Trademark Usage Verification System

Abstract

We provide a system for reviewing and reporting all online trademark usage. It includes a function to distinguish between a company's own trademarks and those of other companies, streamlining the trademark usage verification process. [Solution] The present invention provides an information processing device comprising a trademark storage unit for storing trademarks, an information acquisition unit for acquiring web page information, a detection unit for detecting the usage status of trademarks, and a notification unit for notifying the user of the usage status. The device also includes a function for verifying trademark owner information and a function for accepting trademark renewal registration applications, and provides a capture image that clearly conveys the trademark usage status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trademark usage confirmation system that automatically checks and reports the usage status of trademarks on the web.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, trademarks have become important assets for enhancing a company's brand value and building trust with consumers. Therefore, proper management of trademarks is essential in corporate activities, and in particular, checking the usage status of trademarks has become a fundamental activity for maintaining trademark rights. However, the work of checking the usage status of trademarks requires time and effort and also has a risk of human error, so its efficiency improvement is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0004] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6936459) discloses a system for detecting whether a specific trademark is used as an advertisement on the web. This system performs a web search using trademark detection target items and has a function of checking whether a trademark exists in the advertisement area.

[0005] Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-104520) discloses a trademark search system for determining the similarity or dissimilarity of trademarks, and shows a technique for determining the similarity of appellations using a database.

[0006] Patent document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-222574) discloses a system for streamlining trademark search, application, and maintenance procedures, and details a method for electronically conducting everything from search requests to result reports via a network.

[0007] While these technologies provide useful means related to trademark usage and similarity assessment, they do not address the need to automatically verify all aspects of trademark use on the internet and distinguish them from other companies' trademarks. Furthermore, they are limited in that they do not incorporate the perspective of streamlining trademark verification work using LLMs (Large-Scale Language Models). In contrast, the present invention provides a new method to solve these problems. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 is specialized in detecting trademarks used as advertisements on the web and lacks the functionality to check trademark usage in general. Furthermore, it lacks the perspective of distinguishing from other companies' trademarks and effectively identifying them.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a system for verifying and reporting on the overall use of trademarks on the web. This system utilizes LLM to distinguish between a company's own trademarks and those of other companies, thereby streamlining the trademark usage verification process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides a system for reviewing and reporting on the overall use of trademarks on the web. This system utilizes LLM (Limited Liability Model) to distinguish between a company's own trademarks and those of other companies, thereby streamlining trademark usage verification. These effects reduce the time and effort required to verify trademark usage and mitigate the risk of human error. In particular, it offers a new approach to verifying the proper use of trademarks, regardless of the trademark valuation at renewal time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an operation flowchart showing an example of an information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine in the information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a captured image provided by the notification unit according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified, added, altered, or deleted to the extent that a person skilled in the art can conceive of it. Any embodiment that achieves the function and effect of the present invention is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The present invention is an information processing device comprising a trademark storage unit for storing trademarks related to trademark rights to be renewed, an information acquisition unit for acquiring web page information, a detection unit for detecting the usage status of trademarks based on the acquired web page information, and a notification unit for notifying the user of the usage status.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that this information processing device includes a trademark owner storage unit that stores information about the trademark owner, and has a function to compare it with user information detected from web page information.

[0015] Furthermore, if the detection unit recognizes that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner, it is preferable to include a reception unit that accepts the trademark renewal application or registration application for that trademark.

[0016] When it is confirmed that the trademark owner is using it and the trademark storage unit stores that it wishes to apply for renewal registration of the trademark, it is preferable to include a renewal registration application notification unit that notifies the user to apply for renewal registration or filing procedures.

[0017] The information acquisition unit preferably acquires web page information regularly, irregularly, or in response to a user operation.

[0018] When acquiring web page information, it preferably includes a URL storage unit that stores the URL of the acquisition target, and uses the URL to acquire information.

[0019] The notification unit preferably has a function of notifying the user of the location where the trademark stored in the trademark storage unit in the web page information is described.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferable to notify the user of the captured image included in the web page information and highlight the trademark therein to clearly convey the trademark usage situation.

[0021] The device of the present invention is preferably applicable to image trademarks.

[0022] It preferably includes a product / service storage unit that stores the classification of the trademark, designated products or services, and similar group codes, and determines whether the product / service information included in the web page information is within the storage range.

[0023] A program for executing the above functions as processing in a computer, and an information processing method using the program are also included as embodiments of the present invention.

Example

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0025] The information processing device 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured to check the usage status of trademarks on the web. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 includes a storage unit that includes a trademark storage unit 12, a URL storage unit 14, a trademark owner storage unit 16, and a goods / services storage unit 18, as well as an information acquisition unit 20, a detection unit 30, a notification unit 40, a reception unit 50, and a renewal registration notification unit 60.

[0026] The trademark storage unit 12 stores the trademarks to be verified and is used as basic data when determining the status of trademark use on web pages. The URL storage unit 14 manages the URLs of web pages from which information is to be retrieved. The trademark owner storage unit 16 holds information on the trademark owners and is used to compare it with the retrieved page information. The goods and services storage unit 18 stores information on goods and services related to the trademark and is used as a standard for verifying the appropriate use of the trademark.

[0027] The information acquisition unit 20 uses the URLs to be acquired stored in the URL storage unit 14 to acquire web page information periodically, irregularly, or in response to user operations. For example, it is possible to set the system to acquire information regularly once a month, to acquire information weekly for the six months before the expiration of the trademark right, or to allow the user to perform the acquisition operation at any time as needed. The detection unit 30 detects the usage status of the trademark based on the acquired web page information. Specifically, it detects information about the trademark user from the web page information and compares it with the trademark owner information stored in the trademark owner storage unit 16. For example, if the trademark owner of the trademark "SWEET STAR" is "Sweet Star Co., Ltd.", the detection unit 30 verifies whether the entity using the trademark on the web page is "Sweet Star Co., Ltd." or an affiliated company. Furthermore, if the trademark is an image trademark, the detection unit 30 uses image recognition technology to detect whether the image used on the web page is identical or similar to the trademark stored in the trademark storage unit 12. Furthermore, the detection unit 30 also detects whether the trademark is being used within the scope of the designated goods or services, or the similarity group code, stored in the goods / services memory unit 18. For example, for the trademark "SWEET STAR," which designates "confectionery" in Class 30, it checks whether it is being used on a webpage for the sale of confectionery such as chocolate, cookies, and candy. If the similarity group code is "30A01" (confectionery, bread, etc.), it detects usage within that scope. LLM can be used in these verification processes. LLM utilizes its natural language processing capabilities to extract information about trademark users from the text on the webpage and determine their identity with the trademark owner. In determining the similarity of goods and services, LLM can also analyze the relationship between the designated goods and services and the actual usage and determine whether the usage is within an appropriate scope. Furthermore, regarding the usage of the trademark, LLM can understand the context of the webpage and distinguish between use as a trademark and use as a general term. Of course, verification can also be performed using ordinary image recognition or OCR without using LLM.

[0028] The notification unit 40 has the function of notifying the user of the analysis results, etc., from the detection unit 30. The notification unit 40 also visually shows how the registered trademark is being used using the captured image 90. In particular, the registered trademark portion is highlighted, which makes it possible to convey information to the user accurately and quickly.

[0029] The reception unit 50 automatically accepts trademark renewal registration applications or registration applications when the detection unit 30 confirms that the trademark owner is using the trademark. Furthermore, the renewal registration notification unit 60 has the role of informing the user that the renewal procedure is desired, based on the information in the trademark storage unit 12.

[0030] This information processing device 1 automates the trademark verification process by coordinating these functional units, enabling efficient trademark maintenance and management. This significantly reduces the time and effort required for trademark verification and improves the accuracy of management.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 1 checks whether a URL is stored in the URL storage unit 14 (step ST1). If a URL exists in the URL storage unit 14, the information acquisition unit 20 uses that URL to acquire web page information (step ST2), and the detection unit 30 compares the trademark owner information stored in the trademark owner storage unit 16 with the trademark user information detected from the web page information (step ST5). If the detection unit 30 detects that the trademark owner and trademark user information match (if YES in step ST6), it further compares the designated goods and services information stored in the goods and services storage unit 18 with the goods and services information included in the web page information (step ST7). For example, if the designated goods are "confectionery," it checks whether the trademark is used on the web page for the sale of confectionery such as chocolate or cookies. If it is detected that it is being used appropriately, the notification unit 40 notifies the user accordingly (step ST8). If the URL does not exist in the URL storage unit 12 (if the answer is NO in step ST1), the information acquisition unit 20 searches the internet for web page information on which the trademark stored in the trademark storage unit 12 is used (step ST3). If web page information on which the trademark is used is obtained (if the answer is YES in step ST4), the process proceeds to step ST2. If web page information on which the trademark is used cannot be obtained (if the answer is NO in step ST4), the notification unit 40 notifies the user that the trademark is not being used properly (step ST10). Also, if the detection unit 30 detects that the information of the trademark owner and the trademark user do not match (if the answer is NO in step ST6), the notification unit 30 notifies the user that there is a possibility that the trademark rights have been infringed (step ST9).

[0032] If the detection unit 30 detects proper use of a trademark, it checks whether the trademark storage unit 12 stores information indicating that the user wishes to apply for or file a renewal registration application for the trademark (step ST11). For example, the trademark storage unit 12 stores information such as a list of trademarks for which the user wishes to have the renewal registration application automated, the type of renewal procedure desired for each trademark (renewal registration application or renewal registration application), and the desired timing for the procedure. If the trademark storage unit 12 stores information indicating a desire for a renewal registration application or renewal registration application, the renewal registration notification unit 60 notifies the user that the procedure for the renewal registration application or renewal registration application will be carried out for that trademark (step ST12). Specifically, the renewal registration notification unit 60 notifies the user that the procedure will be started at the reception unit 50, along with information such as the deadline for the renewal registration application or renewal registration application, the necessary procedural fees, and the documents to be submitted. On the other hand, if the trademark storage unit 12 does not store information indicating a desire for a renewal registration application or renewal registration application (if the answer is NO in step ST11), the information processing device 1 terminates processing. However, even in this case, it is preferable that the notification unit 40 retains information regarding the use of the trademark and can submit it later as evidence of trademark use upon request from the user.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the processing flow of a subroutine (step ST8) in which the notification unit 40 notifies the user of the usage status of a registered trademark. First, the notification unit 40 notifies the user of the proper usage status of the trademark detected by the detection unit 30 (step ST8). Specifically, the notification includes information such as whether the use is legitimate by the trademark owner, whether it is within the scope of the designated goods and services, and the date and time when the use was confirmed. For example, the notification might say, "We have confirmed that the trademark 'SWEET STAR' is being used properly by the trademark owner, Sweet Star Co., Ltd., for the designated product 'confectionery' on their official online shop (https: / / www.sweetstar.co.jp) as of April 1, 2024." Based on this notification, the user can confirm that the trademark is being properly managed.

[0034] Next, the information acquisition unit 20 acquires a captured image 90 of the portion of the web page information where the trademark is stored in the trademark storage unit 12 (step SU1). This capture image 90 is acquired automatically using web scraping technology. Specifically, it identifies the portion of the web page where the trademark is used, such as the header portion of a product image, the portion of the product description where the trademark is used, or the portion displaying the company name, and takes a screenshot of that area. The acquired captured image 90 is important data that can be submitted as evidence that the registered trademark is being used when applying for or filing a renewal registration. For example, a captured image of the product image of the confectionery "SWEET STAR Chocolate" or a captured image of a web page displaying the company logo of "Sweet Star Co., Ltd." is acquired as evidence of trademark use.

[0035] Subsequently, the captured image is processed to highlight the trademark (Step SU2). Specific processing methods include adding colored borders such as red or yellow frames to the trademark, highlighting the area around the trademark with a semi-transparent highlight effect, highlighting the area around the trademark with dashed lines, or partially enlarging the area containing the trademark. It is also possible to clearly distinguish the usage of multiple trademarks by adding numbers or symbols to the trademark and writing explanations at the bottom of the image. These processing steps allow users to intuitively understand the location and usage of the trademark in the image. In addition, the visibility and explainability when used as evidence are improved, and the actual usage of the trademark can be shown more accurately.

[0036] Finally, the processed capture image 90 is displayed (step SU3), completing the notification to the user. Of course, a document containing the capture image 90 can also be created and sent to the user. This display can significantly improve the efficiency of the verification process.

[0037] The captured image 90 of the present invention shown in Figure 4 will be described. The captured image 90 is for checking the usage status of a trademark on a web page and visually shows how the trademark is displayed.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the usage status highlighting 80 indicates that registered trademark 70 is highlighted. In this example, registered trademark 70 is surrounded by a dashed line as the usage status highlighting 80.

[0039] The system of the present invention can obtain captured images 90 from web pages using web scraping technology and process them so that trademarks are highlighted within the images. This process allows users to more easily understand the usage status of trademarks and to efficiently maintain and manage trademark rights.

[0040] Furthermore, the verification of trademark usage includes a process of notifying the user of the acquired capture image 90 and requesting their verification. The information provided by the notification unit 40 is important for determining whether the trademark is being used correctly.

[0041] <Aspect 1> One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device 1 characterized by comprising: a trademark storage unit 12 for storing trademarks related to trademark rights to be renewed; an information acquisition unit 20 for acquiring web page information; a detection unit 30 for detecting the usage status of trademarks based on the web page information acquired by the information acquisition unit 20; and a notification unit 40 for notifying the user of the usage status.

[0042] This configuration allows for the automatic collection of trademark usage evidence necessary for trademark renewal and notification to the user. This significantly reduces the human burden in trademark management. Furthermore, regular checks of usage reduce the risk of trademark cancellation due to non-use.

[0043] <Aspect 2> Aspect 2 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to Aspect 1, further comprising a trademark owner storage unit 16 that stores information of the trademark owner of the trademark right to be renewed, wherein the detection unit 30 detects information of the trademark user from web page information and compares it with the trademark owner information stored in the trademark owner storage unit 16.

[0044] This configuration allows for automatic verification of whether the trademark user is the legitimate owner. This enables early detection of unauthorized use of a trademark by a third party and allows for appropriate action to be taken. Furthermore, it allows for efficient verification of legitimate use, such as use by an affiliate of the trademark owner.

[0045] <Aspect 3> Aspect 3 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 2, characterized in that when the detection unit 30 detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner, it further comprises a receiving unit 50 that receives either a trademark renewal registration application or a trademark renewal registration application.

[0046] This configuration allows for a smooth initiation of renewal registration procedures once proper trademark use is confirmed. This prevents the expiration of renewal registrations and ensures the continued protection of important trademark rights.

[0047] <Aspect 4> Aspect 4 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 2, characterized in that a detection unit 30 detects that a trademark is being used by the trademark owner, and if the trademark storage unit 12 has stored information that the user wishes to apply for renewal registration of a trademark or file an application for renewal registration, the device includes a renewal registration application notification unit 60 that notifies the user to proceed with the procedure for one of the requested trademark renewal registration applications or applications for renewal registration.

[0048] This configuration allows the renewal process desired by the user to be automatically initiated at the appropriate time. This prevents users from forgetting to renew their accounts and allows for efficient management of the renewal process's progress.

[0049] <Aspect 5> Aspect 5 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 1, characterized in that the information acquisition unit 20 acquires web page information periodically or irregularly, or in response to user operations.

[0050] This configuration allows for continuous monitoring of trademark usage. Regular monitoring enables early detection of interruptions or changes in usage, and also allows users to check the usage status at any time they need.

[0051] <Aspect 6> Aspect 6 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 1, further comprising a URL storage unit 14 that stores URLs to be acquired for acquiring web page information, wherein the information acquisition unit 20 acquires web page information using the URLs stored in the URL storage unit 14.

[0052] This configuration allows for efficient management of the web pages to be monitored. Furthermore, the monitoring scope can be appropriately expanded by adding URLs when new usage locations are discovered.

[0053] <Aspect 7> Aspect 7 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 1, characterized in that the notification unit 40 notifies the user of the location in the web page information of a trademark stored in the trademark storage unit 12.

[0054] This configuration allows users to directly verify the specific usage of trademarks on web pages. This makes it easier to determine whether or not the usage is appropriate as evidence.

[0055] <Aspect 8> Aspect 8 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 7, characterized in that the notification unit 40 notifies the user of a captured image 90 included in the web page information.

[0056] This configuration allows for the automatic saving of captured images necessary as evidence of trademark use. This enables efficient preparation of supporting documents during renewal registration.

[0057] <Pattern 9> Aspect 9 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 8, characterized in that it highlights the portion of the captured image 90 that includes a trademark.

[0058] This configuration makes it possible to visually and clearly indicate the trademark usage within the captured image. This increases the persuasiveness of the evidence of use and makes the renewal registration process more reliable.

[0059] <Aspect 10> Aspect 10 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 1, characterized in that the trademark is an image trademark.

[0060] This configuration allows for the automatic determination of trademark identity using image recognition technology. This enables efficient monitoring of the usage of not only word marks but also figurative marks and logos.

[0061] <Aspect 11> Aspect 11 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 according to aspect 1, further comprising a goods / services storage unit 18 that stores trademark classifications, designated goods or services, or similar group codes, wherein a detection unit 30 detects whether the goods / services information contained in the web page information falls within the range of information stored in the goods / services storage unit 18.

[0062] This configuration allows for automatic verification of whether a trademark is being used appropriately within the scope of the designated goods and services. This enables early detection of use in a manner that is not considered valid evidence of use, and allows for necessary corrective action.

[0063] <Aspect 12> Aspect 12 of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to perform a trademark storage process for storing trademarks related to trademark rights to be updated, an information acquisition process for acquiring web page information, a detection process for detecting the usage status of trademarks based on the web page information acquired in the information acquisition process, and a notification process for notifying the user of the usage status.

[0064] This configuration allows for the automated monitoring of trademark usage through a program. This enables the efficient management of a large number of trademarks and prevents human error.

[0065] <Aspect 13> Aspect 13 of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer, characterized by comprising: a trademark storage step of storing trademarks relating to trademark rights to be updated; an information acquisition step of acquiring web page information; a detection step of detecting the usage status of trademarks based on the web page information acquired in the information acquisition step; and a notification step of notifying the user of the usage status.

[0066] This configuration enables a systematic trademark management method. This allows for the standardization of tasks related to trademark maintenance and management, and the establishment of an efficient management system.

[0067] This device 1 improves the efficiency and accuracy of trademark verification by coordinating these functions. As a result, the effort and time required for trademark management can be significantly reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Information Processing Device 12 Trademark storage 14 URL storage section 16. Trademark Owner's Memory Section 18. Product and Service Memory Section 20 Information acquisition department 30 Detection unit 40 Notification Department 50 Reception Department 60 Renewal Registration News Department 70 Registered Trademarks 80. Highlighting of usage status 90 Captured Images

Claims

1. A trademark storage unit that stores trademarks related to trademark rights subject to renewal, Information acquisition unit that acquires web page information, A detection unit that detects the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information acquired by the information acquisition unit, A notification unit that notifies the user of the aforementioned usage status. Equipped with An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The system further includes a trademark owner storage unit that stores information about the trademark owner of the trademark right subject to renewal, The detection unit detects information about the user of the trademark from the web page information and compares it with the information about the trademark owner stored in the trademark owner storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. If the detection unit detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner, it further comprises a reception unit that accepts either a renewal registration application or a renewal registration application for the trademark. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

4. If the detection unit detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner, and the trademark storage unit has stored information that the user wishes to file either a renewal registration application or a renewal registration application for the trademark, the renewal registration application notification unit notifies the user to proceed with the procedure for the renewal registration application or renewal registration application for the desired trademark. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

5. The information acquisition unit acquires the web page information periodically or irregularly, or in response to user operations. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The system further includes a URL storage unit that stores the URL of the web page from which the aforementioned web page information is to be retrieved. The information acquisition unit acquires the web page information using the URL stored in the URL storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The notification unit notifies the user of the location in the web page information where the trademark stored in the trademark storage unit is described. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the user of the captured image included in the web page information.

9. In the aforementioned captured image, highlight the portion containing the trademark. The information processing apparatus according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned trademark is an image trademark. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

11. The system further comprises a goods / services memory unit that stores the trademark classification, designated goods or services, or similar group code. The detection unit detects whether the product and service information contained in the web page information falls within the range of information stored in the product and service storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

12. On the computer, Trademark storage processing that stores trademarks related to trademark rights subject to renewal, Information retrieval process to obtain web page information, A detection process for detecting the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information obtained in the information acquisition process, A notification process that notifies the user of the aforementioned usage status. Make it run A program characterized by the following features.

13. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A trademark memory step that stores the trademarks related to the trademark right subject to renewal, Information acquisition steps to obtain web page information, A detection step for detecting the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information obtained in the information acquisition step, A notification step of notifying the user of the aforementioned usage status, Equipped with An information processing method characterized by the following:

Images