Trademark Use Verification System

Abstract

We provide a system that checks and reports all trademark usage on the web. It has a function to distinguish between your own trademarks and those of other companies, making the process of checking trademark usage more efficient. [Solution] An information processing device is provided that has a trademark memory unit that stores trademarks, an information acquisition unit that acquires web page information, a detection unit that detects trademark usage status, and a notification unit that notifies the user of the usage status, and includes a function to compare information on trademark owners and a function to accept trademark renewal registration applications, and provides a capture image that clearly conveys trademark usage status.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, trademarks have become important assets for enhancing a company's brand value and building trust among consumers. Therefore, proper trademark management is essential for corporate activities, and checking trademark usage status in particular is a fundamental activity for maintaining trademark rights. However, checking trademark usage status takes time and effort, and there is a risk of human error, so there is a need to make this process more efficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6936459 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-104520 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-222574

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

[0005] Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 2009-104520) discloses a trademark search system that determines whether trademarks are similar, and shows a technique for determining the similarity of pronunciations using a database.

[0006] Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-222574) discloses a system for streamlining trademark search, application, and maintenance procedures, and details a method for electronically conducting everything from requesting a search to reporting the results via a network.

[0007] While these technologies provide useful means for determining trademark usage and similarity, they do not take into consideration the ability to automatically check trademark usage on the Internet in general and distinguish it from other companies' trademarks. Furthermore, they are limited in that they do not incorporate the perspective of improving the efficiency of trademark verification work by utilizing large-scale language models (LLMs). This invention, in response to these issues, provides a new methodology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 is specialized in detecting trademarks used in advertisements on the web, and lacks the functionality to check trademark usage in general. It also lacks the ability to distinguish trademarks from those of other companies and to effectively identify them.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a system for checking and reporting all trademark usage on the web. This system utilizes LLM to distinguish between one's own trademark and that of other companies, thereby improving the efficiency of trademark usage checking work. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides a system for checking and reporting all trademark usage on the web. This system utilizes LLM to distinguish between a company's own trademarks and those of other companies, streamlining the process of checking trademark usage. These benefits reduce the time and effort required to check trademark usage and mitigate the risk of human error. In particular, this provides a new approach to verifying the proper use of trademarks, regardless of the trademark's value assessment at the time of renewal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an operational flow diagram showing an example of an information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine in the information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing an example of a capture image provided by a notification unit according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified, added, modified, deleted, or otherwise altered within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any embodiment that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The present invention is characterized by an information processing device that includes a trademark memory unit that stores the trademark related to the trademark right to be updated, an information acquisition unit that acquires web page information, a detection unit that detects the usage status of the trademark based on the acquired web page information, and a notification unit that notifies the user of the usage status.

[0014] It is also preferable that the information processing device includes a trademark owner storage unit that stores information about the trademark owner, and has a function of comparing the information with user information detected from the web page information.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the system further includes a reception unit that, when the detection unit recognizes that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner, receives an application for renewal registration or an application for renewal registration of the trademark.

[0016] It is preferable to provide a renewal registration application notification unit that notifies the user that an application for renewal registration or application procedure will be carried out when it is confirmed that the trademark owner is using the trademark and the trademark memory unit stores that the owner wishes to apply for renewal registration of the trademark.

[0017] It is preferable that the information acquisition unit acquires the web page information periodically or irregularly, or in response to a user operation.

[0018] When acquiring web page information, it is preferable to include a URL storage unit that stores the URL of the acquisition target, and to acquire the information using that URL.

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

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

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

[0022] It is preferable to have a goods and services memory unit that stores trademark classifications, designated goods or services, and similar group codes, and to determine whether the goods and services information contained in the web page information is included in the memory 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, examples of the present invention will be described in detail.

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

[0026] The trademark memory unit 12 stores the trademark to be checked and is used as basic data when determining the trademark usage status on a web page. The URL memory unit 14 manages the URL of the web page from which information is to be acquired. The trademark owner memory unit 16 holds trademark owner information and uses it to compare with acquired page information. The product / service memory unit 18 stores information on products and services related to the trademark and uses it as a standard for confirming the appropriate use of the trademark.

[0027] The information acquisition unit 20 acquires web page information periodically, irregularly, or in response to user operations using the target URLs stored in the URL storage unit 14. For example, the acquisition can be set to occur monthly, weekly for the six months prior to the expiration of the trademark right, or at any time the user desires. The detection unit 30 detects trademark usage based on the acquired web page information. Specifically, it detects trademark user information from the web page information and compares it with 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.", it checks whether the entity using the trademark on the web page is "Sweet Star Co., Ltd." or its affiliates. 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 to or similar to a trademark stored in the trademark storage unit 12. Furthermore, the detection unit 30 detects whether a trademark is being used within the scope of the designated goods or services or similar group codes stored in the goods and services storage unit 18. For example, for the trademark "SWEET STAR," whose designated goods are "confectionery" in Class 30, the detection unit 30 checks whether the trademark is being used on a webpage to sell confectionery such as chocolate, cookies, and candy. If the similar group code is "30A01" (confectionery, bread, etc.), the detection unit 30 detects usage within that scope. These verification processes can utilize LLM. LLM utilizes natural language processing capabilities to extract trademark user information from text on a webpage and determine whether the trademark is identical to the trademark owner. Furthermore, when determining the similarity of goods and services, LLM can analyze the relationship between the designated goods and services and the actual usage and determine whether the usage is within an appropriate scope. Furthermore, LLM can understand the context of the webpage and distinguish between trademark usage and usage as a general term. Of course, verification can also be performed using conventional image recognition or OCR without using LLM.

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

[0029] The acceptance unit 50 automatically accepts a trademark renewal application or a renewal registration application when use by the trademark right holder is confirmed by the detection unit 30. Furthermore, the renewal registration notification unit 60 has the role of notifying the user that a renewal procedure is desired based on the information in the trademark storage unit 12.

[0030] By coordinating these functional units, the information processing device 1 automates the trademark confirmation process and efficiently maintains and manages trademarks, significantly reducing the time and effort required for trademark confirmation work and improving the accuracy of management.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 checks whether a URL is stored in the URL storage unit 14 (step ST1). If a URL is stored in the URL storage unit 14, the information acquisition unit 20 acquires web page information using the URL (step ST2). 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 (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 to sell confectionery such as chocolate or cookies. If it detects that the trademark is being used properly, the notification unit 40 notifies the user of this fact (step ST8). If the URL does not exist in the URL storage unit 12 (NO in step ST1), the information acquisition unit 20 searches the Internet for web page information in which the trademark stored in the trademark storage unit 12 is used (step ST3). If the web page information in which the trademark is used can be acquired (YES in step ST4), the process proceeds to step ST2. If the web page information in which the trademark is used cannot be acquired (NO in step ST4), the notification unit 40 notifies the user that the trademark is not being used appropriately (step ST10). If the detection unit 30 detects that the information on the trademark owner and the trademark user does not match (NO in step ST6), the notification unit 30 notifies the user that the trademark right may be infringed (step ST9).

[0032] If the detection unit 30 detects proper trademark use, it checks whether the trademark storage unit 12 stores information indicating that the user wishes to file a trademark renewal application or a renewal registration application (step ST11). For example, the trademark storage unit 12 stores a list of trademarks for which the user wishes to automatically apply for renewal registration, the type of renewal procedure desired for each trademark (renewal application or renewal registration application), the desired timing of the procedure, and other information. If the trademark storage unit 12 stores the desired information for a renewal application or a renewal registration application, the renewal registration notification unit 60 notifies the user that the renewal application or renewal registration application for the trademark will be filed (step ST12). Specifically, the renewal registration notification unit 60 notifies the user that the procedure will be initiated by the reception unit 50, along with information such as the deadline for the renewal application or renewal registration application, the required procedural fees, and the documents to be submitted. On the other hand, if the desired information for a renewal application or a renewal registration application is not stored in the trademark storage unit 12 (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 on the state of use of the trademark so that it can be submitted at a later date as evidence of trademark use upon request from the user.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows the processing flow of a subroutine (step ST8) in which the notification unit 40 notifies the user of the registered trademark usage status. 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 the fact that the trademark is being used legitimately by the trademark owner, that the use is within the scope of the designated goods and services, and the date and time when the use was confirmed. For example, the notification may read, "It has been confirmed that the trademark 'SWEET STAR' is being used properly by the trademark owner, Sweet Star Co., Ltd., for the designated product 'Confectionery', at its 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 managed properly.

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

[0035] The captured image is then processed to highlight the trademark (step SU2). Specific processing methods include adding a colored border (e.g., a red or yellow frame) to the target trademark, emphasizing the area around the trademark with a semi-transparent highlight effect, highlighting the area around the trademark by surrounding it with a dashed line, or enlarging the area containing the trademark. It is also possible to clearly distinguish between the usage of multiple trademarks by assigning numbers or symbols to the trademark and adding an explanation at the bottom of the image. These processing methods allow users to intuitively understand the location and usage of the trademark in the image. Additionally, they improve visibility and explanation when used as evidentiary material, allowing for a more accurate indication of the actual usage of the trademark.

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

[0037] The following describes a capture image 90 of the present invention shown in Fig. 4. The capture image 90 is used to check the usage of a trademark on a web page, and visually shows how the trademark is displayed.

[0038] 4, the registered trademark 70 is highlighted as a usage status highlight 80. In this example, the registered trademark 70 is surrounded by a dashed line as the usage status highlight 80.

[0039] The system of the present invention uses web scraping technology to capture images 90 from web pages and process them to highlight trademarks. This process allows users to more easily understand the usage status of their trademarks and efficiently maintain and manage trademark rights.

[0040] Furthermore, the verification of trademark usage includes a process of notifying the user of the captured image 90 and requesting confirmation. The information provided by the notification unit 40 is an important resource for determining whether a trademark is being used properly.

[0041] <Aspect 1> Aspect 1 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 characterized by comprising a trademark memory unit 12 that stores the trademark related to the trademark right to be updated, an information acquisition unit 20 that acquires web page information, a detection unit 30 that detects the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information acquired by the information acquisition unit 20, and a notification unit 40 that notifies the user of the usage status.

[0042] This configuration automatically collects the evidence of trademark use required for trademark right renewal and notifies the user. This significantly reduces the human burden of managing trademark rights. Furthermore, by periodically checking the status of use, the risk of trademark rights being revoked due to non-use can be reduced.

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

[0044] This configuration makes it possible to automatically confirm whether the trademark user is a legitimate owner. This allows for early detection of unauthorized use of a trademark by a third party and allows appropriate action to be taken. It also makes it possible to efficiently confirm that use by an affiliate of the trademark owner is legitimate.

[0045] <Aspect 3> Aspect 3 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 described in aspect 2, characterized in that it further comprises an acceptance unit 50 that accepts one of an application for renewal registration of the trademark or an application for renewal registration of the trademark when the detection unit 30 detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner.

[0046] This structure allows for the smooth start of the renewal registration process once proper use of the trademark has been confirmed, thereby preventing the expiration of the renewal registration and ensuring the continued protection of important trademark rights.

[0047] <Aspect 4> Aspect 4 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 described in aspect 2, characterized in that it is equipped with a renewal registration application notification unit 60 that notifies the user that the procedure for the desired trademark renewal registration application or one of the renewal registration applications will be carried out when the detection unit 30 detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark owner and the trademark memory unit 12 stores information that the user wishes to apply for trademark renewal registration or one of the renewal registration applications.

[0048] This configuration allows the renewal procedure desired by the user to be automatically started at the appropriate time, preventing users from forgetting to complete the renewal procedure and enabling efficient management of the procedure progress.

[0049] <Aspect 5> A fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device 1 according to the first aspect, wherein the information acquisition unit 20 acquires web page information periodically or irregularly, or in response to a user operation.

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

[0051] <Aspect 6> A sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device 1 described in the first aspect, further comprising a URL storage unit 14 that stores the URL of the target to acquire web page information, and the information acquisition unit 20 acquires the web page information using the URL stored in the URL storage unit 14.

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

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

[0054] This configuration allows users to directly check the specific manner in which a trademark is used on a web page, making it easy to determine whether or not it is appropriate as evidence of use.

[0055] <Aspect 8> An eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device 1 according to the seventh aspect, wherein the notification unit 40 notifies the user of a capture image 90 included in the web page information.

[0056] This configuration makes it possible to automatically save captured images required as evidence of trademark use, thereby enabling efficient preparation of documentary evidence when renewing a trademark registration.

[0057] <Aspect 9> A ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device 1 according to the eighth aspect, characterized in that a portion including a trademark is highlighted in the captured image 90.

[0058] This configuration makes it possible to visually and clearly show the locations of trademark use in the captured image, which increases the persuasiveness of the evidence of use and makes the renewal registration process more reliable.

[0059] <Aspect 10> A tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing device 1 according to the first aspect, wherein the trademark is an image trademark.

[0060] This configuration makes it possible to automatically determine the identity of trademarks using image recognition technology, which makes it possible to efficiently monitor the use of not only word trademarks but also figurative trademarks and logos.

[0061] <Aspect 11> Aspect 11 of the present invention is an information processing device 1 described in aspect 1, further comprising a goods and services memory unit 18 that stores trademark classifications, designated goods or designated services, or similar group codes, and a detection unit 30 that detects whether the goods and services information included in the web page information is included in the range of information stored in the goods and services memory unit 18.

[0062] This configuration makes it possible to automatically check whether a trademark is being used appropriately within the scope of the designated goods and services, thereby enabling early detection of use that is not recognized as evidence of use and taking necessary measures.

[0063] <Aspect 12> Aspect 12 of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a trademark storage process that stores a trademark related to a trademark right that is to be updated, an information acquisition process that acquires web page information, a detection process that detects the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information acquired in the information acquisition process, and a notification process that notifies a user of the usage status.

[0064] This configuration allows the monitoring of trademark usage to be automated by a program, making it possible to efficiently manage a large number of trademarks and preventing human error.

[0065] <Aspect 13> Aspect 13 of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer, characterized in that it comprises a trademark storage step for storing a trademark related to a trademark right to be updated, an information acquisition step for acquiring web page information, a detection step for detecting the usage status of the trademark based on the web page information acquired in the information acquisition step, and a notification step for notifying a user of the usage status.

[0066] This configuration makes it possible to realize a systematic trademark management method, thereby standardizing the work related to the maintenance and management of trademark rights and building an efficient management system.

[0067] By coordinating these functions, the device 1 improves the efficiency and accuracy of trademark confirmation work, thereby significantly reducing the labor and time required for trademark management. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Information processing equipment 12 Trademark storage 14 URL storage section 16 Trademark Owner Memory Unit 18 Product and Service Storage Section 20 Information acquisition department 30 Detector 40 Notification Department 50 Reception 60 Update Registration Notification Department 70 Registered Trademarks 80 Usage status highlight 90 Captured Images

Claims

1. a trademark storage unit that stores the trademark related to the trademark right to be renewed; an information acquisition unit that acquires web page information; a detection unit that detects the use of a trademark based on the acquired web page information; a notification unit that notifies a user of the usage status; a trademark owner storage unit that stores information about trademark owners; Equipped with The detection unit compares the information of the trademark user detected from the web page information with the information of the trademark owner stored in the trademark owner storage unit.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The method further includes a receiving unit that receives one of an application for renewal registration of the trademark or an application for renewal registration of the trademark when the detecting unit detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark right holder.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. and a renewal registration application notification unit that notifies the user that a procedure will be carried out for the desired renewal registration application or one of the renewal registration applications for the trademark when the detection unit detects that the trademark is being used by the trademark right holder and the trademark storage unit stores information indicating that the user desires to apply for renewal registration of the trademark or one of the renewal registration applications.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The information acquisition unit acquires the web page information periodically or irregularly, or in response to an operation by the user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. a URL storage unit that stores a URL of a target from which the web page information is to be acquired; The information acquisition unit acquires the web page information using the URL stored in the URL storage unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. 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.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the notification unit notifies the user of a captured image included in the web page information.

8. Highlighting the portion of the captured image that includes the trademark 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The trademark is an image trademark 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The trademark registration system further comprises a goods and services storage unit for storing the classification, designated goods or designated services, or similar group code of the trademark, The detection unit detects whether the product / service information included in the web page information is included in the range of information stored in the product / service storage unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. a trademark storage process for storing the trademark related to the trademark right to be renewed in a computer; an information acquisition process for acquiring web page information; a detection process for detecting the use status of a trademark based on the web page information acquired in the information acquisition process; a notification process for notifying a user of the usage status; and executing a trademark owner storage process for storing information about the trademark owner; The detection process compares the information of the trademark user detected from the web page information with the information of the trademark owner stored in the trademark owner storage process. A program characterized by:

12. An information processing method performed by a computer, comprising: a step of storing the trademark related to the trademark right to be renewed; obtaining web page information; detecting a trademark usage situation based on the acquired web page information; notifying a user of the usage status; storing information about the trademark owner; Including, In the step of detecting the use of the trademark, the information of the trademark user detected from the web page information is compared with the stored information of the trademark owner. An information processing method comprising:

Images