KR20010098042A - A method and a system for filing applications for intellectual property right before the Patent Office by using a web browser - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for filing intellectual property documents with a patent office using a network.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for easily and conveniently applying for intellectual property rights online using a conventional web browser without installing a separate application-specific software on a user's computer.

The present invention provides a method for filing an intellectual property right online in a web server, and in response to a request from a user, transmitting an application document writing web page to a client, receiving information related to an application input by the user, and Creating an applicant code grant application form using information, receiving an applicant code number, creating an application document suitable for an electronic application using the applicant code number and application related information, and applying the application documents And transmitting to the reception server.

According to the present invention, a user can easily file an intellectual property application document through the Internet using a conventional web browser without having to install a separate electronic application software on a user's computer in a complicated procedure.

Description

A method and a system for filing applications for intellectual property right before the Patent Office by using a web browser}

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for submitting intellectual property documents to the Patent Office through a network, and in particular, a method for electronically submitting documents to the Patent Office through a conventional web browser without installing electronic application software on a user's computer. And to the system.

Description of related technology

1 is a diagram schematically showing a conventional on-line application system. The client system 11 and the JPO reception server 12 are connected to the network 13. To apply for intellectual property rights such as patents, utility models, and trademarks to the Patent Office using the conventional online application system, the user submits an electronic document notification form to the Patent Office, receives the software for electronic application, installs it on the client system 11, and the electronic signature key. Should generate In addition, the user requests the public key certificate for the electronic signature generated by accessing the Patent Net system of the JPO, prepares the application document using the electronic application software, converts it into SGML, and submits it online. After the online application, the user shall receive a receipt showing the receipt number from the KIPO and pay the application fee to the KTB by the day after the filing date. The existing online application method requires the client to separately install the electronic application-specific software on the personal computer and use the dedicated browser, so that the user is burdened with installing a large amount of software on the personal computer and learns how to use the electronic application software. It has the disadvantage of excessive effort and time. Moreover, when the version of the electronic application software is changed or changed, there is a disadvantage in that it is necessary to update to new software from time to time. Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that allows a user to easily apply for patents, trademarks, etc. using a conventional web browser and easily check the application history.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for easily and conveniently applying for intellectual property rights online using a conventional web browser without installing a separate application-specific software on a user's computer.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to apply for intellectual property rights online using only a minimal amount of information identifying the user and the application content using a conventional web browser, without having to install separate application-specific software on the user's computer. And to provide a system.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to submit an intellectual property document, such as an application amendment, opinion, or claim, online to a patent office using a conventional web browser without installing a separate application-specific software on the user's computer. And to provide a system.

1 is a block diagram of a conventional online application system

2 is an overall configuration diagram of the online application system of the present invention

3 is a view showing the configuration of a central controller of the present invention by way of example

4 is a diagram showing an information processing process in a client system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram showing an information processing procedure in a server system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing an information processing process in a client system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a diagram showing an information processing procedure in a server system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

11, 21: Client system 12: Patent Office server

12: Electronic application software 14,23: Web browser

22: central controller 31: database storage device

34: network interface

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a method for filing an intellectual property right online in a web server, the method comprising: receiving information related to an application entered by a user on a specific web page, creating an applicant code granting application using the information, and applying the applicant code Receiving a number, Using the applicant code number and application-related information to create an application file suitable for an electronic application, and transmitting the application document to the reception server of the KIPO.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for filing an intellectual property right online in a web server, and the method of the present invention comprises the steps of receiving user identification information input by a user on a specific web page, and application related information corresponding to the user identification information. Searching whether the information is stored in the web server, transmitting the web page for inputting additional information required for the application to the client's web browser when the application related information is stored in the web server, and inputted by the user. Receiving additional information necessary for the application, preparing a document suitable for an electronic application using the application-related information and the additional information, and transmitting the application document to the reception server of the KIPO.

The present invention also provides a method for submitting an intellectual property document to a patent office online from a web server, the method comprising receiving user identification information entered by a user on a specific web page, and user related information corresponding to the user identification information. Is stored in the web server, and if the user-related information is stored in the web server, transmitting a web page for inputting additional information required for submission to the client's web browser; Receiving the additional information required for the document submission, the step of preparing a submission document suitable for an electronic application using the submission-related information and the additional information, and transmitting the submission document to the reception server of the KIPO.

The present invention also provides a web server for filing an intellectual property right online, comprising a storage device and a processor coupled to the storage device, the storage device storing a program for storing the processor, the program being directed to the processor. Receiving an application related information entered by a user on a specific web page, creating an applicant code grant application form using the information, receiving an applicant code number, and applying the applicant code number and application related information. The present invention provides a web server that executes a step of preparing an application document suitable for an electronic application and transmitting the application document to a reception server of the KIPO.

In addition, the present invention is a web server for applying for intellectual property rights online, comprising a storage device and a processor connected to the storage device, the storage device stores a program for storing the processor, the program to the processor Sending an application document creation web page to the client in response to a user's request, receiving user identification information input by the user, and application related information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the web server. Retrieving whether the application-related information is stored in a web server, transmitting a web page for inputting additional information required for application to a web browser of a client, and additional information required for the application input by a user. Receiving, and using the application-related information and additional information to the electronic application A web server is provided to execute a step of preparing a suitable document and transmitting the application document to a reception server of the KIPO.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. At this time, the description of unnecessary configuration is omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

2 is an overall configuration diagram of the online application system of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the normal client system 11, the JPO reception server 12, and the central controller 22 of the present application can be connected to the Internet network 13 to communicate with each other. The client system 11 is provided with a normal web browser such as Internet Explorer 5 capable of utilizing WWW (World Wide Web) service. The client system requests the central controller 22, which operates as a server computer, for the information source identified by the URL, and displays the information transmitted from the server in a web browser, usually as an HTML defined web page. In FIG. 2, each system is connected online by a general Internet connection, but can also be connected by dedicated data lines, cellular, PCS, satellite networks.

3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a central controller 22 that operates as a web server. As the central controller of the present invention, an existing personal computer or workstation having sufficient memory and processing power can be used. For example, you can use the usual Apache as a UNIX-based web server. The central controller receives the information from the user, transmits various web pages, encrypts the function to ensure the secure communication between the user and the KIPO server, and pays the function of executing payment and processing using a credit card or a bank account. Has The central controller of the present invention can, for example, send credit card information of a user to a credit card relay station or inquiry agency via the Internet to execute credit card authorization and processing. In addition, the central controller of the present invention supports the user to execute the automatic transfer service or money transfer processing to the patent office or the web server of the present invention using Internet banking. The encryption processing function and the payment processing function may be implemented as part of the CPU, or may be configured as a separate encryption processor or payment processor. The data storage device 31 may include a hard disk, an optical storage device, a DVD, a CD-ROM, a flash memory, and the like, and stores a database used for practicing the present invention. The customer database contains data about the customer, such as the customer's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, public key, and digital signature key. This data can also be constructed using information from a user who has obtained it when registering with the server for the first time application using the present invention, or a user who has already filed with the Patent Office. The application contents database stores detailed application details or documents submitted using the system of the present invention. The intellectual property database stores data such as conventional patent publications, pre-registered trademarks, and sub-registered trademarks, which can be used for retrieval of prior materials or determination of the likelihood of registration of trademarks. The application database stores the statutory form and document information necessary for the implementation of the present invention, such as patents, trademark applications, amendments, and powers of attorney. The accounting database holds cost processing information such as the cost of an application using the present invention or the user's bank account. The data storage device of the present invention may further include a database for good implementation of the present invention such as an encryption key database for easily implementing an encryption function. Such a database may be included in the central controller as shown in FIG. 3 or may be configured as a separate data storage device outside the central controller for system security or stability. In addition, the database of the central controller 3 may be operated by separating or integrating various database areas according to the nature of the data.

4 is a diagram illustrating a process of a user filing an intellectual property right using the web browser 14 of the client system 11 of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment relates to a method and system for filing an intellectual property right when no user information is stored in a web server of the present invention. In step 40, the user links to the web server of the present invention by using the URL of the web server which is the central controller in the web browser 14 or by using the hyperlink function in another site. The user then selects an application subject (eg patent, trademark) item on a particular web page. In response to the user's request, the web page for application document preparation transmitted by the web server is displayed in the client's web browser (step 41). The application document creation web page displays an entry window for items and other information essential for filing an intellectual property right. Items required for intellectual property applications may vary depending on the subject of the application. For example, in the case of a patent application, for example, the applicant information (the name of the applicant, the applicant's address, the applicant's resident registration number or the corporation's registration number), the inventor's information, the application information (the name of the invention, the contents of the application specification) and other information (priority, agent) , Application information, etc.), and in the case of trademark applications, includes applicant information, application information (trademarks and merchandise) and other information. In step 42, the user needs to submit legal information (applicant information, agent selection, application content information) necessary for the application on the application document preparation web page and payment information (eg, credit card number, bank account number information, etc.) for payment of the application fee or agent commission. Enter. For example, if a user wishes to apply for a trademark, he / she enters legal details necessary for the trademark application such as the name and address of the applicant, an address, a trademark, and a product on the application document preparation web page. In the present invention, when the application information is a patent application specification or a drawing, it may be input in a file attachment form. Then, the user sends the input information to the web server by clicking the application start icon displayed on the web page or pressing the enter key on the keyboard of the client system to display the electronic application intention according to the information displayed on the web page (step 43). On the other hand, since the application fee or the agent fee can be paid within a predetermined time period after the application, the input of the payment information can be omitted in step 42. Further, in step 42, the user can delegate the right of proxy by selecting the agent item which is designated and displayed in advance. In the Delegates section, there are separate delegations that delegate cases by individual application, and comprehensive delegations that do not specify cases, and display the Power of Attorney area that specifically shows the delegation by the user's delegation type selection, and the user can execute the delegation request selection. (E.g., click on the signature icon displayed at the bottom of the power of attorney). In addition, the present invention may omit the designation of an agent online, or may automatically designate an individual delegation or comprehensive delegation to implement the present invention.

In the present invention, the input text may be exemplified and displayed for each item so that the user may easily input the necessary information for the application. In addition, the present invention searches for a pre-registered trademark or a sub-registered trademark using a database of a central controller, another information search site, or a patent office database by a user inputting application content information (for example, a trademark and a product) and clicking a search execution icon. can do. In this case, the degree of similarity between all or part of the trademark to be applied and the pre-registered or non-registered trademark can be determined and displayed so that the user can use it to determine whether to continue the application.

5 is a diagram showing a data processing procedure in the central controller 22 operating as a web server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 corresponds to the linking of the web page of FIG. 40 and transmits the homepage of the web server to the client in response to a user's request. In step 51, the application document creation web page is transmitted in response to the user's request for application document creation web page. In step 52, the user receives item information input or selected in the application document preparation web page. The information selected or input by the user may include applicant information, application content information (trademark, merchandise, application specification, drawings, etc.), agent selection, and payment information required for the application as in step 42. In step 53, the applicant code number application is prepared by using the information required for the applicant code number application from the received information and sent to the KIPO to proceed with the applicant code number assignment process, and if there is a proxy for proxy, a power of attorney is formed. In step 54, if the payment information is entered, the payment information is checked (e.g., credit card relay station, credit card inquiry agency) to confirm whether there is sufficient payment amount to pay the fee or agent fee required for the application and to approve the transaction. , The bank of which the user's payment account is opened or a separate payment inquiry institution). If the inquiry agency sends a response indicating that there is sufficient credit for the payment, the application proceeds with the application process. If the inquiry agency sends the response that the payment is insufficient, the requesting agency sends the user information to request new credit card information or bank account information. In addition, in the present invention, the user may execute payment processing of fees or commissions using the direct debit service, PC banking, or the Internet banking system before or after the application process of the present invention. In step 55, the applicant's code number received from the KIPO and the information input by the applicant are used to prepare a document suitable for electronic application to the KIPO and transmit it to the KIPO reception server online. In step 56, the application office receives the application acceptance certificate including the receipt number online. Subsequent to the delivery of the receipt, in step 57, the applicant is notified of the application by e-mail or a confirmation web page is sent to the client system. In the present invention, each piece of information obtained in the above steps can be stored in a customer database for later application or case processing. For example, in the present invention, the application may be stored in the customer database and the application contents database after the electronic application is prepared and before transmission or after the receipt of the receipt from the KIPO. In addition, the present invention may use electronic money for electronic payment as well as credit card or bank account for the payment of costs and may omit the cost information input or processing.

6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of the present invention provides a method of electronic filing using a web browser when a user is registered as a member of the present application system or has been filed by the present application and the user information is stored in advance in the web server of the present invention. System. The user links to the homepage of the web server of the present invention using the normal Internet web page access method in step 60 of FIG. When the user clicks on the application target icon displayed on the web page to select the application target (eg, a trademark), a web page having an input window for user identification transmitted from the web server is displayed (step 61). Then, the user inputs user identification information (e.g., an ID and a password) in the input window (step 62). In the present invention, biometric information such as a fingerprint, an iris, and a voice may be input using a biometric device attached to or embedded in a user computer. When biometric information is input, the authenticity of the user may be authenticated by using the information stored in the web server itself or by transmitting the information to a separate certification authority. When user identification information (eg, ID and password) is registered on a web server and authenticated as a true user, a web page including application related information such as stored applicant information (name, social security number, address, etc.) is displayed on the web browser. (Step 63). When user authentication is made, payment information may be displayed on the web page, but for security purposes, only a part of payment information (eg, the last five digits of the credit card number) may be displayed. In step 64, the user changes the information (e.g., credit card information) displayed on the application document creation web page to complete the application, or inputs additional information (e.g., trademarks and merchandise) necessary for the application. Thereafter, the user presses an execution key of the keyboard or clicks an execution or transmission icon displayed on the web page to transmit the information of the web page to the web server (step 65). In addition, the present invention may include the step of receiving and displaying the application receipt received from the web server after the application to the Patent Office. In addition, the present invention may require input of a user ID and a password before selecting an application target area. The user may perform payment using a direct debit service, Internet banking, PC banking, credit card payment, electronic money, etc. before or after the application process of the present invention. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the above-described payment information input process, payment inquiry process, and cost payment process may be omitted.

7 is a diagram showing an information processing process in a web server executing the second embodiment of the present invention. In step 71, the web page requested by the user is transmitted to the client system via the Internet in the usual way. In step 72, the web server searches whether the user identification information (ID and password) input by the user in step 62 of FIG. 6 is registered in the web server. If the user corresponding to the inputted user information is not registered in the web server, the user may be required to input the correct user ID and password again or send a web page for user registration so that the user may identify the user (eg, name and address). Enter the social security number, e-mail address, ID and password) to proceed with the user registration process. If a user corresponding to the entered user information is registered in the web server, at least part of information (legal requirements such as name, applicant's code number, address, social security number, etc.) and payment information required for the preparation of the application document from the customer database of the web server. (E.g., 73,74), the application document preparation web page including the last five digits of the credit card number is transmitted to the client system. Next, the user receives additional information (eg, a trademark and a product) input by the user for completing the application document (step 75). In step 76, the payment information is sent to the payment inquiry institution for payment inquiry or transaction approval, and when the response is received that the user can sufficiently pay, the application process is progressed and the user's payment is insufficient or the transaction is not approved. Ask the user to enter other payment information. In step 77, the web server prepares the application document using the additional information and previously stored information (name, applicant code number, etc.), converts the completed application document into a document form suitable for the electronic application, and transmits it to the JPO server. The web server receives a receipt showing the receipt number sent after the patent office server receives the electronic document (step 78). Thereafter, the web server may notify the user of the application by sending an e-mail or an application confirmation web page to the user. The web server may also process payment of the application fee or agent fee online using the payment information (step 79).

The second embodiment is a method and system suitable for filing by a user who has experience using the filing system of the present invention or by a user who has already been assigned an applicant code number from the KIPO through a system other than the present invention or the system of the present invention. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, a user can execute the application process by inputting minimal information (user ID and password, application content information) in a conventional web browser without installing electronic application software on a computer. In addition, according to the second embodiment of the present invention it is possible to minimize the input of the user's important information (credit card number, etc.) to execute a reliable application process to maintain the security of the important information.

The present invention provides a web browser that not only applies to intellectual property applications using a web browser, but also documents submitted to the JPO, such as changes to information submitted to the JPO, correction of already filed claims, and claims for judgment without the installation of a separate software on a personal computer. It can be applied to methods and systems for filing online. In this case, instead of the application document preparation web page in FIGS. 4 to 7, the document for submitting the document (correction, claim, etc.) is displayed on the web browser to execute the process for completing the document. In addition, when the applicant code number has already been assigned, the application code number application process of FIG. 5 is omitted.

According to the present invention described above, a user can easily apply for intellectual property application documents through the Internet using a conventional web browser without installing a separate electronic application-specific software on the user's computer and creating and changing documents using a dedicated browser. have. In addition, the user can submit the document online with minimal information input such as information identifying the user and application content information according to the present invention, thereby enabling a reliable application process.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the spirit and principles of the present invention with reference to the specification of the present invention. .

Claims (9)

By filing an intellectual property right online on a web server, Receiving application-related information entered by a user on a specific web page; Creating an applicant code grant application using the information; Receiving the applicant code number; Creating an application document suitable for an electronic application using the applicant code number and application related information; Transmitting the application document to the reception server of the KIPO. How to file an intellectual property right on a web server. By filing an intellectual property right online on a web server, Receiving user identification information entered by a user on a specific web page; Searching whether the application related information corresponding to the user identification information is stored in the web server; Transmitting the web page for inputting additional information necessary for the application to the client's web browser when the application related information is stored in the web server; Receiving additional information required for the application input by the user, Preparing a document suitable for an electronic application using the application-related information and additional information; Method for filing an intellectual property right online in a web server comprising the step of transmitting the application document to the receptionist server of the Patent Office. By applying for intellectual property rights online using a web browser, Receiving and displaying an application document creation web page having a predetermined input required for the application from a specific web server; Inputting application-related information including applicant information and application content information; On-line intellectual property application method using a web page comprising the step of transmitting the input information to the specific web server. By applying for intellectual property rights online using a web browser, Displaying a web page having a user identification information input window provided by a specific web server in a web browser; Inputting user identification information into the identification information input window; Displaying an application document creation web page including information on the applicant corresponding to the user sent by the web server; Method for applying for intellectual property rights online using a web browser comprising the step of inputting application-related information including additional information required for the application to the application document creation web page. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; Wherein the application related information includes cost payment information. By submitting the intellectual property documents to the Patent Office online from a web server, Receiving user identification information entered by a user on a specific web page; Searching whether the user related information corresponding to the user identification information is stored in the web server; Transmitting a web page for inputting additional information required for submission to the client's web browser when the user related information is stored in a web server; Receiving additional information required for submitting the document input by a user; Preparing a submission document suitable for an electronic application using the submission related information and additional information; Method for submitting documents related to intellectual property rights online from a web server comprising the step of transmitting the submitted documents to the reception server of the KIPO. A web server for applying for intellectual property rights online, A storage device and a processor coupled to the storage device, The storage device stores a program for storing the processor, the program causing the processor to In response to a request from a user, sending an application document preparation web page to a client; Receiving application related information input by the user; Creating an applicant code grant application using the above information; Receiving the applicant code number; Creating an application document suitable for an electronic application using the applicant code number and application related information; A web server for executing the step of transmitting the application document to the reception server of the KIPO. A web server for filing intellectual property rights online, A storage device and a processor coupled to the storage device, The storage device stores a program for storing the processor, the program causing the processor to In response to a request from a user, sending an application document preparation web page to a client; Receiving user identification information input by the user; Searching whether the application related information corresponding to the user identification information is stored in the web server; Transmitting the web page for inputting additional information necessary for the application to the client's web browser when the application related information is stored in the web server; Receiving additional information required for the application input by the user, Creating a document suitable for an electronic application using the application-related information and additional information; Web server to execute the step of transmitting the application document to the reception server of the Patent Office. The method according to claim 7 or 8, The application-related information web server, characterized in that it comprises payment information.