Patent ID: 7496604
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing duplication of files in an electronic messaging system, the method comprising: receiving an electronic message addressed to a user, the electronic message including a header portion, a content portion, and a digital file; storing a representation of the electronic message with at least the header portion in association with the user's mailbox; determining a digital signature for the digital file included in the electronic message; accessing, from electronic storage, multiple digital signatures, each of the multiple digital signatures corresponding to a digital file included in a previous electronic message received by the electronic messaging system prior to receiving the electronic message; comparing the digital signature for the digital file included in the electronic message against the accessed multiple digital signatures; based on comparison results, determining whether the digital signature for the digital file included in the electronic message relates to a digital signature included in the accessed multiple digital signatures; and conditioned on determining that the digital signature for the digital file included in the electronic message relates to a digital signature included in the accessed multiple digital signatures: