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Software Patents


Software patent attorneys can be difficult to locate. At Barber Legal, we're proud to offer not just experience in writing software patents but also reasonable fees in the preparation and the prosecution process. In fact, this firm can offer clients professional experience in developing software, so we don't just view it as a part of the legal process.

Compare the Experience, Compare the Price

Such experience is important. While many patent attorneys can obtain protection for a single section of code, it is more difficult to define and claim code broadly, in terms that will provide the client with the widest possible protection of the product. So the next time you speak to an attorney about a software patent, quiz them a bit. Ask them if they know what UML stands for, and how it helps the patent drafter. Ask them if they have years of experience as programmers as well as experience in drafting software patents. And ask them for a fixed fee bid on your invention. Then come to Barber Legal and ask the same questions. You'll like the answers you get here.

Examples of Software Patents Past

We've included as examples abstracts taken from patents previously granted. Some of these patents were close to history, some are unknown, a few were chosen whimsically. Note that these are not chosen for being patents done by Barber Legal, we're not advertising here, nor promising that "we can get you a patent like this", what we are doing is giving you an idea of the sorts of things that have been done in the past by inventors and patent attorneys around the world.

The examples on this page are software patents. Reading these excerpts and comparing them to the ones we show as examples of business method patents and e-commerce patents, will show discerning readers that software patents, business method patents, and e-commerce patents have quite a bit in common.


United States Patent 5,193,056
Boes
March 9, 1993

Data processing system for hub and spoke financial services configuration

Abstract:
A data processing system is provided for monitoring and recording the information flow and data, and making all calculations, necessary for maintaining a partnership portfolio and partner fund (Hub and Spoke) financial services configuration. In particular, the data processing system makes a daily allocation of assets of two or more funds (Spokes) that are invested in a portfolio (Hub). The data processing system determines the percentage share (allocation ratio) that each fund has in the portfolio, while taking into consideration daily changes both in the value of the portfolio's investment securities and in the amount of each fund's assets. The system also calculates each fund's total investments based on the concept of a book capital account, which enables determination of a true asset value of each fund and accurate calculation of allocation ratios between the funds. The data processing system also tracks all the relevant data, determined on a daily basis for the portfolio and each fund, so that aggregate year-end data can be determined for accounting and for tax purposes for the portfolio and for each fund.

Inventors: Boes; R. Todd (Boston, MA)
Assignee: Signature Financial Group Inc. (Boston, MA)
Appl. No.: 667777
Filed: March 11, 1991



United States Patent 6,330,549
Merkle
December 11, 2001

Protected shareware

Abstract:
The functionality of "protected shareware" is controlled by digitally signed messaging protocol. Protective code within the shareware controls the functionality of the shareware in response to authorization messages which are supplied directly or indirectly by the shareware supplier. These messages are digitally signed in whole or part by or on behalf of the shareware supplier using the supplier's secret signing key. The shareware, in turn, includes the public checking key for this digital signature of the supplier, thereby enabling the protective code to authenticate any such authorization message before acting in reliance upon it. The shareware includes an integrity self-checking routine which is run at appropriate times to ensure that shareware, including its protective code, is in an anticipated state. Typically this is equivalent to a finding that the code has not been altered, but it is conceivable that the code might be dynamically altered in some authorized (i. e., "anticipated") way.

Inventors: Merkle; Ralph C. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Stamford, CT)
Appl. No.: 960867
Filed: October 30, 1997

Primary Examiner: Decady; Albert
Assistant Examiner: Kabakoff; Steve
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Webster; Thomas M., Hoang; Phuong-Quan


1. Types of Intellectual Property
2.
About Patents
.....a) Computer Patents
.....b) Software Patents
.....c) Telecommunications Patents
.....d) Electronics Patents
.....e) Business Method Patents
.....f) E-commerce Patents
.....g) Mechanical Patents
.....h) Chemistry Patents
.....i) Biotechnology Patents
.....j) Pharmaceutical Patents
3. About Trademarks
4. About Copyrights
5. Other Types of Protection
6. International Protection
7. Costs
8. For a Free Initial Consultation
9. Further Questions
10. About Mr. Barber

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