Intellectual property information management system, intellectual property information management server, intellectual property information management method and intellectual property information management program

Abstract

To provide a system for facilitating management of case information relating to intellectual property.SOLUTION: An intellectual property information management system comprises an agent terminal used by an agent managing case information relating to intellectual property, a client terminal used by a client requesting management of the case information, and a server to be connected to terminals of the agent and the client. The server includes: a storage part for associating case information with agent identification information for identifying an agent relating to the case information and client identification information for identifying the client, and storing the association as management information; a provision part for providing the case information to a terminal of the agent or the client based on the management information; an acquisition part for acquiring a prescribed instruction from the terminal of the agent or the client; and a data generation part for generating, according to the prescribed instruction, at least one of agent management information in which the case information and the agent identification information are associated and client management information in which the case information and the client identification information are associated, based on the management information stored in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intellectual property information management system, an intellectual property information management server, an intellectual property information management method, and an intellectual property information management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Since intellectual property procedures require complex tasks and advanced knowledge, they are often handled by agents such as patent attorneys who are intellectual property experts. For example, when an agent completes a procedure with the Patent Office, the agent enters the details of the procedure into a dedicated intellectual property management system and notifies the client of the procedure. The client manages the intellectual property based on the notifications from the agent, but for small and medium-sized enterprises and individual clients, introducing a dedicated management system is a heavy burden.

[0003] Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on clients, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure management system that enables a client who has requested an agent to act on his / her behalf or manage the procedure to easily check the status of his / her case without installing his / her own management system. With this system, the client can view and give instructions regarding the case information that the agent has entered into the procedure management system via a network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-47993 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In procedures related to intellectual property, the person who manages the case information may change midway due to the agent's resignation, dismissal, etc. In this way, when changing the agent who manages the case information, the system described in Patent Document 1 poses the problem that the client is burdened with having to retrieve and manage the case information again himself / herself, since the client is no longer able to view the case information that the agent entered into the procedure management system.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an intellectual property information management system that facilitates management of case information relating to intellectual property. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the intellectual property information management system of the present disclosure comprises a client terminal used by a client who has requested management of case information, and a server connected to the agent terminal and the client terminal via a network, and the server has a memory unit that associates case information with agent identification information that identifies the agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies the client, and stores them as management information, a provision unit that provides the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information, an acquisition unit that acquires specified instructions from the agent terminal or the client terminal, and a data generation unit that generates at least one of agent management information in which case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit, in response to the specified instructions.

[0008] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the intellectual property information management server of the present disclosure is a server that provides case information related to intellectual property via a network to an agent terminal used by an agent managing the case information and a client terminal used by a client who has requested the management of the case information, and has a memory unit that associates the case information with agent identification information that identifies the agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies the client, and stores them as management information, a providing unit that provides the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information, an acquisition unit that acquires specified instructions from the agent terminal or the client terminal, and a data generation unit that generates at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit in response to the specified instructions.

[0009] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the intellectual property information management method disclosed herein is a method in a system including an agent terminal used by an agent who manages case information related to intellectual property, a client terminal used by a client who has requested the management of the case information, and a server connected to the agent terminal and the client terminal via a network, in which the server executes the steps of associating the case information with agent identification information that identifies the agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies the client, and storing the case information as management information, providing the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information, acquiring specified instructions from the agent terminal or the client terminal, and generating, in response to the specified instructions, at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the storing step.

[0010] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the intellectual property information management program of the present disclosure is a program executed on a server that provides case information related to intellectual property via a network to an agent terminal used by an agent who manages the case information and a client terminal used by a client who has requested the management of the case information, and the server has a control unit and a memory unit, and includes the following steps: the memory unit associates the case information with agent identification information that identifies the agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies the client, and stores the case information as management information; the control unit provides the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information; the control unit acquires specified instructions from the agent terminal or the client terminal; and the control unit generates, in response to the specified instructions, at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an intellectual property information management system that facilitates management of case information relating to intellectual property. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an intellectual property information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an agent terminal 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting case information to be newly registered. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an agent views case information. [Diagram 5] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the intellectual property information management server 200. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a client terminal 300. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the intellectual property information management system 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a client views case information. [Figure 9] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the intellectual property information management system 1. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the intellectual property information management server 200. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an intellectual property information management system 2 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining authority management for case information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the contents of the present disclosure described in the claims. In addition, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. <Embodiment 1>

[0014] The intellectual property information management system according to the present embodiment is a system in which an agent who manages case information relating to intellectual property and a client who has requested the management of the case information share the case information stored in an intellectual property information management server via a network, and the client can view the case information. The intellectual property information management server according to the present system generates at least one of client management information or agent management information based on the management information stored in the server in response to a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal or the client terminal. When a client requests an agent to manage the case information, the agent's case information is shared with the client, but when the agent resigns, etc., it is no longer necessary to share the case information, and the association of the case information is dissolved. On the other hand, the case information that has been shared up until now is duplicated so that the client and the agent can access it individually. This saves the client the trouble of having to separately input and re-manage the shared case information.

[0015] Here, the case information refers to progress information of cases related to intellectual property that the agent has been entrusted with, and specific information related to the cases. For example, if the case is a patent application, the case information includes the serial number of the case (for agent management, for client management, etc.), the country of application, the client's name or title, the name of the invention, the application number, the application date, the application publication number, the publication date, the examination request date, the registration number, the registration date, and the like. It also includes appeal information, and pension information such as the pension payment date and the payment year. It may also include information on documents submitted to the Patent Office and documents sent from the Patent Office. It may also include invention materials exchanged with the client before the application. It should be noted that the case information is information shared between the agent and the client. It does not include memos such as memoranda entered for the agent's own use, and not for the purpose of sharing with the client. (Configuration of Intellectual Property Information Management System 1)

[0016] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intellectual property information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the intellectual property information management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] The intellectual property information management system 1 includes agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, an intellectual property information management server 200, and client terminals 300-1 and 300-2. In Fig. 1, the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, the intellectual property information management server 200, and the client terminals 300-1 and 300-2 are communicatively connected via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an optical fiber network, an intranet, or the like, but may be composed of any network.

[0018] In the following description, agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 will be referred to as agent terminal 100 unless there is a need to distinguish them. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, there are three agent terminals 100, namely, agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, but there is no limit to the number of terminals, and there may be one or more. Similarly, the requester terminal will be referred to as requester terminal 300 unless there is a need to distinguish them. There is no limit to the number of requester terminals 300, and there may be one or more.

[0019] The agent terminal 100 is an information processing terminal used by an agent who manages case information related to intellectual property. The agent terminal 100 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The agent is, for example, a patent attorney or a lawyer who manages the case information, but may also be a pension management company that manages pension payments. In FIG. 1, the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 are information processing terminals used by different agents (such as patent offices) who are requested by a client to manage the case information. These agents are, for example, patent attorneys or lawyers who specialize in different technical fields or legal jurisdictions.

[0020] The intellectual property information management server 200 is a case management database that acquires and stores case information, for example, from the agent terminal 100, via the network NW. In addition, in response to a request to view the case information from the agent terminal 100 or the client terminal 300, the intellectual property information management server 200 provides the case information related to the request to view the case information.

[0021] The client terminal 300 is an information processing terminal used by a client who has requested management of case information. The client terminal 300 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The client is, for example, a company or an individual who is an applicant or a right holder of a patent or the like. The client terminal 300-1 and the client terminal 300-2 are information processing terminals used by different clients. For example, they may be clients who have requested different attorneys to manage case information, or they may be joint applicants who have requested a specific attorney to manage a certain case.

[0022] In the intellectual property information management system 1, input and output of case information may be performed using a website. For example, the agent may connect to the system's website via the agent terminal 100 and input case information on the webpage. Also, the client may connect to the system's website via the client terminal 300, register for use, etc., and view the case information entered by the agent. By sharing information via the website, the client can easily view the case information without having to install a dedicated management system.

[0023] The following describes the functional configurations and processing of the terminals and servers that make up the above-mentioned intellectual property information management system 1. Note that the functional blocks and processing blocks that indicate each functional configuration may be realized by one or more devices, computer processors, or distributed groups of computer processors. (Functional configuration of agent terminal 100) 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the agent terminal 100. An example of the functional configuration of the agent terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The agent terminal 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, an input unit 140, and an output unit 150. As described above, the agent terminal 100 is, for example, a terminal used by an agent who manages case information related to intellectual property, but may also be a terminal used by an organization (such as a patent office) to which the agent belongs.

[0025] The control unit 110 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each function of the agent terminal 100 and operates based on a program pre-stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 110 transmits the case information input by the input unit 140 to the intellectual property information management server 200 via the communication unit 120.

[0026] The communication unit 120 has a communication interface circuit for the agent terminal 100 to communicate with a server or the like via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like. The communication unit 120 sends received data to the control unit 110 and also sends data received from the control unit 110 to a server or the like via the network NW, but the communication unit 120 may exchange data with a function block other than the control unit 110 in the agent terminal 100. The communication unit 120 transmits and receives data with a server or the like via the network NW through a secure communication channel that ensures security. The construction of a secure communication channel and a communication method are well-known techniques that use a common key (such as a session key) or a public key, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The storage unit 130 has a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 130 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, keys, etc. used for various processes of the agent terminal 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage unit 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), etc. The computer programs may be installed from a predetermined server, etc.

[0028] The input unit 140 is an interface that accepts user input of the agent terminal 100. The input unit 140 is, for example, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch panel, or a microphone that detects voice input. The agent can input case information via the input unit 140. The communication unit 120 transmits the input case information to the intellectual property information management server 200. The agent may also input instructions for data management, such as copying or deleting case information, via the input unit 140.

[0029] The output unit 150 is an interface that outputs information to notify the user. The output unit 150 is, for example, a display or a speaker that outputs audio, but is not limited to these. The output unit 150 provides the case information to the user (agent) by displaying it on a display or the like. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting case information to be newly registered. With reference to FIG. 3, an example of the screen for inputting case information from the agent terminal 100 will be described.

[0030] The screen 1000 shown in FIG. 3 is a screen displayed on the output unit 150 when, for example, the agent terminal 100 accesses the intellectual property information management server 200 and requests new registration of case information. In the example of FIG. 3, the input items for new registration of case information are a "serial number" which is a number for managing the agent, a "client number" which is a number for managing the client, a "target country" which is the target country of the application, a "case type" which indicates the type of the case to be applied for (ordinary application, divisional application, modified application, etc.), a "client" which is the client of the case, and a "name of invention" which indicates the name of the invention. These items may be required items when new registration of case information. Note that the "application number", "application date", "publication number", "publication date", "registration number", "registration date", "abandonment instruction date", and "remarks" may be optional items. For example, they are used to enter information when the agent accepts the case midway. The content of the "remarks" is a memo such as a memorandum entered for the agent himself, and is information that is not shared with the client.

[0031] These input items are input via input unit 140 such as a keyboard. Options for the target country and case type may be set in advance on the system side, and selection may be made using a pull-down menu or the like. Note that the input items when newly registering case information are merely examples, and are not limited to these. Also, the items to be input when newly registering case information may be set in advance by the agent. By clicking on registration button 1010 or the like to confirm the information to be registered, the case information and the agent identification information are associated in intellectual property information management server 200, and stored as management information. The management information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an agent views case information. An example of a screen on which an agent views case information from the agent terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] A screen 1100 shown in FIG. 4 is a screen displayed on the output unit 150 when, for example, the agent terminal 100 accesses the intellectual property information management server 200 and makes a request to view case information. In the screen 1100, for example, if the case is accepted before filing, the fields for "Application Number," "Application Date," "Publication Number," "Publication Date," "Registration Number," and "Registration Date" are blank. When the procedure for the case progresses and it becomes necessary to input information in these fields, the input mode may be switched to by clicking or the like on the input button 1110. In the input mode, information such as the "Application Number" is input and registered, and the case information is updated in the intellectual property information management server 200.

[0033] It should be noted that the items displayed as case information are not limited to these, and as mentioned above, information regarding appeals, information regarding pension payments, etc., information regarding related applications, and information regarding documents sent and received with the Patent Office may also be displayed as items. (Functional configuration of intellectual property information management server 200)

[0034] 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the intellectual property information management server 200. An example of the functional configuration of the intellectual property information management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] The intellectual property information management server 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a storage unit 230. The intellectual property information management server 200 may include an input unit and an output unit (not shown), and may perform input and output via a network or by a locally connected terminal device.

[0036] The control unit 210 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each function of the intellectual property information management server 200 and operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 230 in advance.

[0037] In response to a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal 100 or the client terminal 300, the control unit 210 generates management information 2310 in which case information 2302 is associated with identification information 2301 of the agent related to the case information 2302, and client management information 2320 in which case information 2302 is associated with identification information 2303 of the client related to the case information, based on management information 2300 (described later) stored in the storage unit 230. The predetermined instruction is, for example, an instruction indicating the resignation or dismissal of the agent, an instruction indicating no longer need to share the case information between the agent and the client, such as an instruction indicating no longer need to manage the case information. The case information 2312 related to the agent management information 2310 and the case information 2321 related to the client management information 2320 are generated by copying the case information 2302 of the management information 2300.

[0038] Furthermore, when control unit 210 generates management information 2310 and 2320, control unit 210 may delete management information 2300 from storage unit 230.

[0039] Also, instead of generating both the agent management information 2310 and the client management information 2320, the control unit 210 may generate either the agent management information 2310 or the client management information 2320. After generating the client management information 2320, the control unit 210 dissolves (deletes) the association between the client identification information 2303 and the case information 2302 in the management information 2300. On the other hand, after generating the agent management information 2310, the control unit 210 dissolves (deletes) the association between the agent identification information 2301 and the case information 2302 in the management information 2300.

[0040] In response to receiving a specific instruction, the control unit 210 may calculate the billing amount based on the data size of the case information associated with the agent terminal related to the specific instruction. The control unit 210 may transmit the calculated billing amount to the client terminal via the communication unit 220, and generate the agent management information and the client management information in response to the completion of payment of the billing amount from the client terminal. In this case, it is preferable to generate the client management information after the client terminal 300 completes payment of the billing amount, but the client management information may also be generated in response to the client's approval of the billing amount. In addition, the case information to be included in the generated client management information may be selected, and the billing amount may be calculated. Also, the control unit 210 may present a monthly flat rate instead of presenting a charge based on data size.

[0041] As described above, the control unit 210 functions as an "acquisition unit" that acquires a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal 100 or the client terminal 300. The control unit 210 also functions as a "data generation unit" that generates at least one of the agent management information or the client management information.

[0042] The communication unit 220 has a communication interface circuit for the intellectual property information management server 200 to communicate with a terminal or the like via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like. The communication unit 220 sends received data to the control unit 210 and also transmits data received from the control unit 210 to a terminal or the like via the network NW, but the communication unit 220 may exchange data with a function block other than the control unit 210 in the intellectual property information management server 200. The communication unit 220 transmits and receives data with a terminal or the like connected via the network NW through a secure communication channel where security is ensured. The construction of a secure communication channel and a communication method are well-known techniques using a common key (such as a session key) or a public key, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] For example, the communication unit 220 acquires case information from the agent terminal 100 and sends it to the control unit 210. The control unit 210 controls the storage unit 230 to associate the case information with identification information that identifies the agent and the client related to the case information, and store the associated information as management information. The process of associating the case information with the identification information that identifies the agent and the client will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0044] The communication unit 220 also functions as a "provider" that provides case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information. For example, the communication unit 220 accepts a request to view the case information from the agent terminal 100, and sends the view request to the control unit 210. The control unit 210 searches for management information 2300 stored in the storage unit 230 that is associated with the identification information of the agent who uses the agent terminal 100 that sent the view request, and reads out the case information related to the view request from the storage unit 230. Then, the communication unit 220 controls the communication unit 220 to transmit the case information of the read management information to the agent terminal 100 that sent the view information.

[0045] Similarly, in response to a viewing request from the client terminal 300, the communication unit 220 transmits to the client terminal 300 case information associated with the identification information of the client using the client terminal 300. When a client has requested multiple agents to manage the case information, the case information transmitted to the client terminal 300 may be case information associated with the multiple agents. Even when a client has requested different clients to manage the case information, the client can simultaneously view multiple cases with different agents, as if it were a database that the client manages.

[0046] Furthermore, after the control unit 210 generates the agent management information 2310 and the client management information 2320 in response to a predetermined instruction and deletes the management information 2300, the communication unit 220, in response to a viewing request from the agent terminal 100, provides the agent terminal 100 with case information 2312 related to the viewing request based on the agent management information 2310. Also, in response to a viewing request from the client terminal 300, provides the client terminal 300 with case information 2321 related to the viewing request based on the client management information 2320.

[0047] On the other hand, if the control unit 210 generates either the agent management information 2310 or the client management information 2320 in response to a predetermined instruction and does not delete the management information 2300, the case information related to the view request is provided as follows. That is, if the control unit 210 generates the agent management information 2310 and dissolves the association between the case information 2302 and the agent identification information 2301, the communication unit 220 provides the agent terminal 100 with the case information 2312 related to the view request based on the agent management information 2310 in response to a view request from the agent terminal 100. Also, in response to a view request from the client terminal 300, the communication unit 220 provides the client terminal 300 with the case information 2302 related to the view request based on the management information 2300.

[0048] Furthermore, when the control unit 210 generates client management information 2320 and dissolves the association between the case information 2302 and the client identification information 2303, the communication unit 220, in response to a viewing request from the agent terminal 100, provides the case information 2302 related to the viewing request to the agent terminal 100 based on the management information 2300. Also, in response to a viewing request from the client terminal 300, provides the case information 2321 related to the viewing request to the client terminal 300 based on the client management information 2320.

[0049] The case information related to the view request received by the communication unit 220 from the agent terminal 100 may be a specific case that can be uniquely identified by an application number or the like, or it may be all cases managed by the agent who sent the view request, or it may be cases that satisfy a specified condition. The specified condition may be, for example, an application date on or after a specified date, a specified client, or a specified country of application. The agent may send the view request, in which the information uniquely identifying the case or the specified condition has been input, to the intellectual property information management server 200 via the agent terminal 100.

[0050] The storage unit 230 has a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 230 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, keys, etc. used for various processes of the intellectual property information management server 200. The computer programs may be installed in the storage unit 230 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), etc. The computer programs may be installed from a predetermined server, etc.

[0051] The storage unit 230 stores management information 2300. The management information 2300 may be generated for each piece of case information, for example. That is, the storage unit 230 stores a plurality of pieces of case information managed by different agents. The management information 2300 includes agent identification information 2301, case information 2302, and client identification information 2303. The agent identification information 2301 is an identifier (ID) for identifying an agent who uses the agent terminal 100 in the intellectual property information management system 1. The case information 2302 is, for example, case information as described in FIG. 4. The client identification information 2303 is an identifier (ID) for identifying a client who uses the client terminal 300 in the intellectual property information management system 1. The management information 2300 is information in which the case information 2302 is associated with the agent identification information 2301 and the client identification information 2303. As a result, when an agent or a client requests to view the case information, it is possible to provide the agent or client with the case information associated with the identification information of the agent or client who made the request.

[0052] Furthermore, the storage unit 230 stores management information 2310 (agent management information) and management information 2320 (client management information) generated by the control unit 210 in response to a predetermined instruction. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 300. An example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0053] The client terminal 300 includes a control unit 310, a communication unit 320, a storage unit 330, an input unit 340, and an output unit 350. As described above, the client terminal 300 is an information processing terminal used by an individual (client) as an applicant or right holder of a patent or the like, but may also be an information processing terminal used in a company.

[0054] The control unit 310 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each function of the client terminal 300 and operates based on a program previously stored in the storage unit 330. The control unit 310 controls the communication unit 320 to transmit the product information, etc. input by the input unit 340 to the intellectual property information management server 200.

[0055] The communication unit 320 has a communication interface circuit for the client terminal 300 to communicate with a server or the like via the network NW in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like. The communication unit 320 sends received data to the control unit 310 and also sends data received from the control unit 310 to a server or the like via the network NW, but the communication unit 320 may exchange data with a function block other than the control unit 310 in the client terminal 300. The communication unit 320 transmits and receives data with a server or the like via the network NW through a secure communication channel that ensures security. The construction of a secure communication channel and a communication method are well-known techniques that use a common key (such as a session key) or a public key, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The communication unit 320 makes a request to view the case information to the intellectual property information management server 200. For example, the communication unit 320 acquires a request to view the case information input via the input unit 340, and transmits it to the intellectual property information management server 200.

[0057] The storage unit 330 has a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 330 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, keys, and the like used for various processes of the client terminal 300. The computer programs may be installed in the storage unit 330 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like. The computer programs may be installed from a predetermined server, or the like.

[0058] The input unit 340 is an interface that accepts user input of the client terminal 300. The input unit 340 is, for example, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch panel, or a microphone that detects voice input. A client can input a request to view case information via the input unit 340.

[0059] The output unit 350 is an interface that outputs information to notify the user. The output unit 350 is, for example, a display or a speaker that outputs audio, but is not limited to these.

[0060] In response to the viewing request, the output unit 350 displays the case information acquired from the intellectual property information management server 200. For example, the output unit 350 provides the case information to the user (client) by displaying it on a display.

[0061] In this way, the client can use the client terminal 300 to share case information relating to intellectual property with the agent terminal 100 used by the agent who has been requested by the client to manage the case information, via the intellectual property information management server 200. (Process to share case information)

[0062] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the intellectual property information management system 1. With reference to Fig. 7, an example of processing in the intellectual property information management system 1 from when the client terminal 300 applies for use to when case information is shared with the agent will be described. In the example of Fig. 7, it is assumed that the intellectual property information management server 200 acquires case information from each of the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, associates it with the agent identification information of each, and stores it as management information. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the example of Fig. 7 will be described assuming that there is only one client terminal.

[0063] In step S101, the client terminal 300 transmits an application for use of the intellectual property information management system 1 to the intellectual property information management server 200. For example, the client accesses a website related to the intellectual property information management system 1 via the client terminal 300, and applies for a new account by inputting an email address, a name, etc.

[0064] In step S103, the intellectual property information management server 200 registers a new account based on the information entered in step S101, and generates a shared key for sharing the case information with the agent. In step S105, the intellectual property information management server 200 transmits the generated shared key to the client terminal 300.

[0065] In step S107, the client terminal 300 transmits the shared key received from the intellectual property information management server 200 to the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 of the agents who have requested management of the case information. In step S109, the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 transmit the shared key received from the client terminal 300 to the intellectual property information management server 200.

[0066] In step S111, when it is determined that the shared key generated for the client who registered the account in step S103 matches the shared key received from the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, the intellectual property information management server 200 associates the case information associated with each agent identification information with the client identification information that identifies the client, and stores the case information as management information. This allows the case information to be shared between the client and the agent.

[0067] In step S113, the client terminal 300 makes a request to the intellectual property information management server 200 to view the case information. In response to the view request, the intellectual property information management server 200 reads out the case information associated with the client, and in step S115, the intellectual property information management server 200 provides the case information related to the view request. The provided case information includes case information associated with each agent using the agent terminals 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3. The intellectual property information management server 200 may also provide the case information in association with any one of a patent, a utility model, a design, and a trademark.

[0068] On the other hand, when the agent terminal 100 makes a request to the intellectual property information management server 200 to view the case information in step S117, the intellectual property information management server 200 provides the case information associated with the agent in step S119.

[0069] Furthermore, if the number of agents requested to manage the case information increases, as explained in steps S107 to S111, the shared key can be sent from the client terminal 300 to the agent terminal 100 used by the new agent, and the agent terminal 100 can then send the shared key to the intellectual property information management server 200, so that the intellectual property information management server 200 can associate the client with the new agent and store it as management information.

[0070] Note that the method of associating an agent and a client using a shared key is just one example, and any method may be used as long as it associates case information with the agent and client related to the case information. This concludes the explanation of the process of sharing case information in the intellectual property information management system 1 after the client terminal 300 applies for use. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a client views case information. With reference to FIG. 8, an example of a screen on which the client views case information from the client terminal 300 will be described. A screen 4100 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen displayed on the output section 350 of the client terminal 300.

[0071] Screen 4100 differs from screen 1100 in Fig. 4 in that it does not have input buttons. In other words, changes to the case information cannot be made from the client terminal 300. This is because the agent is responsible for managing the case information, and updating the case information at the client's discretion can lead to data input errors, misunderstandings, etc., which can lead to unexpected mistakes on the part of the agent.

[0072] Screen 4100 also differs from screen 1100 in that it does not have a remarks column. The remarks column is a column for inputting memorandum of the agent, and is information that is not to be shared with the client. (Process to stop sharing case information and share the case information with the agent of)

[0073] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the intellectual property information management system 1. With reference to Fig. 9, an example of processing will be described in which the client terminal 300 and the agent terminal 100-1, which have been sharing case information via the intellectual property information management server 200, stop sharing the case information (dissolve the association) and share the case information with the agent terminal 100-2 in the intellectual property information management system 1. Note that, in the example of Fig. 9, for the sake of simplicity, the description will be given assuming that there is only one client terminal.

[0074] In step S201, the agent terminal 100-1 transmits an instruction (predetermined instruction) to the intellectual property information management server 200 to resign as an agent. For example, the agent accesses a website related to the intellectual property information management system 1 via the agent terminal 100-1, inputs a reference number for identifying the case information and information on the client, and issues an instruction to stop sharing the case information with the client. In the example of FIG. 9, the predetermined instruction is transmitted from the agent terminal 100-1, but it may be transmitted from the client terminal 300. For example, it is considered that sharing is to be stopped when dismissing an agent, and even in this case, the final instruction to stop sharing may be transmitted from the agent terminal 100-1. This is to prevent erroneous input of case information due to an operating error on the client terminal 300.

[0075] In step S203, the intellectual property information management server 200 identifies the case information to be discontinued based on the information input in step S201, and generates agent management information and client management information based on the management information of the case information. After that, the intellectual property information management server 200 deletes the management information shared between the client terminal 300 and the agent terminal 100-1. Note that, before generating the agent management information and the client management information, the intellectual property information management server 200 may calculate a charge based on the data size of the case information associated with the agent in response to receiving an instruction that the agent will resign, and transmit the calculated charge to the client terminal 300. Then, in response to the completion of payment of the charge from the client terminal 300, the intellectual property information management server 200 may generate the agent management information and the client management information. In addition, the payment may be by credit card, electronic money, or the like.

[0076] In step S205, the client terminal 300 makes a request to view the case information to the intellectual property information management server 200. In response to the request, the intellectual property information management server 200 reads out the case information associated with the client based on the client management information.

[0077] In step S207, the intellectual property information management server 200 provides the case information related to the viewing request. The provided case information read from the client management information is not associated with the terminal, the agent terminal 100-1, used by the agent who has resigned. The intellectual property information management server 200 may accept and store input for the provided case information from the client terminal 300. This is because the client management information is not shared with the agent, but is information managed by the client. Also, input that is not intended to be shared with the agent, such as a remarks field, may be accepted.

[0078] On the other hand, when the agent terminal 100-1 makes a request to the intellectual property information management server 200 to view the case information in step S209, the intellectual property information management server 200 provides the case information associated with the agent based on the agent management information in step S211. The provided case information is not associated with the client terminal 300. Therefore, even if the case information is updated from the agent terminal 100-1, the updated case information cannot be viewed from the client terminal 300.

[0079] Furthermore, when a case in which an agent has resigned is to be managed by another agent, case information can be easily shared by executing the processes described in steps S107 to S111 of Fig. 7. That is, in step S213, the client terminal 300 transmits a shared key to the agent terminal 100-2 to be used by the new agent. In step S215, the agent terminal 100-2 transmits the shared key received in step S213 to the intellectual property information management server 200.

[0080] In step S217, the intellectual property information management server 200 acquires the case information to be shared with the agent from the client who has transmitted and received the shared key, associates the case information with the identification information of the client and the new agent, and stores the associated information as management information. At this time, the intellectual property information management server 200 may limit input of the case information related to the management information to be accepted only from the agent in order to prevent erroneous input.

[0081] In step S219, the agent terminal 100-2 transmits a request to view the case information related to the client terminal 300 to the intellectual property information management server 200, and in step S221, the intellectual property information management server 200 transmits the case information related to the request to the agent terminal 100-2. This allows the agent terminal 100-2 and the client terminal 300 to share the case information without the need to re-enter the information separately.

[0082] Note that the method of associating an agent and a client using a shared key is just one example, and any method may be used as long as it associates case information with the agent and client related to the case information. Also, in the example of Fig. 9, the intellectual property information management server 200 generates both the agent management information and the client management information, but it may be configured to generate either one of them.

[0083] This concludes the explanation of the process in which, in the intellectual property information management system 1, the client terminal 300 and the agent terminal 100-1, which had been sharing case information via the intellectual property information management server 200, stop sharing the case information and share the case information with another agent terminal 100-2. (Hardware configuration diagram)

[0084] 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the intellectual property information management server 200. The intellectual property information management server 200 is implemented in a computer 9001. The computer 9001 includes a CPU 9002, a main memory device 9003, an auxiliary memory device 9004, and an interface 9005.

[0085] The operation of each component of the intellectual property information management server 200 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 9004 in the form of a program. The CPU 9002 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 9004, loads it in the main storage device 9003, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 9002 also secures a storage area in the main storage device 9003 in accordance with the program. Specifically, the program is a program that causes the computer 9001 to process data.

[0086] The auxiliary storage device 9004 is an example of a non-transient tangible medium. Other examples of non-transient tangible media include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a semiconductor memory connected via the interface 9005. In addition, when this program is distributed to the computer 9001 via a network, the computer 9001 that has received the program may load the program into the main storage device 9003 and execute the process.

[0087] The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 9004. The agent terminal 100 and the client terminal 300 may also have the same hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 10. The operation of each component in these devices is also realized by a CPU following a program stored in the auxiliary storage device, similar to the intellectual property information management server 200 described above.

[0088] (Explanation of Effects) As described above, the intellectual property information management system according to this embodiment generates at least one of agent management information in which case information and agent identification information are associated with each other, or client management information in which case information and client identification information are associated with each other, based on management information, in response to a specific instruction from an agent terminal or a client terminal. Then, in response to a request from a client to view case information, the system provides the case information based on the client management information. In addition, in response to a request from an agent to view case information, the system provides the case information based on the agent management information. As a result, for example, when an agent resigns or there is a specific instruction that the agent no longer needs to manage the case information, the system stops sharing the case information, and the agent and the client can individually access the case information associated with each other. In addition, the system can easily share case information with a new agent. Therefore, even after the request for case management to the agent is completed, the client can easily manage the case without introducing a separate management system. <Embodiment 2>

[0089] The intellectual property information management system according to this embodiment can manage the editing authority for one piece of case information. Specifically, when multiple agents jointly manage one piece of case information, editing authority is granted to at least one of the multiple agents, and when an agent with editing authority resigns from managing the case information, editing authority for the case information is granted to another agent who does not have editing authority. (Configuration of Intellectual Property Information Management System 2)

[0090] 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the intellectual property information management system 2 according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the intellectual property information management system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0091] The intellectual property information management system 2 includes agent terminals 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3, an intellectual property information management server 500, and client terminals 600-1 and 600-2. In Fig. 11, the agent terminals 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3, the intellectual property information management server 500, and the client terminals 600-1 and 600-2 are communicatively connected via a network NW.

[0092] Agent terminals 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 are information processing terminals used by different agents A, B, C, respectively. Also, client terminals 600-1, 600-2 are information processing terminals used by different clients a, b, respectively. Note that in FIG. 11, intellectual property information management system 2 includes three agent terminals and two client terminals for the sake of explanation, but may include more than this number. Also, the client terminal may be one. In FIG. 11, agents A, B, and C are jointly managing a case that was jointly filed by clients a and b.

[0093] 12 is a diagram for explaining the authority management for case information. The processing of the data generating section and the authority managing section of the intellectual property information management server 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing management information 3010 related to case information of case number #101 (hereinafter referred to as "case information 101"). As described in FIG. 11, the case information 101 is information on a case in which clients a and b have jointly filed an application and which is jointly managed by agents A, B, and C. The case information 101 is associated with agent identification information that identifies each of the agents A, B, and C, and client identification information that identifies each of the clients a and b. In addition, agent A is granted editing authority to edit the case information 101. The case information 101, the agent identification information, the client identification information, and the editing authority are stored as management information 3010 in the storage unit of the intellectual property information management server 500.

[0095] To prevent erroneous input, it is preferable to grant editing authority to one agent for each piece of case information, but it may be granted to multiple agents. In other words, the authority management unit of the intellectual property information management server 500 grants editing authority for case information to at least one agent for each piece of case information.

[0096] Fig. 12(B) is a diagram showing agent management information 3010A and 3010C generated by the data generation unit of the intellectual property information management server 500 based on the management information 3010 in response to a predetermined instruction. The example of Fig. 12 shows a case where the predetermined instruction is an instruction to the effect that agents A and C resign (be dismissed) as agents of the case information 101.

[0097] The data generation unit of the intellectual property information management server 500 generates, in response to a predetermined instruction, agent management information 3010A and 3010C in which agent identification information identifying agents A and C who are the specified agents (agents who have resigned) among agents A, B, and C is associated with the case information 101. The data generation unit then disassociates the agent identification information identifying agents A and C from the case information 101 in the management information 3010. That is, in FIG. 12(B), in the management information 3010, the case information 101 is associated with agent B and clients a and b.

[0098] Here, in response to the data generation unit dissolving the association between the specified agents (agents A and C who have resigned) and the case information 101, the authority management unit grants new editing authority to agent B, who did not have editing authority for the case information 101 in management information 3010. In addition, the authority management unit grants editing authority to agents A and C for the case information 101 related to agent management information 3010A and 3010C, respectively. In this way, the authority management unit grants editing authority for case information to at least one agent for each piece of case information.

[0099] In addition, when there are multiple agents associated with the case information, the authority management unit may give priority to granting editing authority to the primary agent, and may grant editing authority to a secondary agent by restricting the areas of the case information that can be edited.

[0100] (Explanation of Effects) As described above, the intellectual property information management system according to this embodiment can manage the editing authority for one piece of case information. Specifically, when multiple agents jointly manage one piece of case information, editing authority is granted to at least one of the multiple agents, and when the agent with editing authority resigns from managing the case information, editing authority for the case information is granted to another agent who does not have editing authority. This makes it possible to maintain management of the case information even if the agent with editing authority resigns, etc.

[0101] The above-described embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1,2 Intellectual property management system, 100,400 Agent terminal, 110,210,310 Control unit, 120,220,320 Communication unit, 130,230,330 Memory unit, 140,340 Input unit, 150,350 Output unit, 200,500 Intellectual property information management server, 300,600 Client terminal, 2300,2310,2320 Management information, 2301,2311 Agent identification information, 2302,2312,2322 Case information, 2303,2322 Client identification information, 9001 Computer, 9003 Main memory device, 9004 Auxiliary memory device, 9005 Interface, NW Network.

Claims

1. an agent terminal used by an agent who manages case information relating to intellectual property; a client terminal used by a client who has requested management of the case information; a server connected to the agent terminal and the client terminal via a network; A system comprising: The server, a storage unit that associates the case information with agent identification information that identifies an agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies a client, and stores the associated case information as management information; a providing unit that provides the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information; an acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal or the client terminal; An intellectual property information management system having a data generation unit that generates at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit in response to the specified instructions.

2. After generating the client management information, the data generation unit disassociates the client identification information from the case information in the management information, The providing unit is In response to a viewing request from the agent terminal, providing case information related to the viewing request based on the management information; 2. The intellectual property information management system according to claim 1, further comprising: in response to a viewing request from said client terminal, providing case information related to said viewing request based on said client management information.

3. After generating the agent management information, the data generation unit disassociates the agent identification information from the case information of the management information, The providing unit is In response to a viewing request from the agent terminal, providing case information related to the viewing request based on the agent management information; 2. The intellectual property information management system according to claim 1, further comprising: in response to a viewing request from said client terminal, providing case information related to said viewing request based on said management information.

4. the data generation unit, in response to receiving the predetermined instruction, calculates a charge based on a data size of the case information associated with the agent terminal related to the predetermined instruction, and transmits the charge to the client terminal; 4. An intellectual property information management system according to claim 1, wherein the data generation unit generates the agent management information and the client management information in response to completion of payment of the charge from the client terminal.

5. the storage unit stores the management information in which a plurality of pieces of agent identification information and at least one piece of client identification information are associated with the case information; The data generation unit generating agent management information in which each agent identification information that identifies a specific agent among the plurality of agent identification information is associated with case information; 2. The intellectual property information management system according to claim 1, wherein the association between the case information of the management information and each of the agent identification information that identifies the specified agent is cancelled.

6. The server, The system further includes an authority management unit that grants editing authority for the case information to at least one agent for each piece of case information; An intellectual property information management system as described in claim 5, wherein, in response to the data generation unit disassociating the case information of the management information with the agent identification information that identifies the agent who has the editing authority, the authority management unit newly grants editing authority for the case information of the management information to an agent who is associated with the case information of the management information and does not have the editing authority.

7. A server that provides case information relating to intellectual property via a network to an agent terminal used by an agent who manages the case information and to a client terminal used by a client who has requested the management of the case information, a storage unit that associates the case information with agent identification information that identifies an agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies a client, and stores the associated case information as management information; a providing unit that provides the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information; an acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal or the client terminal; An intellectual property information management server having a data generation unit that generates at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit in response to the specified instructions.

8. an agent terminal used by an agent who manages case information relating to intellectual property; a client terminal used by a client who has requested management of the case information; a server connected to the agent terminal and the client terminal via a network; A method in a system comprising: The server, a step of associating the case information with agent identification information for identifying an agent related to the case information and client identification information for identifying a client, and storing the associated case information as management information; providing the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information; acquiring a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal or the client terminal; An intellectual property information management method which executes a step of generating, in response to the specified instructions, at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the storing step.

9. A program executed in a server that provides case information relating to intellectual property via a network to an agent terminal used by an agent who manages the case information and to a client terminal used by a client who has requested the management of the case information, The server includes a control unit and a storage unit. the storage unit associates the case information with agent identification information that identifies an agent related to the case information and client identification information that identifies a client, and stores the associated case information as management information; the control unit providing the case information to the agent terminal or the client terminal based on the management information; a step of the control unit acquiring a predetermined instruction from the agent terminal or the client terminal; An intellectual property information management program comprising a step in which the control unit generates, in response to the specified instruction, at least one of agent management information in which the case information is associated with the agent identification information related to the case information, or client management information in which the case information is associated with the client identification information related to the case information, based on the management information stored in the memory unit.

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