Abstract:
The disclosed invention, a Legal Management System (LMS), is a fully integrated web-based interactive database to automate the management process for storing, disseminating and searching information in real time. The invention is a method using a web-based system including a server system coupled to a centralized interactive database and at least one client system. The method involves receiving information from a client system, storing the information into a centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain the information, and providing the up-to-date information in response to an inquiry.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to an integrated knowledge management system and more specifically, to a web-based method and system for storing, disseminating, and searching information in real time. 
   Legal communities of successful business entities may include several hundred attorneys from various practice groups representing many business divisions in different countries. The legal community generally has a need to store, disseminate, and search information in a real-time basis. However, the known document management methods and systems utilized by the legal community have several disadvantages. For example, current document management methods and systems are largely paper-based and create filing and storing problems. In addition, these methods are time consuming and finding a specific document is sometimes a serious challenge. The problem is more acute in organizations having multiple divisions, and especially organizations with globally distributed divisions where managing business requires immediate attention, review, and approval at various levels across the globe. 
   Therefore, it would be desirable to have network-based systems and methods that provide an efficient way to obtain data and manage information. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A Legal management system (LMS), is a fully integrated on-line web-based company-wide communication tool. The LMS is a centralized and integrated legal department management tool configured to drive accountability and performance and to improve operational efficiency. The LMS enhances the lines of communication across all attorneys within a legal counsel department and across the globe by enabling the sharing of pertinent legal information and knowledge among teams and by facilitating approval and reviews by decision-makers through the use of on-line comment and feedback capabilities. The LMS streamlines processes, enhances access of legal information, and simplifies business processes within the legal department. The LMS functionality is important, particularly in the fast changing E-business environment. 
   The LMS is a web portal, which contains user profiles and is comprised of three additional applications: the intranet, Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS), and Restrictive Covenant Database (RCDB). The intranet is a searchable web-based system for collecting, tracking and disseminating information about a business entity&#39;s legal community on a real time basis. All three applications are written in Microsoft Active Server Pages technology. The intranet and OCMS are written with VBScript as the server side language and JavaScript as the client side language. Database interaction for the intranet is handled with the ADO component via an ODBC connection to a SQL Server 6.5 database. 
   The system captures business/legal information pertaining to the business entity and provides such information in a variety of reporting formats on-line to the user. In one exemplary embodiment, the system utilizes a Structured Query Language (SQL) server database with a client user interface front-end for administration and a web interface for standard user input and reports. The LMS stores business/legal department related data in the database in several separate sections such as a Practice Group Information Section, a Preferred Provider Information Section, a Regional Information Section, a Commercial Transaction Information Section, an Organizational Information Section, an Administrative/Security Information Section, and a Resources Information Section. 
   In one aspect, the present invention is a method that includes the steps of receiving and storing legal/business information in a central database. The information is organized within the centralized database and reported to a user. In one embodiment, and to practice the method for managing legal/business information, accountability and performance on-line, a web-based system including a client system and a server system is utilized. The server system is connected to a centralized interactive database for receiving legal/business related information from a client system, storing the legal/business information into a centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain the legal/business information, and finally providing up-to-date legal/business information to any user, upon request, within the organization having a valid authorization to access this confidential information. 
   In another aspect, the present invention is a system for document management. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes at least one computer coupled to a server configured to receive and store legal/business related information in a centralized database. The server is further configured to organize the information within the central database and to report the information to a user. The system is further configured to be a server for the computer. The system also includes a network connecting the server to the computer and an interface that allows a requester to input the information and to receive the information output. 
   In yet another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for managing, storing, disseminating and sharing information on-line in real time using a network based Legal Management System which includes a server system, a client system and a centralized interactive database connected to the server system and the client system by a communication link. The apparatus includes a Security Module providing a user access into various applications including legal productivity and collaboration tools such as the Outside Counsel Management System, Lotus QuickPlace and Sametime. The apparatus further includes an Administrative Management Module to create user identifications and passwords via web forms making direct database connections to the SQL server backend, a robust Search Engine Module capable of searching numerous documents stored in various libraries in the centralized database, and a Content Management Module allowing the user without HTML knowledge to attach, delete, and modify documents in formats such as Word, Word Perfect, Power point, Excel, and Portable Document Format. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a Legal Management System (LMS) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of server architecture of the LMS; 
       FIG. 3  shows a configuration of a database within the database server of the server system with other related server components; 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment of an overview of the LMS; 
       FIG. 5  is an exemplary embodiment of a log-in screen of the LMS shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an exemplary embodiment of a main page user interface of the LMS; 
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary embodiment of an Intellectual Property Practice Group user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Intellectual Property hypertext link from main page user interface; 
       FIG. 8  is an exemplary embodiment of a Mexico Regional Component user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Mexico hypertext link from main page user interface; 
       FIG. 9  is an exemplary embodiment of a Content Management user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Content Management navigational button from main page user interface; 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary embodiment of a Practice Group user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Practice Group hypertext link from Content Management user interface; 
       FIG. 11  is an exemplary embodiment of an Intellectual Property folder user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Intellectual Property folder hypertext link from Content Management User Interface; 
       FIG. 12  is an exemplary embodiment of a Quality Initiative folder user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Quality Initiative folder hypertext link; 
       FIG. 13  is an exemplary embodiment of a Patent Application folder user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects Patent Application folder hypertext link from Content Management User Interface; 
       FIG. 14  is an exemplary embodiment of a first Search Screen user interface displayed by the LMS when a user selects search option; 
       FIG. 15  is an exemplary embodiment of a second Search Screen user interface displayed by the LMS when a user wishes to utilize search option within a specific library; 
       FIG. 16  is an alternate exemplary embodiment of a third Search Screen user interface displayed by the LMS when a user wishes to utilize the search option; 
       FIG. 17  is an exemplary embodiment of a Webmaster Module user interface displayed by the LMS; and 
       FIG. 18  is a flow chart depicting process steps utilized by the LMS. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Exemplary embodiments of systems and processes that facilitate integrated network-based electronic reporting and workflow process management related to the Legal Management System are described below in detail. The systems and processes facilitate, for example, electronic submission of information using a client system automated extraction of information, and web-based assessment reporting and management of acquisitions for internal system users. 
   The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process also can be used in combination with other components and processes. 
     FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a Legal Management System (LMS)  10  including a server system  12  and a plurality of client systems  14  connected to server system  12 . In one embodiment, client systems  14  are computers including a web browser, such that server system  12  is accessible to client systems  14  via the Internet. Client systems  14  are interconnected to the Internet through many interfaces including a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems and special high-speed ISDN lines. Client systems  14  could be any device capable of interconnecting to the Internet including a web-based phone or other web-based connectable equipment. A database server  16  is connected to a centralized database  20  containing acquisition/deal-related information on a variety of deals, as described below in greater detail. In one embodiment, centralized database  20  is stored on server system  12  and can be accessed by potential users at one of client systems  14  by logging onto server system  12  through one of client systems  14 . In an alternative embodiment, centralized database  20  is stored remotely from server system  12 . 
     FIG. 2  is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of a Legal Management System (LMS)  22 . Components in system  22 , identical to components of system  10  (shown in FIG.  1 ), are identified in  FIG. 2  using the same reference numerals as used in FIG.  1 . System  22  includes server system  12  and client systems  14 . Server system  12  further includes database server  16 , an application server  24 , a web server  26 , a fax server  28 , a directory server  30 , and a mail server  32 . A disk storage unit  34  is coupled to database server  16  and directory server  30 . Servers  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32  are coupled in a local area network (LAN)  36 . In addition, a system administrator&#39;s workstation  38 , a user workstation  40 , and a supervisor&#39;s workstation  42  are coupled to LAN  36 . Alternatively, workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are coupled to LAN  36  via an Internet link or are connected through an intranet. 
   Each workstation,  38 ,  40 , and  42  is a personal computer having a web browser. Although the functions performed at the workstations typically are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42 , such functions can be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to LAN  36 . Workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only to facilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that can be performed by individuals having access to LAN  36 . 
   In another embodiment, server system  12  is configured to be communicatively coupled to various individuals or employees  44  and to third parties, e.g., internal or external auditors  46  via an ISP Internet connection  48 . The communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being performed via the Internet. However, any other wide area network (WAN) type communication can be utilized in other embodiments, i.e., the systems and processes are not limited to being practiced via the Internet. In addition, and rather than WAN  50 , local area network  36  could be used in place of WAN  50 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, any authorized individual or an employee of the business entity having a workstation  54  can access the Legal Management System (LMS). One of the client systems includes a senior manager&#39;s workstation  56  located at a remote location. Workstations  54  and  56  are personal computers having a web browser. Also, workstations  54  and  56  are configured to communicate with server system  12 . Furthermore, fax server  28  communicates with employees located outside the business entity&#39;s and any of the remotely located client systems, including a client system  56  via a telephone link. Fax server  28  is configured to communicate with other client systems  38 ,  40 , and  42  as well. 
     FIG. 3  shows a configuration of database  20  within database server  16  of server system  12  shown in FIG.  1 . Database  20  is coupled to several separate components within server system  12 , which perform specific tasks. 
   Server system  12  includes a collection component  64  for collecting information from users into centralized database  20 , a tracking component  66  for tracking information, a displaying component  68  to display information, a receiving component  70  to receive a specific query from client system  14 , and an accessing component  72  to access centralized database  20 . Receiving component  70  is programmed for receiving a specific query from one of a plurality of users. Server system  12  further includes a processing component  76  for searching and processing received queries against data storage device  34  containing a variety of information collected by collection component  64 . An information fulfillment component  78 , located in server system  12 , downloads the requested information to the plurality of users in the order in which the requests were &#39;received by receiving component  70 . Information fulfillment component  78  downloads the information after the information is retrieved from data storage device  34  by a retrieving component  80 . Retrieving component  80  retrieves, downloads and sends information to client system  14  based on a query received from client system  14  regarding various alternatives. 
   Retrieving component  80  further includes a display component  84  configured to download information to be displayed on a client system graphical user interface and a printing component  88  configured to print information. Retrieving component  80  generates various reports requested by the user through client system  14  in a pre-determined format. In an exemplary embodiment, system  10  includes an administrative component (not shown) that provides an Input Component as well as an Edit Component to facilitate administrative functions. System  10  is flexible to provide other alternative types of reports and is not constrained to the options set forth above. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, database  20  is divided into a Practice Group Information Section (PGIS)  90 , a Preferred Provider Information Section (PPIS)  92 , a Regional Information Section (RIS)  94 , a Commercial Transaction Information Section (CTIS)  96 , an Organizational Information Section (OIS)  98 , an Administrative/Security Information Section (ASIS)  100 , a Resources Information Section (RIS)  102 . These sections within database  20  are interconnected to update and retrieve the information as required, to cater to members of legal counsel responsible for management and implementation of overall legal/business strategy and its execution, and administrative departments responsible for access and security of the LMS. 
     FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment of an overview of the LMS. The LMS is a web portal that serves as an integrated knowledge management system and gateway to all relevant database applications for the legal community. The LMS contains user profiles and is comprised of three additional applications: the intranet, Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS), and Restrictive Covenant Database (RCDB). The intranet is a large, searchable web-based system for collecting, tracking and disseminating information about a business entity&#39;s global legal community on a real time basis. All three applications are written in Microsoft Active Server Pages technology. The intranet and OCMS are written with VBScript as the server side language and JavaScript as the client side language. Database interaction for the intranet is handled with the ADO component via an ODBC connection to a SQL Server 6.5 database. 
   The LMS has several key elements aside from serving as a portal to various legal web applications which includes a Security Module  130 , an Administrative Management Module  136 , a robust Search Engine Module  140 , and a Content Management Module  146 . 
   Security Module  130  provides user access into various applications as necessary. The LMS also provides secure access to Legal Productivity  160  and collaboration tools such as the Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS)  170  and Lotus QuickPlace and Sametime. Access to this site is limited to the corporate legal community. 
   Security Module  130  is intended to provide a single point of access and user validation to all GE Legal Intranet applications. As such, Security Module  130  stores information in User Table, Profile Table and Status Table. User Table contains the permissions assigned to a user. Any application specific permissions will need to be added to this table. Profile Table contains information about the user (ie: physical location, business unit, phone numbers . . . ). Status Table is a ‘lookup’ table containing information regarding what the user is with reference to the business entity. The LMS system capabilities include the ability to track successful user logins (by simply writing a log message into the IIS log files when a successful login is completed), invalid logins, and what the user does when accessing the various applications. 
   Administrative Management Module  136  helps create user Ids and passwords via web forms making direct database connections to the SQL server backend. The administration area for the LMS has several features. This functionality is restricted to intranet Super users and Administrators. When accessing the administration screens, the user must enter a security password for an additional layer of access. The administrator from that point on has the ability to: add users  180 , edit user permissions  182 , check passwords  184 , view an access log  186 , change legal password  188 , extract profiles  190 , and edit system alerts  192 . 
   Adding users  180  requires the administrator to enter a username and password for the new user, and then set the permissions for that user. The user Id and password will initially be set to the same value. This causes code to be triggered to prompt the user for profile information, as well as to change their password on the occasion of their first login. If the username that has been added already exists in the User table of the Security database, then a text message appears on the screen informing the administrator that the new user has not been added. If the new username is unique, then a message appearing indicates that the new user has been added successfully. 
   In order to edit a user&#39;s permissions  182 , the administrator enters the first few characters of the username into the search box that will appear after choosing this menu item. After searching, all of the matching user records will appear in a table in a lower frame. The more letters that are provided in the search field, the closer the search will come. To alter the user&#39;s permissions, the administrator chooses the appropriate application menu and selects the new permission level. When finished, the administrator selects the “Update” button. If the user&#39;s password should be changed back to match the user&#39;s username (in the case of a user who has forgotten his password), select the “Reset” checkbox before selecting Update. To delete a user entirely, check the “Delete” checkbox before updating. 
   Checking password  184  is one of the functions available to the administrator. To see a user&#39;s password, the administrator selects the “Check password” link and enters the first few letters of the user&#39;s username into the resulting search box. After the search, all matching usernames will appear in a lower frame. Selecting a username will open a small window that will contain the user&#39;s password. 
   Fully customized robust Search Engine Module  140  provides strong search engine capabilities to serve a business entity&#39;s legal community needs. The LMS portal&#39;s extensive search engine securely spiders the legal intranets of other internal divisions of the business entity, allowing authorized users to search and retrieve over 10,000 documents, including model and sample agreements, research memos, and guidelines from 12 separate libraries. Documents may be retrieved as Microsoft Word, Power Point, PDF, and HTML documents in multiple languages with key search terms highlighted. 
   Content Management module  146  allows a non-technical user without HTML knowledge to attach, delete, and modify documents in formats such as Microsoft Word, Power point, Excel, PDF and other possible formats. Content Management module  146  permits the user to Upload or Delete Files, Links and E-mails depending on the user&#39;s needs. Module  146  further permits the user to Edit Files, Links, E-mails and Folder Names. Content Management Module  146  maximizes the ‘self service’ capabilities of the system by permitting the business entity&#39;s lawyers and/or their administrative support staff to post their own documents and share knowledge in real time across time zones. 
   Webmaster Content Management module (not shown) allows the authorized users to perform all the functions offered by Content Management module  146  in addition to Uploading Graphics, and Creating, Deleting and Editing Folders. 
   The architectures of system  10  as well as various components of system  10  are exemplary only. Other architectures are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the processes described below. 
     FIGS. 5 through 17  are exemplary embodiments of screen displays depicting LMS  10  functionality. These various embodiments describe one specific way of practicing the invention, displaying data or printing reports. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that there are multiple possible combinations of organizing the data, displaying the data on the screen as well as printing the data in various reporting formats which still express the same essential matter and process steps. 
     FIG. 5  is an exemplary embodiment of a log-in screen  200  of LMS  10  shown in FIG.  2 . Login screen  200  welcomes the user to the GE Legal Web Site. Through log-in screen  200 , the user accesses the database to retrieve the user specific information. When the user enters a User Name  204 , Password  208  and transmits the data by selecting the “Send” button  212 , system  10  verifies the user&#39;s User Name  204  and Password  208 . If User Name  204  and Password  208  are valid and matches with the user profile stored in database  20 , the web browser displays a main page (shown in  FIG. 6  below). If User Name  204  and Password  208  are not valid, the web browser displays a message informing about the unsuccessful login. The user may reset the screen by using “Reset” button  220 . 
   LMS  10  authenticates the user before allowing the access. The LMS is a secured system. There is often a specific security on a document-by-document basis. The site in the present embodiment is only utilized as an intranet but is fully capable to be utilized across various networks on the Internet. The password utilized by the LMS may be case sensitive and may require that it be matched completely before the user is provided access to the system. 
     FIG. 6  is an exemplary embodiment of a main page user interface  230  of LMS  10 . User interface  230  is sometimes referred to as a home page of the LMS.  FIG. 6  also depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top frame utilized by the system when the user is utilizing the LMS. The top frame utilizes six different navigational buttons to guide the user through the various different parts of the database. For example, navigational buttons displayed are: “Home”  240 , “Inside GE”  244 , “Content Management”  250 , “Administration”  254 , “Site Map”  260 , and “Feedback”  264 . Each navigational button permits the user to get back to the screen from any other screen in the system. Home  240  takes the user back to main page user interface  230 . 
   Once the user logs onto the system, the main page displays several different logical groups. The information is logically organized under these groups, also referred to as the highest level folders. Each group provides an access to the user to different sub-groups or sections organized under the highest level folder through a hypertext link. In an exemplary embodiment, the logical groups displayed include Practice Groups  270 , Regional Components  274 , Our Organization  276 , Technology  278 , Human Resources  280 , Legal Productivity  282 , and Quality  284 . Under each of these groups, there are separate sub-groups or sections which the user may access by selecting a specific hypertext link. The user also has an option to access Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS)  290  to search, select or update the data regarding a specific legal services provider. The user may also search any part of database  20  by utilizing search box/function  294  on main page user interface  230 . Practice Groups  270  is further organized into several different groups such as Antitrust  300 , Intellectual Property  340 , International Law and Policy  350 , and Mergers and Acquisitions  360 . Regional Components  274  data is organized by various different countries such as Asia  370 , Canada  380 , Mexico  390 , and so on. Under each of these groups, there are separate sub-groups or sections which the user may access by selecting a specific hypertext link. 
     FIG. 7  is an exemplary embodiment of an Intellectual Property Practice Group user interface  410  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Intellectual Property  340  hypertext link from main page user interface  230  (shown in FIG.  6 ). Intellectual Property Practice Group user interface  410  displays several sub-folders including Quality Initiatives  412 , Preferred Providers  414 , Practice Areas  416 , Document Library  420 , Communications  424 , and other hypertext links  430 . The sub-folders from practice group to practice group may vary depending on the area of specialty. Under each of these sub-folders, there are separate sections which the user may access by selecting a specific hypertext link. 
     FIG. 8  is an exemplary embodiment of a Mexico Regional Component user interface  440  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Mexico  390  hypertext link from main page user interface  230  (shown in FIG.  6 ). Mexico Regional Component user interface  440  displays several subfolders specific to Mexico operations of the business entity including Communications  442 , Environmental  444 , Labor and Employment  446 , Antitrust  450 , Governmental Business  454 , Litigation Compliance  456 , Commercial Transactions  458 , Intellectual Property  460  and Tax  462 . The sub-folders from region to region may vary depending on the specific issues relating to that region. Under each of these sub-folders, there are separate sections which the user may access by selecting a specific hypertext link. 
     FIGS. 9 through 13  depict the process relating to Content Management Module. 
     FIG. 9  is an exemplary embodiment of a Content Management user interface  480  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Content Management  250  navigational button from main page user interface  230  (shown in FIG.  6 ). The content management module of the main page has been designed much similar to what the user experiences in Windows Explorer—it uses the folder and file structure. Folders are containers for organizing files of various types such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point, PDF, HTML etc. Through content management, the user can create folders, folders inside folders to organize business/legal files. Inside a folder, more folders, or files can be stored. Content Management user interface  480 , also known as a home page of content management, has been organized into logical groups  488 . Logical groups  488  are the highest level folders. Logical groups  488 , as shown in an exemplary embodiment are: Practice Groups  490 , Regional Components  492 , Our Organization  494 , Human Resources  496 , Legal Productivity  498 , Technology  500 , Quality  502 , Compliance-Integrity  504 , and Web site Administration  506 . Once the user selects a specific logical group out (for example Practice Group  490 ) of available logical groups  488 , system  10  downloads and displays all group folders organized into database  20  relating to that specific logical group. 
     FIG. 10  is an exemplary embodiment of a Practice Group user interface  520  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Practice Group  490  hypertext link from Content Management user interface  480  (shown in FIG.  9 ). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Practice Group  490  is divided into several practice group folders including an Antitrust folder  530 , a Consumer Law folder  532 , a Flow Goods folder  534 , an Insurance folder  536 , an Insurance Law and Policy folder  538 , an Intellectual Property folder  540 , a Labor and Employment folder  542 , a Litigation folder  544 , a Mergers and Acquisitions folder  546 , a Securities folder  548 , a Sourcing folder  550 , an Environmental folder  552 , a Services folder  554 , a Tax folder  556 , a Government Business folder  558 , an E-Commerce &amp; Information Technology folder  560 , and an International Law and Policy hypertext link  562 . Once the user selects a specific folder (for example Intellectual Property folder  540 ) out of all available folders  564 , system  10  downloads and displays all sub-folders organized into database  20  relating to that specific folder. 
     FIG. 11  is an exemplary embodiment of an Intellectual Property folder user interface  570  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Intellectual Property folder  540  hypertext link (shown in FIG.  10 ). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, sub-folders of Intellectual Property folder  540  include Best Practices folder  580 , Quality Initiatives folder  582 , Practice Areas folder  584 , Communications folder  586 , Preferred Providers folder  588 , Document Library folder  590 , and Links folder  592 . The user may Add Folder  594 , Delete  596  a folder, Update  598  a folder or simply Exit  600  from Intellectual Property folder user interface  570 . The user may also add a file or add an URL. If the folder already exists, the user simply selects it to update or delete a file from the folder. Once the user selects a specific sub-folder (for example Quality Initiatives folder  582 ) out of all available folders  608 , system  10  downloads and displays all sub-folders organized into database  20  relating to that specific sub-folder. The users cannot delete an entire folder. Only the webmaster can delete the folder (so a user would call the webmaster to perform this task). This feature is again for additional precaution. 
     FIG. 12  is an exemplary embodiment of a Quality Initiative folder user interface  620  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Quality Initiative folder  582  hypertext link (shown in FIG.  11 ). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, sub-folders of Quality Initiative folder  582  include a World Patent Watch folder  624 , an Invention Disclosure/Employee Education folder  626 , a Patent Application folder  628 , a Portfolio Management folder  630 , an Optimization of IP Value to the Businesses folder  632 , an Infringement Avoidance and Opinions folder  634 , and an Optimization of Internal IP Ownership folder  636 . The user can now add folders, files and URL&#39;s. The user also has an option to add a folder through an add folder hypertext link  640  to organize user&#39;s data if the user wishes, or if the folder already exists, simply select it to perform the necessary functions. The user may add a file or URL at this level if the user so chooses by selecting “Add File”  642  or “Add URL”  644 . If the folder already exists, the user simply selects it to update  646  or delete  648  a file from the folder or exit  650  from Quality Initiative folder user interface  620 . Once the user selects a specific sub-folder (for example Patent Application folder  628 ) out of all available folders  660 , system  10  downloads and displays all sub-folders organized into database  20  relating to that specific sub-folder. 
     FIG. 13  is an exemplary embodiment of a Patent Application folder user interface  670  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects Patent Application folder  628  hypertext link (shown in FIG.  12 ). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, sub-folders of Patent Application folder  628  include a Contacts folder  674 , a Documents folder  676 , and an URL  678  for Patent Prosecution Practice Group. The user selects one of an item out of all items  680  displayed on user interface  670 . The user may cancel or stop the process of adding, updating or deleting by selecting a Cancel  682  button. 
   To add a document, the user selects Add File  642  (shown in FIG.  12 ), types in a title, selects Browse (not shown), selects a document from the user&#39;s hard drive, and selects the Submit button (not shown). To add a link, the user selects Add URL  644  (shown in FIG.  12 ), types in a title, types in (or cut/paste) the URL (http:www . . . ) for a link. For an e-mail address, the user does not use “http” but types in “mailto” and an address (i.e., mailto: JohnDoe@aol.com). The user should not add documents/links without placing them in or creating a folder first. 
     FIG. 14  is an exemplary embodiment of a first Search Screen user interface  690  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user selects the search option. Through this user interface, the user may conduct various types of searches based on Boolean type  692 , Concept type  694  or Pattern type  696 . The user can type a word or a phrase in a box  698 , select a type of search  700 , select a library  702 , select a section of the library  704 , and select a search button  710 . The results of the search are displayed on the user interface with hypertext links to direct the user to the specific request. 
     FIG. 15  is an exemplary embodiment of a second Search Screen user interface  720  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user wishes to utilize the search option within a specific library. From this user interface, the user may conduct various types of searches after selecting a type of search  724 , selecting a library  726 , select a section within the library  730 , select a sub-section within the section  732 , entering a key word or set of key words within a box provided  734  and selecting a go button  738  to conduct the search. Sub-groups exist only by practice areas for streamlining search criteria. The results of the search are displayed on the user interface with hypertext links to direct the user to the specific request. 
     FIG. 16  is an alternate exemplary embodiment of a third Search Screen user interface  750  displayed by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when a user wishes to utilize the search option. From this user interface, the user may conduct various types of searches after selecting a library  756 , a section within the library  758 , a sub-section within the section  760 , entering a key word or set of key words within a box provided  764  and selecting a go button  768  to conduct the search. The results of the search are displayed on the user interface with hypertext links to direct the user to the specific request. 
     FIG. 17  is an exemplary embodiment of a Webmaster Module user interface  770  displayed by system  10  (shown in FIG.  1 ). Through Webmaster Module user interface  770 , the user may select Add Folder  774 , Delete  776  or Update  778  an existing folder, or Exit  780  from the user interface. 
     FIG. 18  is an algorithm  800  of LMS  10 . Under the web-based system  10  (shown in FIG.  1 ), the user accesses  810  home page of the web site through client system  14  (shown in FIG.  1 ). Server system  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) downloads  820  and displays  830  several options. Once the user selects  840  a specific option out of various hypertext links, the request is sent to server system  12 . Transmitting a request  860  is accomplished either by click of a mouse or by a voice command. Once server system  12  receives  870  a request, server system  12  accesses  880  database server  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and retrieves  890  pertinent information from database  20  (shown in FIG.  1 ). The requested information is downloaded  892  and provided  900  to client system  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) from server  12 . Server system  12  provides  900  the requested information to the user by either displaying  910  the information on the user&#39;s display or by printing  912  it on an attached or a remote printer. The user continues to search database  20  for other information, updates  930  the database by adding  934  folders, files or users, deleting  936  folders, files or users to database  20  with new or revised information or exits  950  from system  10 . The updated information  954  is received  956  by server system  12  for storing  958  in database  20 . The user also updates  930  the database by adding, deleting or modifying the information regarding a particular group, region, or business. In another embodiment, client system  14 , as well as server system  12 , are protected from access by unauthorized individuals. As described, LMS  10  is an interactive searchable database  20  for all business/legal information and provides flexibility to users as well executives to stay current with the information to-date. The system provides the ability for attorneys, managers, employees and database administrators to directly update, review and generate reports of current information. 
   While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.