Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for managing the succession of assets, comprising at least the following operative steps: a step of setting up at least one computer server (2), configured to be connectable for data exchange with at least a first computer terminal (3) of an owner (4) and with at least a second computer terminal (6) of an heir (7); a first step of generating at least one page of a graphic interface viewable at least from said first computer terminal (3) of said owner (4); wherein said graphic interface comprises a plurality of input fields configured to receive alphanumeric text; a first step of filling in said input fields by said owner (4) via said first terminal (3) to acquire information about said assets, wherein said assets comprise one or more assets; a second step of generation, by said server (2), of at least a first list (5) of assets of said assets; said server (2) also generating a second list (9) of unique identification codes, in which each said asset of said assets is associated with at least one corresponding unique identification code; a second step of filling in said input fields by said owner (4) via said first terminal (3) to define information of at least one legal professional (8) and / or at least one heir (7); a third step of generation of at least one unique computer link, configured to link to at least one asset page (10) of said graphic interface comprising at least said first list (5) of assets.

Description

COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING THE SUCCESSION OF A HERITAGEDESCRIPTIONField of application of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage, in accordance with the preamble of independent main claim no. 1.

[0002] The present invention finds application in the technical field of the production and commercialization of IT infrastructures as well as in the technical field of heritage management.State of the art

[0003] The management of succession and / or inheritance of a heritage is an area that has seen increasing digitalization and innovation in recent years.

[0004] Historically, heritage planning traditionally involves professional figures such as notaries, lawyers, and / or financial advisors. However, in recent years, technology has introduced new tools and methods to simplify and automate many bureaucratic and administrative aspects.

[0005] For example, with the increasing spread of personal computer devices such as PCs and smartphones, various apps and online platforms have emerged with the aim of helping people plan the management of their properties and successions more efficiently.

[0006] These IT tools allow for the collection, management, and updating of asset information, legal documents, and testamentary wishes.

[0007] For example, in the relevant technical field, the so-called "Will-making Apps" are known, i.e. , applications configured to allow the creation of digital wills.

[0008] These applications are configured to guide the user in creating a legally valid will.

[0009] In any case, in the event of a user's death without having made a will, the succession process can become very complex and expensive.

[0010] Furthermore, the deceased user might have possessed heritage of which no one is aware, which risk being lost in an oblivion of properties that no one is able to claim.

[0011] In general, the succession of a heritage can be a long and complex process, especially when it involves numerous properties and / or interested parties.

[0012] Technology has made significant progress in the management of succession and heritage inheritance. For example, there are apps for heritage planning and digital notarization.

[0013] However, the known art has proven in practice not to be without drawbacks.

[0014] The main drawback of the known art briefly mentioned above lies in the fact that, often, the ownership of certain properties is known only to the owner. In this situation, in the event of the owner's death without having made a will, unregistered properties are almost impossible for successors to trace.

[0015] A further drawback lies in the fact that the heritage management of a deceased person is complex and laborious and, in some cases, requires an investment by the heirs to trace and catalogue the heritage subject to succession.

[0016] An example of known art is described in document US 2021 / 0327008 A1 , which describes a system for automated will creation, beneficiary verification, and transfer of traditional and non-traditional assets through a fintech ecosystem. However, the system described in US 2021 / 0327008 A1 has some drawbacks, for example, the described system relies exclusively on external identifiers, which can make the universal management and traceability of assets complex.

[0017] Furthermore, the known art system has a cumbersome access process for heirs, requiring complete registration on the platform and KYC verification before being able to view the heritage, hindering direct and simplified access to information.Presentation of the invention

[0018] The present invention intends to overcome the drawbacks of the known art mentioned above by providing a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage.

[0019] In particular, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer- implemented method for managing the succession of heritage that allows for quick and simple tracing of a user's heritage.

[0020] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of heritages that is simple and economical to implement.

[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage that is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

[0022] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage that allows a user to catalogue their heritage in a quickly, simple, and economical manner.

[0023] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage that is improved and / or alternative to the known art.

[0024] These purposes, together with others that will be better clarified below, are achieved by a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage of the type in accordance with claim 1.

[0025] Other purposes that will be better described below are achieved by a computer- implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage in accordance with the dependent claims.Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The advantages and characteristics of the present invention will clearly emerge from the following detailed description of some preferred but non-limiting configurations of a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage with particular reference to the following drawings:- Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a second generation step according to the computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage object of the present invention;- Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a step of request of succession of the method according to the invention.Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present invention has as its object a computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage.

[0028] The method in question is advantageously implemented by at least one computer, hereinafter referred to by the reference number 1.

[0029] The method in question finds advantageous use in the financial and / or heritage management field, in particular for improving and optimizing heritage management, for example during an inheritance succession.

[0030] The computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage, object of the present invention, preferably comprises at least the operational steps described in detail below.

[0031] Preferably, the method according to the invention can be implemented by an electronic calculator, in particular of a portable type, such as a smartphone or similar devices.

[0032] Even more preferably, the method according to the invention can be implemented by executing a dedicated application to be installed in the electronic calculator, in particular in a smartphone, known as an "app" or similar.

[0033] The method according to the invention preliminarily comprises at least one step of setting up at least one computer server 2, configured to be connectable in data exchange with at least a first computer terminal 3 of an owner 4 and with at least a second computer terminal 6 of an heir 7.

[0034] The computer server 2 can be of any type well known to a person skilled in the art and is preferably susceptible to being connected to said first terminal 3 and said second terminal 7 via an internet connection.

[0035] The computer server 2 preferably comprises at least one remote electronic calculator and / or computer, placed in data communication via a computer network, in particular the internet or similar.

[0036] The first computer terminal 3 has been identified in the attached figures as a personal computer, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only. Obviously, the first computer terminal 3 may comprise any type of electronic device capable of being connected for data exchange with server 2, for example a smartphone, a laptop, or any other device well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0037] Likewise, the second computer terminal 6 has been identified in the attached figures as a smartphone, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only. Obviously, the second computer terminal 6 may comprise any type of electronic device capable of being connected in data exchange with server 2, for example a personal computer, a laptop or any other device well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0038] As anticipated above, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first computer terminal 3 and the second computer terminal 6 are both smartphones, on which a dedicated application, i.e. a specific app, is preferably installed to allow the execution of the method object of the invention.

[0039] In accordance with this preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the method according to the invention is intended to be used only via smartphone, through the use of the specific "app".

[0040] Preferably, the communicative coupling of the first computer terminal 3 of the owner 4 and the second computer terminal 6 of the heir 7 with the computer server 2 is realized by means of a communication network (e.g. wireless) and, preferably, the generation of a digital graphical user interface (known in jargon as GUI).

[0041] Preferably, the digital graphical user interface is programmed to be viewable on an electronic display, in particular at least of the first computer terminal 3 and the second computer terminal 6, and preferably comprises a plurality of input fields, operatively configured to receive alphanumeric text translatable by server 2 into digital data.

[0042] For the purposes of the present patent application, the term "owner" shall mean any (natural or legal) person who holds ownership of a heritage. Furthermore, the term "owner" shall include any representative, administrator or legal guardian entitled to act in the name and on behalf of the person who owns the heritage.

[0043] For the purposes of the present patent application, the term "heir" shall mean any (natural or legal) person identified by the owner as a successor in ownership of the heritage.

[0044] For example, the heir may be a family member (a son or similar) or another natural or legal person that the owner wishes to identify.

[0045] The method also comprises a first step of generating at least one page of a graphical user interface viewable at least from said first computer terminal 3 of said owner 4

[0046] The graphic user interface comprises a plurality of input fields configured to receive alphanumeric text.

[0047] Preferably, the first step of filling in involves starting the graphical user interface, entering alphanumeric text which will be translated and / or stored as data and / or selecting a plurality of icons of the graphical user interface on the electronic display of the first and / or second computer terminal.

[0048] The method according to the invention provides that the server 2 collects the data obtained through the graphical user interface and, through a processing module, converts the data thus obtained into data arrays and saves the data arrays in a memory module.

[0049] Preferably, the memory module is organized in a database, preferably indexed, in which the data arrays are interconnected and easily traceable.

[0050] Preferably, the first computer terminal 3 and / or the second computer terminal 6are geographically located in a different location from that of the computer server 2.

[0051] The method according to the invention comprises a first step of filling in said input fields by said owner 4 via said first terminal 3 to acquire information about said heritage, wherein said heritage comprise one or more assets.

[0052] The method also comprises a second step of generating, by said server 2, at least a first list 5 of assets of said heritage.

[0053] The server 2 also generating a second list 9 of unique identification codes, in which each said asset of said heritage is associated with at least one corresponding unique identification code.

[0054] Preferably, the unique identification code will be unique and generated at the time of insertion of a new asset by the owner 4.

[0055] The method according to the invention also comprises a second step of filling in said input fields by said owner 4 through said first terminal 3 to define information of at least one legal professional 8 and / or at least one heir 7.

[0056] For the purposes of the present description, the term "legal professional" is to be intended as any professional figure suitable for managing and / or validating the succession of the owner's heritage. For example, the legal professional may be a notary, a lawyer or similar, or it may be a legal entity, such as a professional firm or similar.

[0057] Hereinafter, reference will be made to the legal professional impersonated by a notary, purely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0058] The method according to the invention also comprises a third step of generating at least one unique computer link, configured to link at least one asset page 10 of said graphical user interface comprising at least said first list 5 of assets.

[0059] Advantageously, said unique computer link is configured, before linking to said asset page, to link to an identification page.

[0060] Preferably, said asset page 10 is accessible only by said heir 7 defined by said owner 4.

[0061] More in detail, the identification page is configured to allow said computer server 2 to obtain the information of the heir 7 who is trying to access the asset page 10.

[0062] In this way, the method according to the invention allows only the heir identified by the owner 4 to access the heritage page to view the heritage subject to succession.

[0063] Operationally, the computer server 2 is programmed to receive and process the data of the heir 7 entered through the graphical user interface, in particular at theidentification page.

[0064] Conveniently, the computer server 2 comprises at least one processing module configured to compare the heir's data 7 acquired from the identification page with the heir's data 7 obtained during the first step of filling in.

[0065] Advantageously, said third step of generation provides for generating, in addition to said unique computer link, also a unique key, biunivocally associated with said unique computer link.

[0066] Preferably, the unique key comprises at least one string of characters, for example randomly generated by the computer server 2.

[0067] Preferably, the unique key generated during the third step of generation may be shared by the computer server 2 only with the owner 4 and / or with the heir 7 defined by the owner 4 himself during the second filling in step.

[0068] Preferably, the asset page is not accessible by the legal professional, but only by the owner 4 and, preferably, by the heir 7 defined by the owner 4 himself.

[0069] Advantageously, said identification page reached with said unique computer link may require the insertion of said unique key.

[0070] Preferably, in this way, the method according to the invention ensures the owner that only the heir 7 identified by the owner 4 will be able to access the heritage page to view the heritage subject to succession, avoiding the risk that the unique computer link is used by third parties to whom the link was not directly provided.

[0071] Operatively, the computer server 2 is programmed to receive and process the unique key entered through the graphical user interface by the heir 7, in particular in correspondence of the identification page.

[0072] Conveniently, the processing module of the computer server 2 is configured to compare the unique key acquired from the identification page with the unique key generated during the second step of generation.

[0073] Advantageously, each asset in said first list 5 is biunivocally and permanently associated with corresponding unique identification code.

[0074] In other words, the second step of generation of the method according to the invention provides that the computer server 2 generates an identification code upon insertion of each corresponding new asset by the owner.

[0075] Furthermore, the second step of generating of the method according to the invention provides that the computer server 2 biunivocally and permanently (orindissolubly) links each asset of the heritage with the corresponding unique identification code.

[0076] The technical effect of these features is the creation of a robust, secure and distributed data structure. This structure guarantees the unique traceability and immutability of each individual asset, independently of the will drafting process itself.

[0077] The method according to the invention, in fact, provides a reliable mechanism for cataloguing and discovering properties, particularly crucial for unregistered properties in public databases (e.g., digital properties, unregistered valuable objects). This solves the problem of "lost properties ", known only to the owner.

[0078] According to the present invention, the unique identification code generated by server 2 can be advantageously understood as a "software token" or digital token.

[0079] Said software token does not represent an asset in itself but constitutes the digital access key configured to unlock the visibility of otherwise inaccessible heritage information.

[0080] Advantageously, the owner 4 can decide to insert said software token, for example the alphanumeric code representing it, into their will or other legal document. In this way, it is guaranteed that, at the time of their death or incapacitation, the legal professional 8 or the designated heir 7 can use this token to initiate the asset tracing process through the platform, solving the drawback of the known art relating to unregistered and unknown heritage to successors.

[0081] Furthermore, preferably, the first list 5 of assets is uniquely and permanently associated with said owner 4.

[0082] In other words, preferably, each owner 4 holds an account, preferably stored on the computer server 2. Preferably, each account of each owner 4 is unique and unrepeatable.

[0083] The computer server 2 is configured to biunivocally link each asset added by the owner 4 with their account and, consequently, the first list 5 of assets is biunivocally and permanently linked with the corresponding account of the owner 4.

[0084] Advantageously, said first list 5 is visible, through said unique computer link, only to said heir 7 simultaneously provided with said unique computer link and said unique key.

[0085] Advantageously, the information of said at least one legal professional 8 and / or said at least one heir 7 can be modified only by said owner 4.

[0086] Preferably, only the owner 4 has the power to modify any type of information present in their account saved on the computer server 2.

[0087] In other words, preferably, the heir 7 and / or the legal professional 8 cannot modify the first list 5 of assets nor can they modify the information related to the legal professional 8 and / or the heirs 7.

[0088] Preferably, the asset page of the graphical user interface accessible via the unique computer link generated in the third step of generation is a read-only page, on which it is impossible to modify the information contained therein.

[0089] Advantageously, said asset page 10 reachable with said unique computer link provides for sending a request for succession of said heritage, by said heir 7.

[0090] Advantageously, said request for succession may be sent to at least one legal professional 8, preferably identified by said owner 4 in said second step of filling in.

[0091] In a different embodiment, the method according to the invention may provide that, during the second step of filling in, the owner 4 identifies two or more heirs 7.

[0092] In this situation, the third step of generation of the method according to the invention provides for generating a corresponding unique computer link for each of the heirs 7 identified by the owner 4.

[0093] Furthermore, in the same way, the third step of generation provides for generating a corresponding unique key biunivocally and permanently linked to the corresponding unique computer link.

[0094] Advantageously, said request for succession provides for supplying a death certificate of said owner 4.

[0095] Advantageously, said asset page 10 reachable with said unique computer link is visible but not modifiable.

[0096] According to a further preferred feature of the present invention, access to the asset page 10 by the heir 7 is subject to a time-based security mechanism.

[0097] More in detail, when the heir 7 uses the unique computer link and the unique key to request access, the computer server 2 sends a notification to the first computer terminal 3 of the owner 4.

[0098] The owner 4 has a predefined time interval, for example 24 hours, to explicitly accept or refuse the access request.

[0099] In case of inaction by the owner 4 within said interval, for example due to death or incapacitation, the system automatically grants access to the heir 7.

[0100] This mechanism offers a dual advantage: on the one hand, it protects the privacy of the owner 4 as long as they are alive and able to manage their affairs; on the other hand, it guarantees the heir 7 certain and automatic access to the heritage in case of need, overcoming the risk that access is permanently denied due to the owner's inability to grant it.

[0101] Conveniently, the unique computer link may be of any type well known to a person skilled in the art, such as a QR code or a traditional link, for example with http protocol or similar.

[0102] According to another preferred feature of the present invention, the method comprises a step of communicative coupling of the first computer terminal 3 of the owner 4 and the second computer terminal 6 of the heir 7 to the computer server 2 through at least one communication network, such as an internet network.

[0103] In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, the method may provide for registration in a corresponding account of the owner 4 and, preferably, of the heir 7, wherein the account is preferably saved and stored on the computer server 2 before generating the digital graphical user interface on the electronic display of the first and / or second computer terminal.

[0104] Alternatively, the method may provide that only the owner 4 has an account while the heir 7 can access the unique computer link 8 without having an account.

[0105] Preferably, the unique computer link is configured to provide said heir 7, via a second computer terminal 6, with direct access to an asset page 10 viewable on said second terminal 6.

[0106] Furthermore, preferably, as anticipated above, said asset page 10 comprises at least a list 5 of said assets, and said direct access is provided without requiring said heir 7 to first create a user account on the computer server 2 platform.

[0107] In this way, the method according to the invention defines a new operating model for the access of the heir, which differs from those of the known art by its immediacy, simplicity, and independence from an account-based system.

[0108] Advantageously, in accordance with a further preferred feature of the present invention, the unique computer link is preferably transferable from the first computer terminal 3 to a different computer terminal, of the same heir 7 or of another user, for example via an internet network.

[0109] Conveniently, the unique computer link is biunivocally linked also to the heir 7and to the owner 4.

[0110] Advantageously, the third step of generation can be initialized by said owner 4.

[0111] Preferably, the third step of generation can be initialized directly by sending the unique computer link by the owner and / or by the legal professional

[0112] Alternatively, the third step of generation can be initialized by sending said unique computer link 8 automatically by the server 2 following the insertion of the data of the heir 7 by the owner 4.

[0113] Advantageously, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method provides, in the graphical user interface, a plurality of windows viewable in sequence on the electronic display of the first and / or second computer terminal 3, 6

[0114] Advantageously, each window comprises a plurality of input fields, configured to receive alphanumeric text for acquiring said data.

[0115] Preferably, the first step of filling in provides for the acquisition of digital data by generating a plurality of windows viewable in sequence via the graphical user interface on the electronic display of the first computer terminal 3 of the owner 4.

[0116] Preferably, the step of filling in by the owner is prodromal to the step of generation of the contract, in order to allow that during the third step of generation of the contract 9 it is carried out by generating a digital document comprising a plurality of preformed text paragraphs.

[0117] Preferably, access to the graphical user interface by the owner 4 in the first step of filling in is subject to the subscription of a contract with the Applicant.

[0118] In other words, to access the graphical user interface and the service offered by the method according to the invention, the owner 4 is preferably required to make a payment, for example a monthly or annual subscription.

[0119] For this purpose, the computer server 2 is configured to be connected in data exchange with at least one banking institution to obtain said payment from the owner 4 for the subscription of said contract.

[0120] In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the computer server 2 is based on, or interacts with, a distributed ledger infrastructure, preferably of the blockchain type.

[0121] This infrastructure allows for permanent, immutable, and chronologically secure recording of all operations performed through the platform, such as the addition of a newasset, the modification of information associated with said asset, and / or access requests by third parties, such as the heir 7.

[0122] In this way, the method according to the invention guarantees a higher level of security and transparency, as every event related to the asset of the owner 4 is recorded in real-time and cannot be altered retrospectively, providing certain and verifiable proof of the activities performed and the integrity of the asset data.

[0123] The present invention can be implemented in other variants all falling within the scope of the claimed and described inventive characteristics; such technical characteristics can be replaced by various technically equivalent elements and materials used; the forms and dimensions of the invention can be any, provided they are compatible with its use.

[0124] The numbers and reference signs inserted in the claims and description are for the sole purpose of increasing the clarity of the text and should not be considered as elements limiting the interpretation of the technical objects or processes identified by them.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage, including at least the following operational steps: a step of setting up at least one computer server (2), configured to be connectable in data exchange with at least one first computer terminal (3) of an owner (4) and with at least one second computer terminal (6) of an heir (7); a first step of generating at least one page of a graphical user interface viewable from at least said first computer terminal (3) of said owner (4); wherein said graphical user interface includes a plurality of input fields configured to receive alphanumeric text; a first step of filling in said input fields by said owner (4) through said first terminal (3) to acquire information of said heritage, wherein said heritage comprises one or more assets; a second step of generating, by said server (2), at least a first list (5) of assets of said heritage; said server (2) also generating a second list (9) of unique identification codes, wherein each said asset of said heritage is associated with at least one corresponding unique identification code; a second step of filling in said input fields by said owner (4) through said first terminal (3) to define information of at least one legal professional (8) and / or at least one heir (7); a third step of generating at least one unique computer link configured to link to at least one asset page (10) of said graphical user interface comprising at least said first list (5) of assets; each asset in said first list (5) is biunivocally and permanently associated with the corresponding unique identification code; said first list (5) of assets is uniquely and permanently associated with said owner (4).

2. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to claim 1 , characterized in that said unique computer link is configured, before linking to said asset page, to link to an identification page; said asset page (10) being accessible only by said heir (7) defined by said owner (4).

3. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said third step of generation involvesgenerating, in addition to said unique computer link, a unique key, which is biunivocally associated with said unique computer link.

4. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said identification page reached by said unique computer link requires the entry of said unique key.

5. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first list (5) is visible, through said unique computer link, only by said heir (7) simultaneously provided with said unique computer link and said unique key.

6. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information of said at least one legal professional (8) and / or said at least one heir (7) is modifiable only by said owner (4).

7. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of requesting for succession, in which said heir (7), from said asset page (10) reachable through said unique computer link sends a request for succession of said heritage; said request for succession being sent to at least one legal professional (8), preferably identified by said owner (4) in said second step of filling in.

8. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said request for succession involves providing a death certificate of said owner (4).

9. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said asset page (10) reachable through said unique computer link is visible but not editable.

10. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said unique computer link is preferably transferable from said first computer terminal (3) to a different computer terminal, of the same heir (7) or of another user, for example via an internet network.

11. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said uniquecomputer link is configured to provide said heir (7), through said second computer terminal (6), direct access to an asset page (10) viewable on said second terminal (6)12. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during said second step of filling in, the owner 4 identifies two or more heirs 7; said third step of generation of the method according to the invention providing for generating a corresponding unique computer link for each of the heirs 7 identified by the owner 4.

13. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second step of generation provides that said computer server (2) generates an identification code upon insertion of each corresponding new asset by said owner.

14. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second step of generation provides that said computer server (2) biunivocally and permanently links each asset of the heritage with its corresponding said unique identification code.

15. Computer-implemented method for managing the succession of a heritage according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computer server (2) is configured to biunivocally link each asset, added by said owner (4), with their account, said first list (5) of assets of a heritage being therefore biunivocally and permanently linked to the corresponding account of said owner (4).

Images