US5649013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Royalty tracking method and apparatus
Assignee: Meta Platforms Inc
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Filing: 1994-12-23
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Granted: 1997-07-15
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Expires: 2014-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A system that facilitates tracking of computer files that have been received from on-line information services, such as CompuServe. Tracking is accomplished by adding a "handling list" to each file as an obscure part of its archive structure. The actual format and location of this list may vary, depending on whether the file is a picture, program system, or other type of file. Extraction and archive utilities maintain and update the list.
Inventors
- 👤 Kent D. Stuckey
- 👤 Douglas P. Chinnock
- 👤 Jon L. Roberts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:44
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for tracking an information file through file transfers, comprising: a) inserting a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding the current possessor of the information file; b) adding data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and c) transferring the information file to the recipient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for tracking an information file through file transfers, comprising: a) inserting a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding the current possessor of the information file; b) adding data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and c) transferring the information file to the recipient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising encrypting the tracking tag before inserting the tracking tag into the unused portion of the information file.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising encrypting the tracking tag before transferring the information file to the recipient.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising reading the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising reading the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
69 words
A system for tracking an information file, comprising: a) logic adapted to insert a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding a current possessor of the information file; b) logic disposed to add data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and c) an output port disposed to transfer the information file to the recipient.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
69 words
A system for tracking an information file, comprising: a) logic adapted to insert a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding a current possessor of the information file; b) logic disposed to add data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and c) an output port disposed to transfer the information file to the recipient.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 8, further comprising logic adapted to encrypt the tracking tag before inserting the tracking tag into the unused portion of the information file.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 8, further comprising logic adapted to encrypt the tracking tag before transferring the information file to the recipient.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 8, wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 11, further comprising a device adapted to read the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 13, further comprising a device adapted to read the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for transferring an information file from an originator to a recipient, comprising: a) an input device for accepting the information file from the originator; b) logic disposed to insert a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding a current possessor of the information file; c) logic adapted to add data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and d) an output port disposed to transfer the information file to the recipient.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for transferring an information file from an originator to a recipient, comprising: a) an input device for accepting the information file from the originator; b) logic disposed to insert a tracking tag into an unused portion of the information file, the tracking tag including data regarding a current possessor of the information file; c) logic adapted to add data regarding a recipient and an information file transfer to the tracking tag; and d) an output port disposed to transfer the information file to the recipient.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 15, further comprising logic adapted to encrypt the tracking tag before inserting the tracking tag into the unused portion of the information file.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 15, further comprising logic adapted to encrypt the tracking tag before transferring the information file to the recipient.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 15, wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 18, further comprising a device adapted to read the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 17 wherein the data regarding the recipient includes data identifying the recipient.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 20, further comprising a device adapted to read the data identifying the recipient to determine if a person possessing the information file is the recipient.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-07-14 | 2001-01-13 | 2001-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-07-14 | 2005-01-13 | 2005-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-07-14 | 2009-01-13 | 2009-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |