147 may prompt the manager to enter a name for the new deal room.
  • a name field may be prepopulated with the name of the existing deal room.
  • the manager may then enter a new name for the new deal room and other information, such as the names of the companies involved and their locations.
  • IP MATE 147 may prompt the manager to select whether any associated side projects should be copied to the new deal room.
  • the manager may select which side projects are relevant to the new deal room. For example, the manager may select a Statement of Work side project that should be copied.
  • IP MATE 147 may display a list of documents that were in the existing deal room. In various embodiments, IP MATE 147 may indicate which stage the documents are from. The manager may select which documents should be transferred to the new deal room (step 930). The manager may change the stage associated with a document. For example, the manager may select a document which was in the Term Sheet stage in the existing deal room and move the document to the NDA stage for the new deal room. IP MATE 147 may also prompt the user to select which documents from the side projects of the existing deal room should be copied to the side projects for the new deal room. In various embodiments, IP MATE 147 may only allow the manager to select documents from side projects which were selected by the manager to be copied to the new deal room.
  • IP MATE 147 may prompt the manager to select users who should be given access to the new deal room (step 940). In various embodiments, IP MATE 147 may only allow the manager to select users who had full control in the original deal room. This may prevent the manager from accidentally granting access to the new deal room to unauthorized users. In various embodiments, IP MATE 147 may prompt the manager to upload new documents to the new deal room (step 950). The manager may upload any new document, assets, or other information which is pertinent to the new deal room. Once the user has input the relevant information, IP MATE 147 may create the new deal room, and the new deal room may appear in the user's list of deal rooms (step 960).
  • Allowing the manager to duplicate an original deal room may save the manager time in creating the new deal room, as well as reduce errors in inputting information. For example, rather than requiring the manager to upload an entire new set of documents, the manager may be able to quickly select the documents previously uploaded to the original deal room which are necessary for the new deal room.
  • the technology involved in the new deal room may be the same technology involved in the original deal room, and only the licensee may be different. Thus, the manager may easily create a new deal room with all of the information regarding the technology, and the manager may only be required to input information relevant to the new licensee.
  • IP MATE 147 may further provide a search tool which may search the documents and information located in a deal room.
  • the search tool may search for words, names, and/or phrases related to the parties involved in the original deal room. For example, the search tool may search for the original licensee name in all documents and delete all instances of the original licensee name in the documents copied into the new deal room.
  • the search tool may automatically search the documents.
  • the search tool may prompt the manager to enter search terms.
  • the manager may enter new information for the documents which are copied into the new deal room, and the search tool may replace the information related to the original licensee with information related to the licensee in the new deal room.
  • references to "various embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc. indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but eveiy embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne une plate-forme complète pour la commercialisation de propriété intellectuelle (PI), pour effectuer des transactions de PI et pour explorer des données liées à la PI. Un utilisateur peut créer une salle de négociation pour conduire une transaction PI. La salle de négociation peut comprendre des actifs, des documents, et d'autres informations relatives à la transaction PI. Un bouton de duplication peut permettre à l'utilisateur de créer une nouvelle salle de négociation comportant les informations de la salle de négociation d'origine. L'utilisateur peut être invité à sélectionner lesquels des documents et des informations doivent être transférés à la nouvelle salle de négociation.
PCT/US2014/014777 2014-02-05 2014-02-05 Système et procédé de duplication d'une salle de négociation de transactions de propriété intellectuelle WO2015119596A1 (fr)

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WO2020240269A1 (fr) * 2019-05-24 2020-12-03 Estrella Ryan Mark Publication de contenu numérique d'après sur une gestion d'actifs basée sur un flux de travail

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US20170345036A1 (en) * 2016-05-27 2017-11-30 Songtradr, Inc. System and method for determining valuation of intellectual property
WO2020240269A1 (fr) * 2019-05-24 2020-12-03 Estrella Ryan Mark Publication de contenu numérique d'après sur une gestion d'actifs basée sur un flux de travail

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