Patent Docketing Interface for Structured Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of predefined structure in communicating patent prosecution activities across different jurisdictions leads to inefficiencies and increased error risk in docketing information management, as parties use varied mechanisms and languages to describe activities, making it difficult for receiving parties to accurately categorize and input data into patent databases.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is introduced that allows parties to report patent prosecution activities in a structured manner by selecting from a predetermined list, reducing the number of screens and interfaces required, and ensuring consistent data entry across jurisdictions, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of docketing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parties use varied mechanisms and languages to describe patent prosecution activities, then communication flexibility is improved, but data accuracy and categorization reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the communication parameter from free-text descriptions to structured data entries with predefined categories and standardized formats. This parameter change maintains adaptability through customizable fields while ensuring reliability through consistent data structure and validation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the structured data entry interface) between the diverse communication methods of different parties and the patent database. This intermediary standardizes incoming data while preserving the ability to handle various input formats, thus maintaining both flexibility and accuracy.
2Device complexity
If manual categorization and data input methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing predefined categories and structured templates before data entry occurs. This preparation reduces the complexity of manual categorization while significantly improving productivity, as users only need to select from predetermined options rather than create categories from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured data entry system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it standardizes data format, enables automatic categorization, validates input accuracy, and facilitates efficient database integration. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple screens and interfaces are required for data entry, then data validation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple validation functions and data entry steps into a single integrated interface. This combination maintains comprehensive data validation while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to navigate through multiple separate screens and interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional sections (activity selection, data entry, validation, submission) within a single unified screen. This segmentation allows comprehensive validation while maintaining operational simplicity through organized, logical layout and clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for receiving docketing data are disclosed. The methods and systems perform operations comprising: obtaining, by a first party, a patent file wrapper from a publicly accessible database of patent records, the patent file wrapper including a plurality of patent documents; receiving, from the first party, user input that tags a patent document of the plurality of patent documents in the patent file wrapper, wherein the patent document that is tagged is associated with a patent activity that occurred within a threshold period of time; and transmitting, to a second party by the first party, a communication that includes the tagged patent document.