Decision support method, decision support device, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a decision-making support device, a method, and a program for suppressing a workload associated with decision-making regarding maintenance of applications for acquiring shared industrial property rights or industrial property rights.SOLUTION: In a decision system 10, a support device 11 within a firewall F outputs an instruction for generating, within a web database, support data that provides a user interface for supporting decision-making via a web browser when detecting an occurrence of a decision-making event for maintaining shared industrial property rights, outputs an instruction for issuing a notification to request the decision-making to each of a plurality of rights holders related to industrial property rights, and outputs an instruction for reflecting results of the decision-making to the support data when receiving the results from each of the plurality of rights holders. In the instruction for issuing the notification, key information allowing access to the support data is included in the notification. In the support data, at least information indicating a state of the decision-making by each of the plurality of rights holders is included in the user interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for assisting a decision on the maintenance of an industrial property right related to a joint ownership or an application for obtaining the industrial property right, and also relates to a computer program executable by a processor mounted on the apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for assisting a business in which a right holder of an industrial property right transfers management of expenses necessary for maintaining the industrial property right to a management operator.

[0003] When an industrial property right or an application for obtaining the industrial property right is related to a joint ownership, adjustment may be required among the parties related to the joint ownership when making a decision on whether to maintain the industrial property right or the application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to assist a decision on the maintenance of an industrial property right related to a joint ownership or an application for obtaining the industrial property right while suppressing an increase in the workload.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that can be provided to achieve the above object is a method for assisting a decision on the maintenance of an industrial property right related to a joint ownership or an application for obtaining the industrial property right, The occurrence of an event requiring a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or the aforementioned application is detected by at least one computer. When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, support data for providing a user interface to support the decision-making via a web browser is generated in a web database on at least one computer. At least one computer generates notification data for issuing a notice requesting the decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights. The results of the decisions obtained from each of the aforementioned multiple rights holders or applicants are reflected in the support data by at least one computer. The notification data is configured such that key information allowing access to the support data is included in the notification. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention that may be provided to achieve the above objective is a device for assisting in decision-making regarding the maintenance of jointly owned industrial property rights or applications for acquiring such industrial property rights, Input interface, Processor and Output interface, It is equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The system detects the occurrence of an event that requires a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or application, When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, the output interface outputs instructions for generating support data in a web database to provide a user interface that supports the decision-making through a web browser. Instructions for issuing a notice requesting the decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights are output from the output interface. When the input interface receives the decision-making result obtained from each of the multiple rights holders or applicants, it outputs an instruction from the output interface to reflect the result in the support data. The instructions for issuing the aforementioned notice are configured such that the notice includes key information that allows access to the aforementioned support data. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention that may be provided to achieve the above objective is a computer program executable by a processor mounted on a device that assists in making decisions to maintain a jointly owned industrial property right or an application to acquire such industrial property right, By being executed, the device will The system detects the occurrence of an event that requires a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or application, When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, an instruction is output to generate support data in a web database for providing a user interface to support the decision-making through a web browser. Output instructions for issuing a notice requesting the aforementioned decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights, When the device receives the decision-making results obtained from each of the multiple rights holders or applicants, it outputs an instruction to reflect the results in the support data. The instructions for issuing the aforementioned notice are configured such that the notice includes key information that allows access to the aforementioned support data. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants.

[0009] The intentions of each rights holder or applicant regarding the maintenance of jointly owned industrial property rights or applications are generally communicated individually to the management company. Therefore, if each rights holder or applicant wishes to refer to the intentions of other rights holders or applicants for their own decision-making, they must contact the other rights holders or applicants or the management company individually. In particular, as the number of co-owners increases, the workload associated with these inquiries becomes significant and cannot be ignored.

[0010] The results of decisions made by each rights holder or applicant are stored in a database owned by the management company. Therefore, it is conceivable that granting each rights holder or applicant access to this database would allow them to refer to the intentions of other rights holders or applicants. However, since such databases are generally restricted from external access for confidentiality reasons, it becomes necessary to assign authentication information to each rights holder or applicant to allow them to refer to intentions. Industrial property rights or applications used in maintenance decisions are not always jointly owned, and it is not always necessary to refer to the intentions of other rights holders or applicants for all jointly owned industrial property rights or applications. In such situations, the task of assigning and managing authentication information can also lead to an increased workload.

[0011] According to the configurations described above, support data is generated in a web database to provide a support user interface specifically for referencing the decision-making status of each rights holder or applicant. Since the web database is assumed to be connected to an open communication network, each rights holder or applicant can check the intentions of other rights holders or applicants via a web browser once they obtain the key information included in the notification requesting a decision. This reduces the increased workload associated with inquiries to check the intentions of other rights holders or applicants. It also avoids the workload associated with granting and managing authentication information that grants access rights to databases owned by the management company. Therefore, decision-making regarding the maintenance of shared industrial property rights or applications can be supported while suppressing an increase in workload.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] Illustrates the functional configuration of a decision-making support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Illustrates the flow of processing executed in the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Illustrates the flow of processing executed by the support device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Illustrates a state of a user interface provided through a web browser. [Figure 5] Shows an example of a notice sent from a management operator to a rights holder. [Figure 6] Shows another example of a notice sent from a management operator to a rights holder. [Figure 7] Illustrates another state of the user interface of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] Shows another example of a user interface. [Figure 9] Shows another example of a user interface. [Figure 10] Shows another example of a user interface. [Figure 11] Illustrates the flow of processing executed by the support device of FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] While referring to the accompanying drawings, examples of embodiments will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 illustrates the functional configuration of a decision-making support system 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as support system 10) according to an embodiment. The support system 10 is, for example, owned by a management operator of industrial property rights and is a system for supporting decision-making regarding the maintenance of the industrial property rights among a plurality of rights holders who share the industrial property rights.

[0014] As used herein, the term “industrial property rights management entity” means a natural person or legal entity whose business is the management of industrial property rights. However, for example, if a natural person or legal entity who is one of the co-owners owns the support system 10 in order to manage a certain jointly owned industrial property right, that owner is included in the scope of “industrial property rights management entity” as used herein, regardless of whether or not the business is the management of industrial property rights. The owner is not necessarily required to be in a position of jurisdiction over the industrial property right. The owner’s ownership of the support system 10 may be permanent or temporary.

[0015] The countries in which industrial property rights are effective in decision-making include Japan and other countries. The names of industrial property rights shall conform to the laws of the countries in which such rights are effective. In Japan, industrial property rights include patent rights, utility model rights, design rights, and trademark rights.

[0016] The support system 10 includes a support device 11, a management database 12, and a web database 13.

[0017] The support device 11 and the management database 12 are connected via the first communication network N1. The first communication network N1 is a network whose external access is restricted by a firewall F. An example of the first communication network N1 is a local area network owned by an industrial property rights management company (hereinafter simply referred to as the management company).

[0018] Web database 13 is connected to the second communication network N2. The second communication network N2 is a publicly accessible communication network. The second communication network N2 is not protected by firewall F. An example of the second communication network N2 is the internet.

[0019] The first communication network N1 is connected to the second communication network N2 via firewall F. Therefore, the support device 11 is also connected to communicate with the web database 13.

[0020] The support device 11 is equipped with an input interface 111. The input interface 111 is configured to receive data transmitted from an external device via the first communication network N1.

[0021] The support device 11 includes a processor 112. The processor 112 is configured to perform various processes to support the aforementioned decision-making based on the data received by the input interface 111.

[0022] The support device 11 is equipped with an output interface 113. The output interface 113 is configured as an interface that outputs at least one of data and instructions generated based on processing performed by the processor 112 to the first communication network N1.

[0023] The management database 12 is configured to store various types of data related to industrial property rights used for management. The management database 12 can be implemented using semiconductor memory, hard disk drives, magnetic tape drives, etc.

[0024] The management database 12 includes a bibliographic database 121. The bibliographic database 121 is configured to store bibliographic information that identifies the industrial property rights used for management. The bibliographic information includes information that identifies the right itself and information that identifies the right holder.

[0025] Examples of information that identifies the right itself include number information (registration number, application number, management organization's reference number), date information (registration date, application date, renewal date, expiration date), type information (legal classification, derivative application), country where the right was acquired, and legal status information (in effect, expired, expired due to non-payment of annuities).

[0026] Examples of information that identifies the rights holder include the rights holder's name or title, the rights holder's registration number, the rights holder's contact information, and the percentage of the rights maintenance costs that the rights holder bears.

[0027] The management database 12 includes the legal database 122. The laws that stipulate the calculation methods for the costs and payment deadlines necessary for maintaining industrial property rights subject to management differ from country to country and region to region. The legal database 122 is configured to store information related to such laws in each country and region.

[0028] Terminal devices equipped with web browsers can be connected to the second communication network N2. In Figure 1, the first terminal device 21, the second terminal device 22, and the third terminal device 23 are connected.

[0029] Each of the first terminal device 21, the second terminal device 22, and the third terminal device 23 may be a stationary device or a mobile device. Examples of mobile devices include notebook computers, tablet computers, and smartphones.

[0030] The web database 13 is configured to store information that can be viewed through a web browser of a terminal device connected to the second communication network N2. The information stored in the web database 13 can be identified by a valid URL on the second communication network N2.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the flow of decision-making processes executed through the support system 10 will be explained.

[0032] First, the management company detects the occurrence of an event requiring a decision to maintain the jointly owned industrial property rights (STEP 10). Specifically, it detects that the number of days remaining until the legal deadline for payment of the costs necessary to maintain the industrial property rights (so-called pensions) has reached a predetermined value.

[0033] Next, the management company generates a response management database 123 within the management database 12 (STEP 11). The response management database 123 is a workspace for managing the results of decisions made by multiple rights holders regarding an event that has occurred.

[0034] Next, the management company generates support data to provide a user interface to assist in the decision-making process via a web browser (STEP 12). As illustrated in Figure 1, the support data AD is generated within the web database 13. The support data AD is configured so that the user interface includes information indicating the decision-making status of each of the multiple rights holders who share the industrial property right. Specific examples of the support data AD and the user interface will be described later.

[0035] Next, the management company issues a notice to each of the multiple rights holders informing them of the occurrence of the event and requesting them to make the above decision (STEP 13 in Figure 2). As will be described later, the notice may be in the form of an electronic document or a paper document.

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 1, the support system 10 may include a notification terminal device 14. The terminal device 14 is connected to the first communication network N1. The terminal device 14 is equipped with a mailer. The mailer is configured to send emails to each of several rights holders.

[0037] The notification as an electronic document may be attached to the email. The email may be sent to each rights holder via the first communication network N1 and the second communication network N2, or it may be sent via a mobile phone network. In other words, the terminal device receiving the email does not necessarily have to be one of the first terminal device 21, the second terminal device 22, and the third terminal device 23 connected to the second communication network N2.

[0038] Alternatively, the notification as an electronic document may be stored on a file-sharing server connected to the first communication network N1. In this case, the email sent by the terminal device 14 includes information for each rights holder to download the electronic document stored on the file-sharing server.

[0039] In addition to or instead of this, the support system 10 may include a printer 15 for printing the notice as a paper document, the printer 15 being connected to the first communication network N1. The notice as a paper document is sent to each rights holder by facsimile or postal mail.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 2, the above notice is received by each rights holder (STEP 14). Each rights holder makes a decision on whether or not to maintain the industrial property right related to the notice (STEP 15).

[0041] Next, each rights holder sends a response to the management company indicating the result of their decision (STEP 16). The response may be in the form of an electronic document or a paper document.

[0042] The response as an electronic document may be attached to an email and sent to the administrator via a mailer, or it may be stored on a file-sharing server connected to the second communication network N2. In the latter case, the email sent by each rights holder will contain information for the administrator to download the electronic document stored on the file-sharing server.

[0043] The email may be sent to the management company via the first communication network N1 and the second communication network N2, or via the mobile phone network. Paper documents will be sent to the management company by facsimile or postal mail.

[0044] Once the management company receives the responses from each rights holder (STEP 17), the decision of each rights holder is reflected in the data stored in the response management database 123 of the management database 12, and in the support data AD stored in the web database 13 (STEP 18).

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the processing performed by the processor 112 of the support device 11 will be described in detail. This processing corresponds to the processing performed on the management operator's side in Figure 2.

[0046] First, processor 112 determines whether an event has occurred that requires a decision to maintain the shared industrial property right (STEP 20).

[0047] Specifically, the processor 112 retrieves information relating to a specific industrial property right stored in the bibliographic database 121 and the legal database 122 within the management database 12 via the input interface 111, and based on this information, determines whether the number of days remaining until the legal deadline for payment of the costs necessary to maintain the industrial property right (so-called pensions) has reached a predetermined value. This process is repeated until an industrial property right in which the event occurred is found (NO in STEP 20).

[0048] When an industrial property right in which an event has occurred is identified (YES in STEP 20), the processor 112 outputs an instruction to the first communication network N1 via the output interface 113 to generate a response management database 123 within the management database 12 (STEP 21). The response management database 123 is configured to include at least an area for storing data that identifies the identified industrial property right, an area for storing data that identifies multiple rights holders who own the industrial property right, and an area for storing data that indicates the decision status for each of the multiple rights holders.

[0049] As an example, consider a case where an event arises requiring a decision on the maintenance of a patent right obtained in Japan, and the patent right is jointly owned by three parties: "ABC Corporation," "DEF Corporation," and "GHI Limited."

[0050] Based on the data stored in the bibliographic database 121, areas are reserved in the response management database 123 for storing data that identifies the above-mentioned patent rights, and areas for storing data that identifies each of "ABC Corporation," "DEF Corporation," and "GHI Co., Ltd." In addition, areas are reserved in the response management database 123 for storing data that indicates the decision status of each of "ABC Corporation," "DEF Corporation," and "GHI Co., Ltd." The initial state of the data indicating the decision status may be, for example, "Undecided."

[0051] The generation process of the response management database 123 is performed by at least one computer that controls the management database 12. The support device 11 may have the functions of said computer.

[0052] Next, the processor 112 outputs an instruction to the first communication network N1 via the output interface 113 to generate support data AD in the web database 13 (STEP 22). The support data AD is generated to reflect the data stored in the response management database 123.

[0053] The generation process of the support data AD is performed by at least one computer that controls the web database 13. The support device 11 may have the functions of said computer.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates a support user interface AU that may be provided via a web browser on a terminal device connected to the second communication network N2 based on support data AD. The support user interface AU in this example is configured to support decision-making regarding the maintenance of patent rights obtained in Japan, which are shared by three parties: "ABC Corporation," "DEF Corporation," and "GHI Limited."

[0055] The support user interface AU is configured to include the decision status of each rights holder. Specifically, information identified as "Intention" is displayed to the right of the field where the name of each rights holder is listed. "Intention" includes at least "Renew," "Abandon," and "Undecided." In the initial state illustrated in Figure 4, the initial state of the data showing the decision status in the response management database 123 is reflected, and all "Intention" is set to "Undecided."

[0056] Next, as illustrated in Figure 3, the processor 112 of the support device 11 outputs an instruction to the first communication network N1 via the output interface 113 to cause at least one computer to generate notification data for issuing a notification requesting a decision to each rights holder (STEP 23).

[0057] When the notification is issued in the form of an electronic document, the notification is issued by the terminal device 14 as illustrated in Figure 1. The notification data may be generated by the terminal device 14 or by the support device 11.

[0058] If the notification is issued in the form of a paper document, the notification is issued by the printer 15 illustrated in Figure 1. The notification data is generated by a computer that controls the printer 15. The support device 11 may have the functions of the said computer.

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates a notice issued in the form of an electronic document. The notice may be issued for each right requiring a decision, or, as illustrated in the figure, for multiple rights requiring a decision by a specific right holder simultaneously. In this example, the notice is configured such that, when the cursor is used to manipulate the arrow button located below the "Renewal / Waiver" field, a pull-down menu appears allowing the right holder to select either renewal or waiver. The right holder who receives the notice can then input the result of their decision by selecting either renewal or waiver.

[0060] The notification in this example contains an embedded hyperlink. When the hyperlink labeled "Reference," located below the field labeled "Shareholder Intentions," is clicked, the support user interface AU exemplified in Figure 4 is provided via a web browser. In other words, the hyperlink is associated with a URL that identifies the support data AD in the web database 13 corresponding to the support user interface AU. The hyperlink is an example of key information that allows access to the support data AD.

[0061] In other words, the processor 112 of the support device 11 outputs an instruction from the output interface 113 to generate notification data configured so that the hyperlink is included in the notification.

[0062] Figure 6 illustrates a notice issued in paper document form. The notice may be issued for each right requiring a decision, or, as illustrated in the figure, for multiple rights requiring a decision by a specific right holder simultaneously. The right holder who receives the notice can input their decision by marking either the checkbox associated with "renewal" or the checkbox associated with "waiver." The notice is returned to the management entity via facsimile or mail.

[0063] The notification is printed with an optically scannable code below the section labeled "Shareholder Intentions Reference." When this code is read by a suitable scanner, the support user interface AU, as illustrated in Figure 4, is provided via a web browser. Specifically, the code is associated with a URL that identifies the support data AD in the web database 13 corresponding to the support user interface AU. The optically scannable code is an example of key information that allows access to the support data AD.

[0064] In other words, the processor 112 of the support device 11 outputs an instruction from the output interface 113 to generate notification data configured so that the code in question is included in the notification.

[0065] Consider the case where the first terminal device 21, the second terminal device 22, and the third terminal device 23, illustrated in Figure 1, are used by "ABC Corporation," "DEF Corporation," and "GHI Limited," respectively, and a notice illustrated in Figure 5 or Figure 6 is sent to "ABC Corporation." Assume that the right specified by serial number "1" in the notice is shared by these three parties.

[0066] Upon receiving the notification, the person in charge at "ABC Corporation" can access the support user interface AU shown in Figure 4 through the web browser of the first terminal device 21 by clicking the hyperlink included in the notification as exemplified in Figure 5, or by scanning the code printed on the notification as exemplified in Figure 6.

[0067] In the following explanation, we will consider the case where a representative of "ABC Corporation" decides to relinquish the rights in question and enters this fact into a notification and sends it to the management company. Upon receiving this response, the management company enters the result of the decision made by "ABC Corporation" included in the response into the response management database 123. In other words, the data indicating the decision status of "ABC Corporation" in the response management database 123 is changed from "Undecided" to "Relinquished".

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 3, the processor 112 of the support device 11 determines whether it has received a response from the rights holder (STEP 24). Specifically, it determines whether there has been a change in the data stored in the response management database 123. This process is repeated until it is determined that the response has been received (NO in STEP 24).

[0069] For example, when a decision result is entered into the response management database 123, the management database 12 notifies the support device 11 of the result, and when this notification is received by the input interface 111, it can be determined that the response has been received.

[0070] Alternatively, the support device 11 may periodically check the data stored in the response management database 123 and determine that a response has been received if there is a change.

[0071] If it is determined that the response has been accepted (YES in STEP 24), the processor 112 outputs a command from the output interface 113 to the first communication network N1 to reflect the changes made to the response management database 123 in the support data AD in the web database 13 (STEP 25).

[0072] In this example, the "Intention" of "ABC Corporation" in the support user interface AU provided through a web browser is changed from "Undecided" to "Abandoned." This change is performed by at least one computer that controls the web database 13. The support device 11 may have the functions of that computer.

[0073] As a result, the support user interface (AU) provided through the web browser is modified as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0074] Next, processor 112 determines whether responses have been received from all rights holders (STEP 26). In this example, a response has been received only from "ABC Corporation" (NO in STEP 26), so the process returns to STEP 24 and waits for responses from other rights holders.

[0075] At this point, when a representative from "DEF Corporation" accesses the support data AD through a hyperlink or code included in the notification received, the support user interface AU, as illustrated in Figure 7, is provided via the web browser of the second terminal device 22.

[0076] Similarly, when a representative of "GHI Co., Ltd." accesses the support data AD through a hyperlink or code included in the notification received, the support user interface AU, as illustrated in Figure 7, is provided via the web browser of the third terminal device 23.

[0077] Therefore, the representatives of DEF Corporation and GHI Co., Ltd. can confirm that ABC Corporation wishes to relinquish its jointly owned patent rights.

[0078] The representatives from "DEF Corporation" and "GHI Co., Ltd." each submit the results of their decisions to the management company, which then executes the processes described in STEP 24 through STEP 26.

[0079] Once it is confirmed that responses have been received from all rights holders (YES in STEP 26), the processor 112 terminates processing. The response management database 123 may be deleted from the management database 12 or stored in a specific memory area.

[0080] The intentions of each rights holder regarding the maintenance of jointly owned industrial property rights are generally communicated individually to the management company. Therefore, if each rights holder wishes to refer to the intentions of other rights holders for their own decision-making, they need to contact the other rights holders and the management company individually. In particular, as the number of co-owners increases, the workload associated with making inquiries becomes significant and cannot be ignored.

[0081] The results of decisions made by each rights holder are stored in a database owned by the management company. Therefore, it is conceivable that granting each rights holder access to this database would allow them to refer to the intentions of other rights holders. However, since external access to such databases is generally restricted for confidentiality reasons, it becomes necessary to assign authentication information to each rights holder to allow them to refer to the intentions of others. Industrial property rights used in decisions regarding maintenance are not always jointly owned, and it is not always necessary to refer to the intentions of other rights holders for all jointly owned industrial property rights. In such situations, the task of assigning and managing authentication information can also lead to an increase in workload.

[0082] According to the configuration of this embodiment, support data AD is generated in the web database 13 to provide a support user interface AU specifically for referencing the status of each rights holder's decision-making. Since the web database 13 is assumed to be connected to an open communication network, each rights holder can check the intentions of other rights holders via a web browser once they obtain the key information included in the notification requesting a decision. This suppresses the increase in workload associated with inquiries to check the intentions of other rights holders. Furthermore, it avoids the workload associated with granting and managing authentication information that grants access rights to databases owned by the management company. Therefore, decision-making regarding the maintenance of shared industrial property rights can be supported while suppressing an increase in workload.

[0083] In this embodiment, the processor 112 of the support device 11 is configured to generate support data AD by extracting a portion of the data stored in the bibliographic database 121 of the management database 12.

[0084] As a result, as is evident from the comparison between the support user interface AU exemplified in Figure 4 and the notice exemplified in Figure 5 or Figure 6, the amount of bibliographic information relating to a specific industrial property right included in the support user interface AU is less than the amount of bibliographic information relating to the same industrial property right included in the notice.

[0085] The decision-making process regarding the maintenance of industrial property rights, the cost-sharing ratios of each rights holder, etc., are considered confidential information. With the above configuration, information that can be made accessible via a web browser once key information is obtained can be restricted as needed. This addresses the need to avoid placing confidential information in a web database 13 connected to a communication network with relatively low access restrictions.

[0086] As an example, as shown in Figure 8, the support user interface AU may be configured so as not to include bibliographic information of the industrial property rights being referenced.

[0087] In this case, a rights holder who legitimately obtains key information through notification can view the support user interface (AU) after identifying the industrial property rights being referenced, and therefore can obtain information regarding the intentions of other rights holders with the target industrial property rights in mind, even without requiring the display of bibliographic information. On the other hand, even if someone who has illegitimately obtained key information views the support user interface (AU), they cannot identify the industrial property rights being used for decision-making. Therefore, the confidentiality of information viewable through a web browser can be enhanced.

[0088] As an alternative example, as shown in Figure 9, the support user interface AU may be configured to omit not only the bibliographic information of the industrial property rights being referenced, but also the display of the names of the rights holders involved in co-ownership.

[0089] Even in this case, rights holders who have legitimately obtained key information through notification can view the support user interface (AU) after identifying the industrial property rights being referenced. Therefore, they can obtain information related to their intentions while keeping other rights holders in mind, even without requiring the display of the rights holder's name. On the other hand, even if someone who has illegitimately obtained key information views the support user interface (AU), they cannot identify the industrial property rights and rights holders being used for decision-making. Consequently, the confidentiality of information viewable through a web browser can be further enhanced.

[0090] As an alternative example, the support user interface AU may be configured to display only the number of rights holders in each situation related to their intentions, as shown in Figure 10.

[0091] Even in this case, rights holders who have legitimately obtained key information through notification can understand the general situation regarding the decision-making process without requiring the display of bibliographic information and the names of rights holders, as they are aware of the industrial property rights and rights holders being referenced when viewing the support user interface (AU). On the other hand, even if someone who has illegitimately obtained key information views the support user interface (AU), they cannot obtain any substantial information. Therefore, the confidentiality of information viewable through a web browser can be further enhanced.

[0092] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, notices sent to each rights holder may include a notice ID. The notice ID is identification information that identifies the notice. In other words, a notice ID is generated for each notice. Examples of notice IDs include specific strings of characters or optically scannable codes.

[0093] Figure 11 illustrates the processing flow that may be executed by the processor 112 of the support device 11 in this case.

[0094] First, it is determined whether access to the support data AD in the web database 13 has been requested (STEP 31). For example, if the computer controlling the web database 13 detects an access request to the support data AD, it may notify the support device 11. The processor 112 may be configured to determine that an access request to the support data AD has been made when it receives this notification through the input interface 111. This process is repeated until it is determined that an access request has been made (NO in STEP 31).

[0095] If it is determined that there is a request to access the support data AD (YES in STEP 31), the processor 112 outputs a command from the output interface 113 to the computer controlling the web database 13 to request the input of a notification ID (STEP 32).

[0096] When the computer controlling the web database 13 receives the instruction, it displays a message in the web browser of the terminal device that requested access, prompting the user to enter a notification ID. The user of the terminal device enters the string contained in the notification ID or performs an optical scan of the code. The data corresponding to the entered notification ID is received by the input interface 111 of the support device 11.

[0097] The processor 112 determines whether the notification ID has been received by the input interface 111 (STEP 33). This process is repeated until it is determined that the notification ID has been received (NO in STEP 33).

[0098] When it is determined that the notification ID has been received (YES in STEP 33), the processor 112 determines whether the notification ID is valid (STEP 34). Specifically, when the processor 112 issues an instruction to generate a notification (STEP 23 in Figure 3), it stores the notification ID included in the notification in storage (not shown). In STEP 34, the processor 112 determines whether the input notification ID is valid by comparing the received notification ID with the notification ID stored in storage.

[0099] If the entered notification ID does not match a notification ID stored in the storage, the entered notification ID is deemed invalid (NO in STEP 34). In this case, the process returns to STEP 32, and a message prompting for notification ID input is displayed again in the web browser.

[0100] If the entered notification ID matches a notification ID stored in storage, the entered notification ID is determined to be valid (YES in STEP 34). In this case, the processor 112 outputs a command from the output interface 113 to allow viewing of the support data AD (STEP 35). When the computer controlling the web database 13 receives this command, the support user interface AU containing information corresponding to the support data AD is provided via a web browser.

[0101] In other words, both key information and a notification ID are required to access the support data AD. With this configuration, access to the support data AD can be restricted to those who have obtained only the key information through unofficial means. Therefore, the confidentiality of information viewable through a web browser can be further enhanced.

[0102] The processor 112 of the support device 11, which has the various functions described above, can be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor that works in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs and MPUs. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROMs and RAMs. In this case, the ROM may store computer programs that perform the various processes described above. ROM is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which computer programs are stored. The processor selects at least a portion of the computer program stored in the ROM and loads it onto the RAM, and works in cooperation with the RAM to execute the processes described above. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or it may be downloaded from an external server device via a communication network and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which computer programs are stored.

[0103] The processor 112 may be implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the above-mentioned computer program, such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA. The above-mentioned computer program is pre-installed in the memory element. The memory element is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which the computer program is stored. The processor 112 can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0104] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The configurations of the embodiments described above may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the results of each rights holder's decision are received by sending a notification back to the management company. However, the support user interface AU may be configured to receive the results of the decision. For example, a button to display the pull-down menu exemplified in Figure 5 may be placed in the "Intention" column of the support user interface AU exemplified in Figure 4. The results of the decision entered through the pull-down menu are notified to the management company by the computer controlling the web database 13.

[0106] Key information that allows access to support data AD is not limited to hyperlinks embedded in electronic documents or codes printed on paper documents. URL strings displayed in electronic or paper documents can also serve as key information. Furthermore, from the perspective of enhancing the confidentiality of information viewable through a web browser, it is preferable that such URLs do not contain strings that suggest industrial property rights or rights holders.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the decision-making process focuses on whether or not to maintain the industrial property rights. However, the decision-making process also focuses on whether or not to maintain an application for obtaining industrial property rights. Specifically, decisions made by the applicant regarding whether or not to request examination of the application, whether or not to respond to an office directive, whether or not to pay the registration fee, and whether or not to pay the application maintenance fee can be examples of decisions made to maintain an application for obtaining industrial property rights. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 11: Support device, 111: Input interface, 112: Processor, 113: Output interface, AD: Support data, AU: Support user interface

Claims

1. A method for supporting decision-making regarding the maintenance of a shared industrial property right or an application for acquiring such industrial property right, which is managed in a management database connected to a first telecommunications network with restricted external access, The occurrence of an event requiring a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or application is detected by at least one computer. When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, support data for providing a user interface to support the decision-making via a web browser is generated on at least one computer in a web database connected to a second publicly accessible communication network. At least one computer generates notification data for issuing a notice requesting the decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights. The results of the decisions obtained from each of the aforementioned multiple rights holders or applicants are reflected in the support data by at least one computer. The notification data is configured such that key information allowing access to the support data is included in the notification. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants. Decision support methods.

2. The amount of bibliographic information relating to the industrial property right or application included in the user interface is less than the amount of bibliographic information relating to the industrial property right or application included in the notice. The decision support method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned notification is an electronic document in which the aforementioned key information is embedded. The decision support method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned notification is a paper document on which the aforementioned key information is printed. The decision support method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned notice includes identifying information that identifies the notice, The decision support method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein both the key information and the identification information are required to access the support data.

6. The result of the aforementioned decision is received through the user interface. A decision support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A device for supporting decision-making regarding the maintenance of a shared industrial property right or an application for acquiring such industrial property right, which is managed in a management database connected to a first telecommunications network with restricted external access, Input interface, Processor and Output interface, It is equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The system detects the occurrence of an event that requires a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or application, When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, the output interface outputs instructions for generating support data in a web database connected to a second publicly accessible communication network, for providing a user interface to support the decision-making via a web browser. Instructions for issuing a notice requesting the decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights are output from the output interface. When the input interface receives the decision-making result obtained from each of the multiple rights holders or applicants, it outputs an instruction from the output interface to reflect the result in the support data. The instructions for issuing the aforementioned notice are configured such that the notice includes key information that allows access to the aforementioned support data. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants. Decision support equipment.

8. A computer program executable by a processor mounted on a device that assists in decision-making for maintaining a shared industrial property right or an application to acquire such industrial property right, which is managed in a management database connected to a first communication network with restricted external access, By being executed, the device will The system detects the occurrence of an event that requires a decision to maintain the aforementioned industrial property right or application, When the occurrence of the aforementioned event is detected, an instruction is output to generate support data for providing a user interface to support the decision-making through a web browser in a web database connected to a second publicly accessible communication network. Output instructions for issuing a notice requesting the aforementioned decision to each of the multiple rights holders or applicants relating to the aforementioned industrial property rights, When the device receives the decision-making results obtained from each of the multiple rights holders or applicants, it outputs an instruction to reflect the results in the support data. The instructions for issuing the aforementioned notice are configured such that the notice includes key information that allows access to the aforementioned support data. The support data is configured such that the user interface includes information indicating the status of the decision made by at least each of the multiple rights holders or applicants. Computer program.

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