Patent Publication Number: US-2004044688-A1

Title: Patent asset management systems and methods

Description:
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates generally to patent assets, and more particularly, to systems and methods for managing patent applications and issued patents.  
       [0003] Patent organizations for entities such as multinational corporations may manage thousands, and possibly tens of thousands, of patent applications and patents. For each patent application and patent, certain actions typically must be taken over the course of any given year. For example, maintenance fees or annuities may come due in an issued patent, or foreign counterpart applications may be due for filing in a pending patent application. Commercially available docketing systems often are utilized in managing such assets, and particularly, in identifying due dates for matters such as maintenance fees, annuities, and other submissions. Failure to meet a particular due date can result in having to pay extra fees in extensions to the appropriate patent authorities, or possibly even in a loss of patent rights.  
       [0004] Typical users of a patent docketing system include in-house patent attorneys who are employees of the entity, outside patent attorneys who are not employees of the entity but work on patent matters for the entity, and docket clerks and administrative personnel. There may be fifty, or possibly one hundred or more users who require concurrent access to the docketing system in managing the patent assets.  
       [0005] In addition to the complexity due to the extent of patent assets that may be owned by an entity, and the capacity to support numerous concurrent users, most entities with patent assets already have patent docketing systems in place. The users are familiar with the interfaces and processes associated with such systems, and are not necessarily interested in losing the benefit of experience that has been gained over many years in working with a particular system. Such systems, however, may not provide a centralized robust web-based environment that facilitates access to patent asset information anytime or anywhere. In addition, the systems may not be scalable and may not integrate with other patent related systems (e.g., collaboration tools, project management systems, document management systems, third party databases, and e-mail). Further, such systems may not provide ad-hoc reporting capabilities using a standard tool such as business objects or may not provide flexible reporting and searching capabilities to retrieve data in different groupings.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] In one aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, providing PA information in response to an inquiry, and providing a bonus module for tracking at least one of bonuses and awards assigned to each inventor.  
       [0007] In another aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, providing PA information in response to an inquiry, and providing a bonus module for tracking at least one of bonuses and awards assigned to each inventor at a plurality of stages during a patent prosecution including at least one of a disclosure filing, a U.S. patent application filing, a foreign patent application filing, an allowance of a patent application, and an issuance of a patent.  
       [0008] In another aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, providing PA information in response to an inquiry, and providing at least one report relating to PA information on a multi-level basis to a predesignated party. The multi-level basis includes a plurality of levels from within the business entity including at least one of an individual patent application basis, a product basis, a technology basis, a business basis, a division basis, and a company basis.  
       [0009] In another aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, and providing PA information in response to an inquiry on a multi-level basis selected by a user. The multi-level basis includes a plurality of levels from within the business entity including at least one of an individual patent application basis, a product basis, a technology basis, a business basis, a division basis, and a company basis.  
       [0010] In another aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, providing PA information in response to an inquiry, transmitting at least one report relating to PA information to a predesignated party, and providing a budget module for managing cost information relating to the business entity&#39;s patent assets.  
       [0011] In another aspect, a method for managing patent asset (PA) information for a business entity using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system is provided. The method includes receiving at the server system PA information from the client system, storing PA information received at the server system in the centralized database, tracking PA information stored in the centralized database, updating the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, providing export controls to restrict a user&#39;s access to only dockets assigned to the user and to restrict a user&#39;s access to only specific information included in a docket assigned to the user, and providing PA information in response to an inquiry from a user subject to the export controls.  
       [0012] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, provide PA information in response to an inquiry, and provide a bonus module for tracking at least one of bonuses and awards assigned to each inventor.  
       [0013] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, provide PA information in response to an inquiry, and provide a bonus module to store, track, and process at least one of bonuses and awards assigned to each inventor at a plurality of stages during a patent prosecution including at least one of a disclosure filing, a U.S. patent application filing, a foreign patent application filing, an allowance of a patent application, and an issuance of a patent.  
       [0014] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, provide PA information in response to an inquiry, and provide at least one report relating to PA information on a multi-level basis to a predesignated party. The multi-level basis includes a plurality of levels from within said business entity including at least one of an individual patent application basis, a product basis, a technology basis, a business basis, a division basis, and a company basis.  
       [0015] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, and provide PA information in response to an inquiry on a multi-level basis selected by a user. The multi-level basis includes a plurality of levels from within said business entity including at least one of an individual patent application basis, a product basis, a technology basis, a business basis, a division basis, and a company basis.  
       [0016] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, and provide PA information in response to an inquiry, transmit at least one report relating to PA information to a predesignated party, and provide a budget module for managing cost information relating to the business entity&#39;s patent assets.  
       [0017] In another aspect, a network based system for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The system includes a client system having a browser, a centralized database for storing information, and a server system configured to be coupled to the client system and the database. The server system is further configured to receive PA information from the client system, store PA information in the centralized database, track PA information, update the centralized database periodically with newly received PA information to maintain PA information, provide export controls to restrict a user&#39;s access to only dockets assigned to the user and to restrict a user&#39;s access to only specific information included in a docket assigned to the user, and provide PA information in response to an inquiry from a user subject to the export controls.  
       [0018] In another aspect, a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing patent asset (PA) information is provided. The program includes a code segment that receives PA information and then maintains a database by adding, deleting and updating PA information, and prompts a user to at least one of create a docket, edit a docket, add a filing, edit a filing, add an action, and edit an action. The code segment then provides users with access to PA information, tracks PA information stored within the database, provides PA information in response to an inquiry by a user, provides a schedule of upcoming tasks relating to PA information, provides at least one report relating to PA information to a predesignated party, and tracks at least one of bonuses and awards assigned to each inventor. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0019]FIG. 1 is block diagram of an example system architecture of a Patent Asset Coordination System (PACS).  
     [0020]FIG. 2 is an expanded block diagram of an example embodiment of a server architecture of a PACS.  
     [0021]FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of a database within the database server of the server system including other related server components.  
     [0022]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating example processes utilized by the PACS.  
     [0023]FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a home page in the PACS.  
     [0024]FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a create a new docket page in the PACS.  
     [0025]FIG. 7 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an edit docket details page in the PACS.  
     [0026]FIG. 8 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a docket details page in the PACS.  
     [0027]FIG. 9 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an add U.S. filing page in the PACS.  
     [0028]FIG. 10FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an edit U.S. filing page in the PACS.  
     [0029]FIG. 11 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a filings detail page in the PACS.  
     [0030]FIG. 12 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an international filing entry page in the PACS.  
     [0031]FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an edit international filing entry page in the PACS.  
     [0032]FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an international filing details for a specific docket in the PACS.  
     [0033]FIG. 15 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a new filing action page for a specific docket in the PACS.  
     [0034]FIG. 16 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an action details page for a specific docket in the PACS.  
     [0035]FIG. 17 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an edit actions page for a specific docket in the PACS.  
     [0036]FIG. 18 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a close out actions page for a specific docket in the PACS.  
     [0037]FIG. 19 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an attorney docket due report input page in the PACS.  
     [0038]FIG. 20 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an attorney docket due report output page in the PACS.  
     [0039]FIG. 21 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an inventor execution date entry page in the PACS.  
     [0040]FIG. 22 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a contact master-add page in the PACS.  
     [0041]FIG. 23 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an edit contact information page in the PACS.  
     [0042]FIG. 24 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an awards detail page in the PACS.  
     [0043]FIG. 25 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an inventor awards details and pending awards page in the PACS.  
     [0044]FIG. 26 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an advanced docket search input page in the PACS.  
     [0045]FIG. 27 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying an advanced docket search results page in the PACS.  
     [0046]FIG. 28 is an example embodiment of a user interface displaying a maintenance tables page in the PACS. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0047] Set forth below is a description of fully integrated and online systems and methods for managing patent assets and Patent Asset (PA) information through a Patent Asset Coordination System (“PACS”). The methods and systems are sometimes described as being practiced utilizing an internet or the internet. An internet and the internet, however, are examples of communication networks, and the methods and systems can be practiced in connection with many other local area and wide area networks. Therefore, the methods and systems are not limited to a practice of using an internet and/or the internet, and can be practiced using many other networks.  
     [0048] PA information includes at least one of a docket number, a docket date, an originating business, a technology group, an originating department, an owning business, a parent docket, an alternate docket number, a patent application title, a product/part/service description, an abstract, inventor information, prosecuting attorney information, contact information, disclosure status, a prosecution priority rating, inventor assignment information, foreign filing information, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Serial Number, Patent Number awarded from USPTO, Group Art Unit data, recorded date, prosecution tasks, prosecution dates, patent expiration dates, and other patent related information.  
     [0049] A technical effect produced by the system includes managing PA information for a business entity. The PA information can be retrieved at different levels, such as a filing level, docket level, by a lab/technology group, an originating lab/technology group, an originating business, an owning business, a foreign filing sponsor, and a funding business. Other technical effects produced by the system include providing centralized and conformed PA information to multiple users within a business entity and authorized users outside the business entity, scheduling and managing patent filings and patent related actions, and generating a plurality of reports relating to PA information. Additionally, the PACS enables a business entity to manage PA information including patent related filings and actions for both U.S. filed patent applications and foreign filed patent applications.  
     [0050] The systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Components of each system can be practiced independently and separately from the other components and each method can be practiced independently and separately from the other methods described herein. Each component and method can be used in combination with other components and other methods.  
     [0051] Generally, and with respect to an example embodiment of the PACS described below in detail, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided to quickly acclimate users to the system. In addition, and in an example embodiment, an efficient database is integrated into the system, which facilitates ensuring that the data is safe from possible risk factors.  
     [0052] The functionality is embedded in an application layer component, such as component object model (COM) components and a firewall is provided for security. The firewall is configured to authenticate requests from a web server and facilitates preventing unauthorized access. The applications have various authorization levels, which are controlled by an administrator. Each user has a predefined username and password, which allows each user to access the system and facilitates preventing unauthorized use.  
     [0053] The systems and methods also record and track the various stages of an invention from conception through subsequent processes, such as domestic and foreign patent procurement and maintenance or publication.  
     [0054] Easy to use reference and lookup values are provided to simplify and conform the data entry process. Search options are provided to allow the user to retrieve data from the system. Predefined searches and reporting capabilities allow the user to generate very specific output on the user&#39;s computer screen and in the form of reports. Various reports at all levels can be generated by the system. For user convenience, the reports accept a plurality of runtime parameters and a plurality of criteria, which results in providing the desired output consistent with user requests. The system also facilitates regular and easy to use incremental data backup and archiving features.  
     [0055] Set forth below are a description of a typical patent asset life cycle as well as a description of an example system architecture, example system processes, example graphical user interfaces, and example reports.  
     [0056] Life Cycle of a Typical Patent Asset  
     [0057] Within a business entity, a typical invention is conceived by employees in an operating business or at a research center. Inventions are conceived, for example, by engineers and other individuals, who are employed by, or under contract with, the business entity. An inventor completes an invention disclosure form, in accordance with the policies and practices of the inventor&#39;s business, and forwards the disclosure form to the patent department within that business.  
     [0058] A Patent Docket Administrator (“PDA”) for that business will begin to keep a record of actions pertaining to that invention. This record is commonly referred to as a “Docket” and the process of recording these actions is referred to as “Docketing.” When a new docket is opened for an invention, a unique docket number is assigned, which identifies the invention for its entire lifecycle.  
     [0059] After the invention disclosure is forwarded to the PDA and a docket is opened, the invention is reviewed by a board of technologists and attorneys within the business with the purpose of deciding whether to file a patent application for the invention, publish the invention or keep the invention as a trade secret. If an invention is “Rated to File,” it is approved for filing and a patent application is prepared. The patent application may be prepared by in-house patent attorneys or by outside patent attorneys under contract with the corporation.  
     [0060] The patent application is filed in a patent office for governmental review and examination. The period between filing and issuance of a patent is referred to as “prosecution.” During prosecution, many communications between and among the inventor, inside attorneys, outside attorneys, PDA&#39;s, management and the patent office typically take place. Many of these communications are docketed in a patent docketing system.  
     [0061] After filing the first patent application, and preferably within six months of the first filing, the responsible business must determine if it, or possibly another business, requires patent protection in countries other than the country of the original filing. If a business determines that foreign filing is warranted, foreign filing instructions are provided to the docket and the docket is foreign filed. For example, certain business entities have an international patent operation (IPO) that manages foreign filing. The IPO submits, either directly or through agents, corresponding applications in a patent office for each foreign jurisdiction in which the business has elected to file.  
     [0062] After the patent has issued, maintenance fees are periodically paid to the government granting the patent. In the case of U.S. patents, for example, the originating business or the business to which the invention has been transferred pays the fees. In the case of foreign patents, the fees are administered and paid by a third party service bureau and billed back to the individual businesses by the IPO.  
     [0063] Example System Architecture  
     [0064]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Patent Asset Coordination System (PACS)  10  including a firewall  12  to secure the network on the Internet. Firewall  12  authenticates requests for a web server  16  and prevents any unauthorized access to the corporate network. The access to the corporate network can be controlled on the basis of IP addresses of the web servers that contain the Extranet web site.  
     [0065] PACS  10  includes web server  16 , which is illustrated as a Microsoft IIS web server that receives all HTTP requests originating from the browsers. (The Microsoft IIS web server is manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington.) In response, web server  16  renders static web pages or dynamically generated pages or a combination of both. The dynamic pages are generated by using server-side scripting. The server-side scripts may in turn make calls to business components residing on an application server  20 . Web server  16  implements the presentation logic for the application as well as the security for the application.  
     [0066] Application server  20  is illustrated as a Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) that invokes and manages the business logic components. (The Microsoft Transaction Server is manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington.) These components implement the business logic, are hosted on MTS, and interact with the databases through the open system protocols such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), ActiveX® Data Object/Remote Data Object (ADO/RDO) (ActiveX is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). Application server  20  manages the components so as to provide scalability, load balancing, and object management.  
     [0067] PACS  10  also includes a main database  24 , which is an Oracle® database (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood City, Calif.). Database  24  stores all PA information, including business information related to patent assets.  
     [0068]FIG. 2 is an expanded block diagram of an example embodiment of a server architecture of a PACS  40 . Components in system  40 , identical to components of system  10  (shown in FIG. 1), are identified in FIG. 2 using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1. System  40  includes a server system  42  and client systems  44 . Server system  42  further includes a database server  46 , an application server  20 , and a web server  16 . Servers  16 ,  20 , and  46  are coupled in a local area network (LAN)  56 . In addition, a system administrator&#39;s workstation  58 , a user workstation  60 , and a supervisor&#39;s workstation  62  are coupled to LAN  56 . Alternatively, workstations  58 ,  60 , and  62  are coupled to LAN  56  via an Internet link or are connected through an Intranet.  
     [0069] Each workstation,  58 ,  60 , and  62  is a personal computer having a web browser. Although the functions performed at the workstations typically are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations  58 ,  60 , and  62 , such functions can be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to LAN  56 . Workstations  58 ,  60 , and  62  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  56 .  
     [0070] Server system  42  is configured to be communicatively coupled to various individuals, including employees  64  and to third parties, e.g., outside patent attorneys,  66  via an ISP Internet connection  68 . The communication in the example 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  70 , LAN  56  could be used in place of WAN  70 .  
     [0071] In the example embodiment, any authorized individual having a workstation  74  can access PACS  40 . At least one of the client systems includes a manager workstation  76  located at a remote location. Workstations  74  and  76  are personal computers having a web browser. Also, workstations  74  and  76  are configured to communicate with server system  42 .  
     [0072]FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of database  24  within database server  46  of server system  42  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Database  24  is coupled to several separate computer software components within server system  42  which perform specific tasks. In the example embodiment, server system  42  includes a collection component  84  for collecting data from users in database  24 , a tracking component  86  for tracking data, and a displaying component  88  to display information. Tracking component  86  tracks and cross-references data, including modifying existing data.  
     [0073] Server system  42  also includes a receiving component  90  to receive a specific query from client system  44 , and an accessing component  92  to access database  24  within data storage device  54 . Receiving component  90  is programmed to receive a query from one of a plurality of users. Server system  42  further includes a processing component  96  for searching and processing received queries against database  24  containing a variety of information collected by collection component  84 . An information fulfillment component  98 , located in server system  42 , enables the requested information to be downloaded to the plurality of users in response to the requests received by receiving component  90 . Information fulfillment component  98  downloads the information after the information is retrieved from database  24  by a retrieving component  100 . Retrieving component  100  retrieves, downloads and sends information to client system  44  based on a query received from client system  44 .  
     [0074] Retrieving component  100  also includes a display component  104  that is configured to download information to be displayed on a client system&#39;s graphical user interface and a printing component  106  that is configured to print information. Retrieving component  100  generates reports requested by the user through client system  44  in a pre-determined format. System  10  (shown in FIG. 1) is flexible to provide other alternative types of reports and is not constrained to the options set forth above.  
     [0075] Server system  42  also includes a notifying component  108  and a providing component  110 . Notifying component  108  electronically transmits a message to client system  44  based on information inputted into server system  42 , notifying a user of upcoming tasks and deadlines. Providing component  110  electronically provides a report to manager workstation  76  (shown in FIG. 2) summarizing PA information for a specific matter.  
     [0076] In one embodiment, collection component  84 , tracking component  86 , displaying component  88 , receiving component  90 , processing component  96 , information fulfillment component  98 , retrieving component  100 , display component  104 , printing component  106 , notifying component  108 , and providing component  110  are computer programs embodied on computer readable medium.  
     [0077] Database  24  stores Patent Asset (PA) information  120  for each patent related matter within a business entity. PA information  120  includes at least one of a docket number  122 , a docket date  124 , an originating business  126 , a business technology group  128 , an originating lab/technology group  130 , a responsible business  132 , an alternate docket number  136 , a patent application title  138 , a product/part/service description  140 , an abstract  142 , inventor information  144 , prosecuting attorney information  146 , contact information  148 , a disclosure status  150 , a prosecution priority rating  152 , inventor assignment information  154 , foreign filing information  156 , a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Serial Number  158 , a Patent Number  160 , Group Art Unit data  162 , a recorded date  164 , prosecution tasks  166 , prosecution dates  168 , patent expiration dates  170 , and other patent related information  172 .  
     [0078] System  10  accumulates a variety of confidential data and has different access levels to control and monitor the security of and access to system  10 . Authorization for access is assigned by system administrators on a need to know basis. In one embodiment, access is provided based on job functions. In yet another embodiment, system  10  provides access based on business-entity. The administration/editing capabilities within system  10  are also restricted to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to modify or edit the data existing in the system. System  10  manages and controls access to system data and information.  
     [0079] The architectures of system  10  as well as various components of system  10  are example only. Other architectures are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the processes described below.  
     [0080]FIG. 4 is a flowchart  200  illustrating example processes utilized by system  10 . Initially, a user accesses  210  a user interface, such as a home page  220 , of the web site through client system  44  (shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, client system  44 , as well as server system  42 , are protected from access by unauthorized individuals. The user logs in  230  to system  10  using a password (not shown) for security.  
     [0081] Client system  44  displays  240  options available to the user through links, check boxes, or pull-down lists. Once the user selects  244  an option from the available links, the request is transmitted  248  to server system  42 . The technical effect produced by the system is achieved by first logging onto the system, and then selecting an option provided by the system. Transmitting  248  the request is accomplished, in one embodiment, by click of a mouse. Once server system  42  (shown in FIG. 2) receives  252  the request, server system  42  accesses  256  database  24  (shown in FIG. 1). System  10  determines  260  if additional narrowing options are available. In one embodiment, additional narrowing options include patent related links, check boxes, or pull-down lists. If additional narrowing options are available  264 , system  10  displays  240  the options relating to the prior option selected by the user on client system  44 . The user selects  244  the desired option and transmits the request  248 . Server system  42  receives the request  252  and accesses  256  database  24 . When system  10  determines that additional options  260  are not available  268 , system  10  retrieves  272  requested information from database  24 . The requested information is provided  280  to client system  44  from server  42 . The user may continue to search  284  database  24  for other information or exit  290  from system  10 .  
     [0082]FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of a user interface  300  displaying a home page of PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1) after a user has logged onto PACS  10 . User interface  300  displays a plurality of links that enable a user to input or access information stored within PACS  10 . The links displayed on user interface  300  under Docketing section  302  include at least a Create a Docket link  304 . User interface  300  also displays links under Other Functions section  314  that include at least one of an Administer Awards link  316 , an Add an Invoice link  318 , and an Edit an Invoice link  320 . User interface  300  also displays links under an Administration section  322  that include at least one of a Maintain Lookup Tables link  324  and a Manage Users &amp; Permissions link  326 .  
     [0083] User interface  300  displays links under a Reports section  330  that include at least one of a Bonus Awards Due link  332 , a DD 882  Information link which gives a report on contracts, an Inventor Log link  333 , an Invoice Tracking link  334 , a Patent Administrative Record (PAR) link, an Attorney Docket Due Report link  335 , an Actions link  336 , a Patent Portfolio Review link  338 , a Business Objects link for Ad Hoc Reporting, a Patent Applications Filed link  339 , an Appeals Briefs Filed link  340 , a Notice of Appeal link  341 , an Amendments/Responses link  342 , a Pending Applications link  344 , a Patents Issued link  345 , an Applications Allowed link  346 , an Applications Abandoned link  347 , an Inactivated Dockets link  349 , an Expired Patents link  350 , a Transferred Patents link  351 , a Patent Activity by Attorney link  352 , a Monthly Statistics Summary link  353 , and a Statistical Summary of Patent Activity link  354 , an International Active Portfolio (MQ 15 A) link, a Billing report (MQ 15 B) link, an International Annuity Report (MQ 15 C) link, an International Billing Report by Department (MQ 20 ) link, a Report by Country for all selected Departments (MQ 25 ) link, a Report by Department for all or selected Departments (MQ 26 ) link, a Foreign Maintenance Report for all or selected Countries per month or year (MQ 29 ) link, a Report for all or selected Dropped Countries by drop date (MQ 29 ) link, a Report on updated information for Annuity Payments (PAMTAP) link, a Deferred Application by Department link, and a Deferred Application by Attorney (MQ 55 ) link.  
     [0084] User interface  300  also displays quick links in the upper right and left comers of the screen and at the bottom of the screen that include at least one of a New Docket link a Main Menu link, a Help link, an Advanced Search link, a Full Text Search link, a Quick Search field with a corresponding pull-down menu, a Ticket Tracker link, Administrative Tools link, Administer Security link, and Replace Contact link.  
     [0085] In the example embodiment, user interface  300  displays the links as text. Although text links are illustrated in the example embodiment, buttons, pull-down lists, check boxes, and other means for inputting information could also be used. User interface  300  is the entry point to access database  24  (shown in FIG. 1) via the web. After selecting the appropriate link, the user is provided with a screen shot that prompts the user to input information or provides the user with information.  
     [0086]FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of a user interface  360  displaying a create a new docket page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  360  is displayed after a user clicks Create a Docket button link  304  or New Docket link shown on user interface  300  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  360  displays a plurality of data fields, pull-down lists, buttons, and links that enable a user to create a docket by inputting PA information into PACS  10 . The term “docket” as used herein is a disclosure that is the actual notification by an inventor or inventors of an invention that triggers the patenting process.  
     [0087] In the example embodiment, user interface  360  displays at least one of a Docket Date data field  362 , an Originating Business pull-down list  364  and a complete business pull-down list, a Responsible Business pull-down list  365  and a complete business pull-down list, a Funding Business pull-down list and a complete business pull-down list, a Business/Technology Group data field  366  with a corresponding Get button  368  and Remove button  370 , an Originating Lab/Technology Group data field  372  with a corresponding Get button  374  and Remove button  376 , an Alternate Docket Number data field  382 , a Title data field  384 , a Product(s)/Part(s)/Service(s) data field  386  with corresponding Get button and Remove button, an Abstract data field  388 , a Comments data field  390 , a Patent Evaluation Board (PEB) data field  395  with a corresponding Get button and Remove button, a Priority pull-down list, and a Keyword data field  396  with corresponding Get button and Remove button.  
     [0088] The docket date entered into Docket Date data field  362  is the creation date of the docket. It establishes the internal anniversary date for the system. In the example embodiment, the data displayed in Business/Technology Group data field  366  displays the current ownership and responsibility for the specific docket. Get button  368  enables a user to display a pop up window that prompts the user to select a lab or technology group to be entered. Similarly, Originating Lab/Technology Group data field  372  displays the lab or technology group within the business entity that created the docketed matter. Get button  374  enables a user to display a pop up window that prompts the user to select a lab or technology group within the business entity that can be entered. Responsible Business pull-down list  365  enables a user to enter the business within the business entity that owns and is responsible for the docketed matter. PACS  10  is configured such that the owning business drives editing permissions within PACS  10  and drives all metrics and at least some of the “by Business” reports. Identifying an originating business, a responsible business, a funding business, lab/tech groups, and originating lab/tech groups allows the dockets to be associated at different levels and allows the user the ability and flexibility to arrange reports and retrieve records in multiple outputs. Keywords and Product(s)/Part(s)/Service(s) allow the user flexibility in reporting and retrieving as the keywords and products/parts/services can be associated at the different levels of docket, originating business, responsible business, funding business, lab/tech groups and originating lab/tech groups.  
     [0089] Title data field  384  includes the actual title of the disclosure. Abstract data field  388  includes the actual abstract of the disclosure.  
     [0090] User interface  360  also displays a Contact Name data box  400  with a corresponding Get Now button  402  and Remove button  404 , a Foreign Filing Sponsor data field  406  with a corresponding Get button  408  and Remove button  410 , a Percentage data field  412  with a corresponding Add More button  414 , a Contract Type pull-down list  418  with corresponding text field for the Contract Number or Licensee and an Add More button, and a Save button  420 .  
     [0091] Contact name data box  400  includes at least one of a list of inventors, an outside attorney responsible for the prosecution of the disclosure, and an in-house attorney responsible for managing the prosecution of the disclosure. Get Now button  402  enables a user to select from a pop up window the inventors or attorneys that are involved with the disclosure. Foreign Filing Sponsor data field  406  displays the department that is responsible for foreign filing expenses, and Percentage data field  412  displays the percentage of the fees that the sponsor is responsible for.  
     [0092] In the example embodiment, at least some of the data fields displayed on user interface  360  are searchable and are used for reporting purposes. Some fields are required when creating a docket. The required fields are displayed in bold on the screen and include at least one of: Docket Date, Originating Business, Responsible Business, Business Technology Group and Inventor, and in-house counsel in the Contact field.  
     [0093] Dates may be entered directly by the user by typing into the date fields or by accessing a calendar button, which allows the user to select the month, day and year. The date selected is then automatically filled into the date field. All dates must be entered in a ddmmmyyyy format.  
     [0094]FIG. 7 is an example embodiment of a user interface  430  displaying an edit docket details page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user may edit certain PA information displayed on user interface  360  (shown in FIG. 6) by selecting an Edit Docket link as described below in FIG. 8. The user utilizes the Edit Docket function when the details of a docket change during the course of the docket lifecycle. This enables the user to maintain the PA information relating to a specific docket matter. For example, events that may require a user to change certain information relating to a docketed matter may include: (i) an addition or deletion of inventors, or (ii) assigning a disclosure to outside counsel for application drafting.  
     [0095] In the example embodiment, the data fields that are available when utilizing the Edit Docket function are the same as the data fields for Creating a Docket with the exception of Originating Business pull-down list  364  which is a read only data field within the Edit Docket function, and Responsible Business pull-down list  365  which is also a read only data field within the Edit Docket function. In the example embodiment, Responsible Business pull-down list  365  can only be changed after creating the docket by transferring the docket.  
     [0096] In the example embodiment, changing the docket status as shown in Disclosure Status pull-down list  392  may be performed through the Edit Docket function. The docket status should be changed when a docket becomes Inactivated, Filed, Consolidated, or when the Disclosure is Published. In the example embodiment, changing the status of a docket is beneficial for the user interface, but does not affect reporting or metrics.  
     [0097] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an inventor as shown in Contact Name data box  400  may be performed through the Edit Docket function. To add an additional inventor, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on Look Up Contacts button  432 , entering the last name of the inventor, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. The user then selects “Inventor” from a drop down list, clicks a right arrow button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the inventor is added to the docket. The user then selects “Submit” (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an inventor from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on Remove button  404 .  
     [0098] In the example embodiment, a contact may also be added to the Contact list by clicking an Add One Here link (not shown). A pop-up window will be displayed (not shown) to allow the user to enter a contact. The pop-up window displays at least one of: social security number data field, an employee id number data field, data fields for first and last name, address data fields, a profession data field, a citizenship data field, a designation data field, a Business pull-down list and a contact type section. The contact type section includes at least one of: inventor, assignee, outside counsel, Sr. patent counsel, business attorney, attorney, chief docket clerk, patent engineer, maintenance fees, agent, patent administrator, business and system and corresponding check boxes for each contact type. The user enters the desired information into the data fields and clicks on the check boxes for each appropriate contact type. A contact may have multiple contact types. Only the first name, last name and Business are required fields to enter to create a contact.  
     [0099] In the example embodiment, adding execution data may be performed through the Edit Docket function. When an inventor has signed execution papers, a docket administrator should record the event in PACS  10 . To do so, the docket administrator opens the specific docket or disclosure for which the inventor has signed the execution papers, and selects “Inventor Execution Date” (not shown in FIG. 7) from Contact Name data box  400 . This will cause PACS  10  to display all of the inventors for that specific docket, and provides a data field in which the docket administrator can enter an execution date. The docket administrator then clicks Save button  420  to record the execution information. In the example embodiment, this process of adding execution data may also be accomplished through a Bonus Module or a Batch Bonus Interface.  
     [0100] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an attorney, agent, or administrator as shown in Contact Name data box  400  may be performed through the Edit Docket function. To add an additional attorney, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on Look Up Contacts button  432 , entering the last name of the attorney, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. The user then selects “Attorney” from a role drop down list (not shown), clicks a right arrow button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the attorney is added to the docket. The user then selects Submit (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an attorney, agent, or administrator from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on Remove button  404 .  
     [0101] In the example embodiment, contracts can be modified and removed from the system through the Edit Docket function. Additional contracts can also be added to the docket at any time. To modify a contract, a user will click on the down arrow on Contract Type pull-down list  418 , and then selects a different Type of contract from the pull-down list. A user may also edit a Contract Number shown in a data field next to Contract Type pull-down list  418 . To remove a contract, a user will select a blank contract type from Contract Type pull-down list  418 . To add an additional contract type, a user will select an “Add More” link. After the screen refreshes, a new data field will be displayed below the current contract. To save the changes, the user will select Save button  420 .  
     [0102]FIG. 8 is an example embodiment of a user interface  440  displaying a docket details page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1) after the PA information for the docket has been entered. User interface  440  displays a plurality of data fields showing the entered PA information for the specific docket.  
     [0103] In the example embodiment, user interface  440  displays at least one of a Docket Date data field  442 , an Originating Business data field  444 , a Business Technology Group data field, an Originating Lab/Technology Group data field  446 , a Business Technology Group data field  448 , a Funding Business data field  449 , an Alternate Docket Number data field  450 , a Title data field  452 , a Product(s)/Part(s)/Service(s) data field  454 , an Abstract data field  456 , a Comments data field  458 , a Disclosure Status data field  460 , a Rating/Priority data field  462 , a Patent Evaluation Board (PEB) data field  464 , a Responsible Business data field  466 , an Inventors data field  468 , a Contact-Role data field  472 , a Foreign Filing Sponsor data field  474 , a Percent data field  476 , a Contract Number data field  480 , a Contract Type data field  482 , an Action table  484 , an Add U.S. Filing link  486 , an Add Foreign Filing link  488 , a Click to Transfer Docket link  490 , and a Kill Docket link  492 .  
     [0104] In the example embodiment, user interface  440  enables a docket administrator to transfer a docket from one business to another business by clicking on Transfer Docket link  490 . When a docket administrator clicks on Transfer Docket link  490 , a new screen is displayed that includes at least one of a Transfer Date data field with the date populated as a read-only field, a Responsible Business From data field, a Responsible Business To pull-down list, and an Associated Filings table. To initiate a transfer, the docket administrator selects the receiving business from the Responsible Business To pull-down list and selects the Filings for the transfer from the Associated Filings table. The docket administrator then clicks on a Save button to complete the transfer. The transfer will then be recorded within PACS  10  as a disclosure action on the docket and the Responsible Business field will be associated with the receiving business. In the example embodiment, once the docket is transferred, the docket administrator no longer has access to the docket. If the transfer is in error, the original docket administrator will have to contact the receiving business and request that the docket be transferred back to the original business.  
     [0105] In the example embodiment, user interface  440  also displays an Edit Docket link  494 . As discussed above, a user may edit certain PA information displayed on user interface  360  (shown in FIG. 6) by selecting Edit Docket link  494 . The user utilizes the Edit Docket function when the details of a docket change during the course of the docket lifecycle. This enables the user to maintain the PA information relating to a specific docket matter.  
     [0106]FIG. 9 is an example embodiment of a user interface  500  displaying an add U.S. filing page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  500  is displayed after a user clicks on Add U.S. Filing link  486  on user interface  440  (shown in FIG. 8). A filing is a patent application. Common filing types include at least one of Provisional, Original, Divisional, and Continuation in Part (CIP). One docket can have multiple filings associated with it. Since, in the example embodiment, a docket is roughly analogous to a disclosure, and since one disclosure can give rise to multiple domestic and foreign patents, multiple filings can be associated with one docket.  
     [0107] In the example embodiment, upon approval of a filing, a docket administrator creates a new filing in PACS  10 . To create a filing, a docket administrator will enter at least the following information into user interface  500 : a business currently responsible for the technology, a type of filing (e.g., original, provisional, divisional, continuation, and CIP), a patent owner, and a filing date, as well as at least one of a patent number, and a serial number to which the filing is related.  
     [0108] In the example embodiment, user interface  500  displays at least one of a USPTO Serial Number data field  502 , a Filing Date data field  504  with a corresponding calendar for entering a date, a Patent Number data field  506 , an Issue Date data field  508  with a corresponding calendar for entering a date, a Filing Business pull-down list  510  with a corresponding complete pull-down list, a Patent Owner pull-down list  512  with a corresponding complete pull-down list, a Filing Type pull-down list  514 , a Parent Filing pull-down list  516 , a Group Art Unit data field  518 , an Attorney Docket Number data field  520 , a License of Right (LOR) pull-down list  522 , a Priority Date data field  524 , a Priority Country pull-down list  526 , a Title data field  528 , and an Abstract data field  530 .  
     [0109] In the example embodiment, Filing Type pull-down list  514  includes at least one of Original, Provisional, Continuation, Re-Issue, Re-Examination, Divisional, Continuation in Part, Design, and Interference. When the U.S. filing record is saved, a foreign filing decision date (i.e., FF Callup Date) action is entered in the Action Table if it is the first U.S. filing for that docket.  
     [0110] Parent Filing pull-down list  516  enables PACS  10  to maintain legacy data for the docketed matter. In the example embodiment, new child filings can be filed as children of the existing dockets. The Parent Filing field allows the user to indicate the direct parent of the new filing.  
     [0111] User interface  500  also displays a Recordation data section  534  that includes an Add More button  536 , a Publication data section  538  that includes an Add More button  540 , a Contract Type pull-down list  542 , a Contract Number/Licensee data field  544 , an Add More button  548 , a Contact Name/Inventors data box  550  with a corresponding Look Up Contacts button  552  and Remove button  554 , a Correspondence Address pull-down list, a Responsible Party pull-down list, an Expiration Calculation section that includes an Origination data field with calendar, an Expiration Period data field  556 , a Calculate button and an Expiration Date data field  558  with calendar, a Concurrent Dockets Filed Docket Number data field  560 , a Filing Serial Number pull-down list  562 , a Remarks data box  568 , a Save button  570 , and a Clear button  572 .  
     [0112] Contact Name/Inventor data box  550  includes at least one of a list of inventors, an outside attorney responsible for the prosecution of the disclosure, and an in-house attorney responsible for managing the prosecution of the disclosure. Look Up Contacts button  552  enables a user to select from a pop up window the inventors or attorneys that are involved with the docket. In the example embodiment, at least some of the data fields displayed on user interface  500  are searchable and are used for reporting purposes. Some fields are required when creating a U.S. filing. The required fields are in bold on the screen and include at least one of: Filing Business, Patent Owner, and Filing Type.  
     [0113]FIG. 10 is an example embodiment of a user interface  580  displaying an edit U.S. filing page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user may edit certain PA information displayed on user interface  500  (shown in FIG. 9) by selecting an Edit Filing link as described below in FIG. 11. The user utilizes the Edit a Filing function when the filing details of a docket change during the course of the filing lifecycle or when the Patent is granted. The Edit a Filing function enables the user to maintain the PA information relating to a specific docket matter. For example, events that may require a user to change certain filing information relating to a docketed matter may include: (i) issuance of a Patent, (ii) an addition or deletion of inventors, or (iii) a change in attorney responsibility.  
     [0114] In the example embodiment, the data fields that are available when utilizing the Edit a Filing function are the same as the data fields for Add a U.S. Filing.  
     [0115] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an inventor as shown in Contact Name/Inventor data box  550  may be performed through the Edit a Filing function. To add an additional inventor, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on Look Up Contacts button  552  (shown in FIG. 9), entering the last name of the inventor, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. A Contact Details button (not shown) may be selected to provide more information about a contact. The user then selects “Inventor” from a role drop down list (not shown), clicks an Add button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the inventor is added to the docket. The user may indicate that the Inventor is to be named first on the patent application, by selecting First Named Inventor from the role drop-down list (not shown). The user then selects Submit (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an inventor from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on Remove button  554 .  
     [0116] In the example embodiment, the issuance of a patent can be recorded through the Edit a Filing function. When the Patent Office issues a patent for an application, the Date of Issuance and the Patent Number must be entered into PACS  10 . To do so, a user will open the specific filing in PACS  10  and select the Edit a Filing function. The user will then enter the Patent Number in Patent Number data field  506  and the Patent Date in Issue Date data field  508 . Additionally, when issued, the Expiration Period should be entered in Expiration Period data field  556  and the date from when the patent term starts should be entered into an Origination data field. The Expiration Period defaults to 20 years and the Origination data field defaults to the Filing Date. When the Calculate button is clicked, the expiration date of the patent will be calculated and entered into Expiration Date data field  558 . In another embodiment, the docket administrator can enter the patent expiration date directly into Expiration Date data field  558 .  
     [0117] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an attorney, agent, or administrator as shown in Contact Name/inventor data box  550  may be performed through the Edit a Filing function. Filings that may occur after filings (e.g., Divisional or Continuation Filings) will be assigned the contacts from the parent docket. To add an additional attorney, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on Look Up Contacts button  552  (shown in FIG. 9), entering the last name of the attorney, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. The user then selects Company Business Attorney, IPO Attorney, or GRC Attorney from a role drop down list if the attorney is an in-house attorney responsible for the case or Outside Counsel from the role drop down list if the attorney prosecuting the case is outside counsel. The user then clicks an Add button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the attorney is added to the docket. The user then selects Submit (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an attorney, agent, or administrator from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on Remove button  554 .  
     [0118] In the example embodiment, adding, removing, or editing recordation data may be performed through the Edit a Filing function. If a user has a current recordation in PACS  10 , it will be displayed on user interface  500 . The Recordation Date, Reel Description, Frame Description, and Assignee, which are displayed in Recordation data section  534 , all may be edited through the Edit a Filing function. To add a second recordation, a user will click Add More button  536 . If there are no current recordations, a blank entry is displayed for a user to enter a new recordation.  
     [0119] In the example embodiment, tracking concurrent filings may be performed through the Add U.S. Filing screen (shown in FIG. 9) or the Edit U.S. Filing screen (shown in FIG. 10). The concurrent filings function within PACS  10  enables a user to track applications that are submitted together to avoid either filing being cited against the other as prior art. While concurrent filings are not typical, it is important that a user can track “sibling” applications. To record a concurrent filing, a user will need at least one of (i) the Docket Number and Filing Number for the first filing, and (ii) the Docket Number and Filing Number for each filing in the concurrent application. To add a concurrency filing, a user must first open the specific filing in question by selecting the docket and appropriate file. Once the file is opened, the user clicks an Edit button to edit the filing. User interface  580  displays Concurrent Dockets Filed Docket Number data field  560 , a Filing Serial Number pull-down list  562 , and an Add Another button  564 . A user enters the Docket Number of the sibling filing in Concurrent Dockets Filed Docket Number data field  560 . Once entered, the user selects a Look Up Filings hyperlink  582 . Filing Serial Number pull-down list  562  will then contain a list of filings for the sibling docket. The user then selects the appropriate filing number from Filing Serial Number pull-down list  562 . If there are multiple concurrencies, the user clicks Add Another button  564  to create a new drop down for subsequent entries. The form is submitted by clicking Save button  570 .  
     [0120] In the example embodiment, adding, removing, or editing publication data may be performed through the Edit a Filing function. If a user has a current publication in PACS  10 , it will be displayed on user interface  500  (shown in FIG. 9). The Publication Number, which has four sections: (i) a field defaulted to U.S., (ii) a Year data field, (iii) a Number data field, and (iv) a Type pull-down list, the Date, and the Description/Confirmation Number are displayed on user interface  500  in Publication data section  538 . All of these fields may be edited through the Edit a Filing function. To add a second publication, a user will click Add More button  540 . If there are no current publications, a blank entry is displayed for a user to enter a new publication.  
     [0121]FIG. 11 is an example embodiment of a user interface  590  displaying a filings details page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  590  displays a plurality of data fields showing the entered filing details for the specific docket. In addition, and Execution Date link and an Awards section are displayed.  
     [0122]FIG. 12 is an example embodiment of a user interface  600  displaying an International Filing Entry page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  600  is displayed after a user clicks on Add Foreign Filing link  488  on user interface  440  (shown in FIG. 8). PACS  10  tracks both foreign filings and domestic (United States) filings. The primary differences between tracking foreign filings versus U.S filings include at least one of: (i) foreign filings have more Filing Types and Status options than U.S. filings, and (ii) PACS  10  has a separate module for European filings.  
     [0123] In the example embodiment, user interface  600  is displayed after a user clicks on Add Foreign Filing link  488  on user interface  440  (shown in FIG. 8) and selects the country for the filing from a pull-down list (not shown). User interface  600  displays at least one of a Docket Number data field  602 , a Country data field  604 , a Docket Date data field  606 , an Originating Business data field  608 , a Lab/Technology Group data field  610 , a Title data field  612 , an Application Number data field  614 , a Filing Date data field  616 , a Patent Number data field  618 , a Patent Date data field  620 , a Filing Business pull-down list  622 , a Patent Owner pull-down list  624 , a Filing Type pull-down list  626 , a Parent Filing data filed  628 , a Priority Date data field  630 , a Priority Country pull-down list  632 , a Title data box  634 , an Abstract data box  636 , and a License of Right (LOR) pull-down list  638 .  
     [0124] User interface  600  also displays a Publication data section  642  that includes at least one of a Publication Type pull-down list, a Publication Number data field, a Publication Date data field with a corresponding calendar, a Publication Description data field, a Claim data field, and an Add Publication button. User interface  600  also displays a Contact Name data box  650  with a corresponding “Get Now” button  652  and Remove button  654 . User interface also displays a Contract pull-down list  656 , a Licensee data field  658 , a Contract Due Date data field  660  with a corresponding calendar, an Add Contracts button  662 , a Count Date data field with a corresponding calendar, a Termination Period data section  664 , an Agent Reference Number data field, a Worked pull-down list, a Remarks data box  666 , a Save button  668 , a Clear button  670 , and a Payor data field  676 . If the user selected a European Patent Convention filing, user interface  600  also displays a plurality of countries with corresponding check boxes  644 .  
     [0125] In the example embodiment, a user selects the Country from a pull-down list (not shown) where the application is to be foreign filed. The selected country is displayed on user interface  600  in Country data field  604 . The Country list includes at least one of WIPO Filings and European Patent Convention. The country selection defaults to European Patent Convention. PACS  10  then displays a foreign filing record with certain data fields populated including at least one of Docket Number data field  602 , Country data field  604 , Docket Date data field  606 , Original Business data field  608 , Lab/Technology Group data field  610 , Abstract data box  636 , Contact Name data box  650 , Correspondence Address pull-down list, and Remarks data box  666 . Required data fields are displayed with bold headers and include at least one of Filing Business pull-down list  622 , Patent Owner pull-down list  624 , Filing Type pull-down list  626 , LOR pull-down list  638 , which defaults to “No”, and Contact Name data box  650 . If the user has selected a European Patent Convention filing, the Country section to select the European countries is also in bold.  
     [0126] The user then selects the Filing Business from the pull-down list. The Filing Business is the business that is filing the foreign application. In the example embodiment, the Filing Business defaults to IPO. The user then selects the Patent Owner from the pull-down list. This is the business that is prosecuting the foreign application and maintaining the patent. In the example embodiment, the Filing Business defaults to IPO. The user then selects the Filing Type from the pull-down list. The Filing Type is the type of application filed, such as Original or Divisional. In the example embodiment, the Filing Type defaults to Original. The user then enters the Priority Date for the application and selects the Priority Country for the application. In the example embodiment, the Priority Country defaults to United States.  
     [0127] PACS  10  will populate Title data field  634  and the Abstract data field  636  with a title and abstract from the docket details. If needed, the Title and Abstract can be changed. Contact Name data box  650  is populated from the Docket Details and should include the IPO attorney prosecuting the application and may include an Outside Counsel. A Payor data field  676  defaults to the business entity that owns and pays for the application or patent. The user may also add remarks or comments in Remarks data box  666 . The user then selects Save button  668  to save the entered information. Some fields are required when creating an international filing. The required fields are in bold on the screen and include at least one of: Filing Business, Patent Owner, and Filing Type.  
     [0128] User interface  600  displays a Filing Type for foreign filings in Filing Type pull-down list  626 . In the example embodiment, Filing Type pull-down list  626  includes at least one of Original, Divisional, EPC-Filed, EPC-Filed Divisional, Design Application/Patent, and Reissue.  
     [0129]FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a user interface  700  displaying an edit International Filing Entry page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user may edit certain PA information displayed on user interface  600  (shown in FIG. 12). The user edits a foreign filing when the filing details of a docket change during the course of the filing lifecycle or when the Patent is granted. Editing a foreign filing enables the user to maintain PA information relating to a specific docketed matter.  
     [0130] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an inventor as shown in Contact Name/Inventor data box  650  may be performed by editing a foreign filing. To add an additional inventor, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on Get Now button  702 , entering the last name of the inventor, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. The user then selects “Inventor” from a drop down list (not shown), clicks an Add button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the inventor is added to the docket. The user then selects Submit button (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an inventor from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on Remove button  654 .  
     [0131] In the example embodiment, adding or removing an attorney, docket clerk or assignee as shown in Contact Name/Inventor data box  650  may be performed by editing a foreign filing. Subsequent filings that may occur after earlier filings will be assigned the contacts from the parent docket. To add an additional attorney, a user may invoke a search pop up window by clicking on “Get Now” button  702 , entering the last name of the attorney, and selecting the appropriate contact from the list. The user then selects “IPO Attorney” from a role drop down list if the attorney is an in-house IPO attorney responsible for the case or “Outside Counsel” from the role drop down list if the attorney is the outside counsel prosecuting the case. The user then clicks an Add button (not shown), clicks an “Add and Close” button (not shown), and the attorney is added to the docket. The user then selects a Submit button (not shown) to save the changes. To remove an attorney, docket clerk, or assignee from the docket, the user selects the individual from the Contact list and clicks on “Remove” button  654 .  
     [0132]FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a user interface  720  displaying an international (also known as foreign) filings details page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  720  displays a plurality of data fields showing the entered foreign filing details for the specific docket.  
     [0133]FIG. 15 is an example embodiment of a user interface  740  displaying a New Action page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). In the example embodiment, an action is defined as an event that takes place at a specific time. Actions are managed by PACS  10 . Actions are often related to a filing within a docket.  
     [0134] In the example embodiment, actions can be classified as “snapshot actions”, “status actions”, or “due actions.” Snapshot actions are one-time events with no future actions needed. An example of a snapshot action is payment of an issue fee on a certain date for a specific docketed matter. Due actions require an additional action to complete. An example of a due action may be that an Office Action from the USPTO for a specific docketed matter requires a response by a certain date. PACS  10  enables a user to manage, schedule, and notify users of due actions.  
     [0135] Status actions change the status of dockets, U.S. filings and international filings. The docket status should be changed by adding an action when a docket becomes Inactivated, Filed, Consolidated, or when the Disclosure is Published. The U.S. Filing Status and International Filing Status is changed by creating an action from a drop down list including: Abandoned, Issued, Re-Issued, Filed, Application Deferred, EPC Granted, Opposition Appeal, Issued, PCT Chapter I, Dropped, Expired, Application Under Exam, Under Opposition, PCT Phase Completed, and PCT Chapter II. The status of the record will be derived from the last chronological status action entered.  
     [0136] In the example embodiment, to create an action, a user needs a source document or knowledge of an event; a docket number, a patent number, or a serial number to docket the event; the name of the filing or filing number if the action relates to a filing; and a person responsible for the action. Actions are added through user interface  740 . User interface  740  is accessible by clicking on an Add Action link shown on docket details user interface  440  (shown in FIG. 8) near Disclosure Action table  484  or Filing Action Listing section, U.S. Filing Details (shown in FIG. 11) or International Filing Details (shown in FIG. 14). Once user interface  740  is displayed, a user enters the appropriate PA information into the provided data fields for the specific docketed matter.  
     [0137] In the example embodiment, most actions are associated with a filing in PACS  10 . Properly aligning an action to a filing will more accurately establish a history of the filing and the current condition of the filing. If an action relates to a disclosure, then it belongs in the docket level of PACS  10 . If, however, an action relates to a filing, then the action belongs in the filing. Moreover, a user must consider foreign filings and other prosecutions in a docket when docketing an action. Actions should only be docketed against a disclosure when they apply to the entire disclosure. For example, if a patent is being abandoned, the action belongs with the filing you are abandoning.  
     [0138] In the example embodiment, the term “snapshot” or “status action” indicates that a recorded action is complete as entered. “Due” actions require additional action to address or complete the action. To become a snapshot action or status action, a user must enter an action date when adding the action to PACS  10  and leave the Due Date data field blank. To become a Due action, the user enters the Action Date and the Due Date.  
     [0139] Certain actions lend themselves to one-time snapshot status while others tend to suggest a future action is needed to address or complete the action. PACS  10  also utilizes action codes for reporting purposes. In the example embodiment, action codes that are snap actions include at least one of amendment/response, inactivated, issued, open, information disclosure statement (IDS), filing receipt, abandoned, transfer docket, and extension of time. Action codes that are due actions include at least one of maintenance fee, office action, notice of allowance, final office action, notice of abandonment received, and examiner&#39;s amendment.  
     [0140]FIG. 16 is an example embodiment of a user interface  760  displaying an Actions table and an action details page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). Actions tables  762  are provided on the Docket screens (shown in FIG. 8), the U.S. Filing screens (shown in FIG. 11), and the International Filing screens (shown in FIG. 14). The Action table includes at least one of an Action Date column, an Action column, a Due Date column, a Done Date column, a Responsible Person column, and an Add Actions link  764 . The Action Details are displayed when the user clicks on an Action in the Actions table.  
     [0141] User interface  760  also displays an Action Details section  772  that includes PA information including at least one of an action code, an action date, a date closed, an initiating business, a Responsible Party, a suggested date, a due date, a Non-extendable data field, a comments data field, a response, and a responder name. User interface  760  also displays an Edit Action button  774  and a Close Out button  776 .  
     [0142]FIG. 17 is an example embodiment of a user interface  790  displaying an edit actions page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user accesses user interface  790  by clicking Edit Action button  774  on user interface  760  (shown in FIG. 16). User interface  790  enables a user to correct or update information entered through add action user interface  740  (shown in FIG. 15). In the example embodiment, actions may be edited at any time, even if the action is “closed.” 
     [0143]FIG. 18 is an example embodiment of a user interface  800  displaying a close out actions page for a specific docket within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user accesses user interface  800  by clicking Close Action button  776  on user interface  760  (shown in FIG. 16). In the example embodiment, an action is considered closed once a response date is entered for the action. Response dates are added to an action through user interface  800 , which can be further accessed by at least one of: (i) selecting a close link in one of the action listing sections in the docket details user interface  440  (shown in FIG. 8); and (ii) selecting a close link in a docket due report.  
     [0144] User interface  800  displays PA information for a specific docketed matter. More specifically, user interface  800  displays at least one of a Responder data field  802  with a Get Now button  804  and a Remove button  806 , a Close Out Date data field  808  with a corresponding calendar, and a Comments data box  810 . User interface also displays an optional section that includes a Response pull-down list  812  containing a favorites list of actions and a corresponding View All link, an Action Date data field  814  with a corresponding calendar, a Close Out Date data field  815  with a corresponding calendar, a Due Date data field  816  with a corresponding calendar, a Suggested Date data field  818  with a corresponding calendar, a Save button  820 , and a Clear button  822 . The favorites list of actions is specific to each user&#39;s business. The View All link displays all actions in the pull-down list. User interface  800  also displays certain PA information in tabular form near the bottom of the page.  
     [0145] The optional area displayed on user interface  800  is an optional data entry section that enables a user to close out an action by adding another action. In the example embodiment, closing out an action by adding another action may arise in at least one of the following circumstances: (i) closing a fees due action with a fees paid action to create a payable history; (ii) extending a fees due action for an additional period; and (iii) extending any action with an additional action in an effort to create additional context or history for future users of PACS  10 .  
     [0146]FIG. 19 is an example embodiment of a user interface  840  displaying an attorney docket due report input page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). PACS  10  generates a plurality of reports relating to PA information, filings, and scheduling. User interface  840  displays a summary of outstanding actions organized according to at least one of an Entity, a Contact, and a Department. User interface  840  displays at least one of a Start Date data field  842  with a corresponding calendar, an End Date data field  844  with a corresponding calendar, a Contact data field  846  with a corresponding Get Now button  848  and a Remove button  850 , a Department data field  854  with a corresponding Get Now button  856  and a Remove button  858 , a Contact&#39;s Entity pull-down list  862  with a link to see entire pull-down list, a Show Only Open Actions check box  864 , and a Generate Report button  866 .  
     [0147] In the example embodiment, the start date and the end date are not required information. However, if they are not entered, the system will default the range to one week prior and one month after the date of entry. The Business displayed in Contact&#39;s Entity pull-down list  862  will be default pre-populated with the user&#39;s business. The report filters out actions from filings having a Dropped status.  
     [0148] Additional report filters can also be used in PACS  10 . Additional report filters allow for searching by Department, and for all actions, not just the actions that are due. More specifically, a Start Date filter will filter the report such that the report includes action dates greater than the date entered. An End Date filter will filter the report such that the report includes action dates prior to the date entered. A Department filter will filter the report such that the report includes actions by department. A Show Only Open Actions filter will filter the report such that the report includes only open actions.  
     [0149]FIG. 20 is an example embodiment of a user interface  880  displaying an attorney docket due report output page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). PACS  10  generates user interface  880  after a user enters filter information through user interface  840  (shown in FIG. 19) and clicks on Generate Report button  866 . User interface displays a table of information that includes at least one of a Docket Number column  882 , a Due Date column  884 , an Action Required column  886 , and a Date Closed column  888 . Each link provided below Docket Number column  882  provides access to the filing details for that docket. The Due Dates listed in Due Date column  884  are from the action in question. Clicking on the links displayed under Action Required column  886  will display the Action Details listing (shown in FIG. 16) for the specific action. Once the specific action is displayed, a user can edit or close the action out. Due Date column  884  displays the date an action was closed or links to close the action out. A user may close out an action by clicking on the Close Out link under the Date Closed column.  
     [0150] PACS  10  also enables a user to generate other reports. The reports that a user can generate through PACS  10  are for both filings and dockets. The reports may be accessed through home page user interface  300  (shown in FIG. 5) in Reports section  330 . The reports accept a plurality of runtime parameters and a plurality of criteria, which results in providing a desired output consistent with user requests. The reports generated by PACS  10  include at least one of the following:  
     [0151] Contracts Information Report (DD 882  Information)  
     [0152] A DD 882  Information Report displays at least one of a docket number, a serial number, a status, a filing date, a filing country, U.S. filed, a title of invention, a license, inventors, and a patent number. The results are filings corresponding to a particular contract. The criteria requires the user to enter the contract number desired from a drop-down list.  
     [0153] Invoice Tracking Report  
     [0154] An Invoice Tracking Report displays at least one of a docket number, an invoice date, an invoice number, an entity, a payment due date, a payment date, an invoice amount, an item description, a filing serial number, and an item amount. The results are invoices corresponding to a particular docket number, invoice number, date range or vendor. The criteria requires the user to enter the docket number, invoice number, date range or vendor from an alphabetic list of vendors.  
     [0155] Patent Administrative Record (PAR) Report  
     [0156] A PAR Report displays docketing information, Inventor information and Filing information. The docketing information displays at least one of a docket date, a status, title, an abstract, a rating priority, an attorney, a foreign filing sponsor, a contract number, a lab technology group, alternate dockets and keywords. The inventor information is provided for the docket and the filings. It displays at least one of name, address, citizenship, occupation, social security number and employee status. The filing information displays at least one of filing type, application number, filing date, attorney, assignment reels and an indication of foreign filing. The results are the docket information, inventor information, and U.S. filing information for a docket. The criteria requires the user to enter the docket number.  
     [0157] Actions Report  
     [0158] An Actions Report displays at least one of a docket number, a contact, a lab/technology group, an action, a serial number, and a date range of the report. The results are the open actions for each attorney or for each lab/technology group for a given date range. The criteria requires the user to enter the docket number, contact, lab/technology group, action, serial number and/or date range.  
     [0159] Patent Portfolio Review Report  
     [0160] A Patent Portfolio Report is a file status report and provides the user with at least one of a portfolio administration cost, an application prosecution cost, and a maintenance cost for the chosen dockets. The inputs from the user include at least one of a department code for which the report is to be generated, a status year, and an indication of whether inventors and the abstract are to be included. The report gives the total internal costs for each application and patent excluding the U.S. filings and patents per docket that is foreign filed and for which the corporation is the payor. This calculation takes into consideration the percentage distribution in the foreign filing sponsor. The Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Cty   Country Code           Application No.   Application number           Appl date   Application date           Patent Num   Patent number           Patent date   Patent date           Termin date   Termination date           Cnt date   Count date           Assignee   Assignee           Status   Status           Annual chg   Annual charges           Total Docket Costs   Total Docket Costs           Inventors   Inventors           Abstract   Abstract                      
 
     [0161] Patent Applications Filed Reports  
     [0162] A Patent Applications Filed Report displays at least one of a docket number, a prosecuting attorney for the filing, a lab/technology group, a filing type, a USPTO application number, a filing date, and inventors. The results are filings where a filing date is between a date range provided for a business or lab/technology group. The report may also be run for all businesses. The criteria include at least one of: filing date range, business or lab/technology group, and an indication of whether inventor information is to be included.  
     [0163] Appeal Briefs Filed Reports  
     [0164] An Appeal Briefs Filed Report displays at least one of a docket number, a filing number, a lab/technology group and an action contact where a filing has an Appeal Brief Action with an action date between the date range provided, and where the docket&#39;s Lab/Technology Group is equal to the Lab/Technology Group provided. If a business is specified, then that business is compared to an initiating business of the action. The criteria include at least one of: Appeal Brief Action, Action Date, Docket Lab/Technology Group, and Action&#39;s Business Initiating Action.  
     [0165] Notices of Appeal Reports  
     [0166] A Notices of Appeal Report displays at least one of a docket number, a filing number, a lab/technology group and an action contact from filings where a Notice of Appeal action exists having an action date in between the time specified. The Lab/Technology Group is compared to the docket&#39;s, and the business, when provided, is compared to the initiating business of the action. The criteria include at least one of: Notice of Appeal, Action Date, Docket Lab/Technology Group, and Action&#39;s Business Initiating Action.  
     [0167] Amendments/Responses Reports  
     [0168] An Amendments/Responses Report displays at least one of a docket number, a lab/techology group, and an action contact from U.S. filings where an Amendment/Response action exists having an action date in between the time specified. The criteria require the user to select a Business and date range for the Amendment/Response.  
     [0169] Pending Applications Report  
     [0170] A Pending Applications Report displays at least one of a count, by lab/technology group or attorney, of U.S. filings of known type (excluding the null type filings) in dockets that have not been dropped, inactivated or “issued” where the filing has not been dropped, inactivated or issued, and where the filing has either an application date or number and a null patent date and null patent number. The report also excludes filings that have at least one of a Notice of Abandonment action, an Inactivated action, and an Abandoned action. The business is compared to the filing business. When an attorney option is selected, the count is for prosecuting attorneys of the filings. The criteria requires the user to select a Business and an indication if the report will be run by Component or by Attorney.  
     [0171] Patents Issued Reports  
     [0172] A Patents Issued Report displays at least one of a docket number, a lab/technology group, a patent date, a USPTO application number and a patent number from U.S. filings where a patent number exists, an Issued action exists and where the patent date is in between the time specified. If an Inventor check box is selected, a plurality of inventors for the filing are pulled and displayed. The user is required to enter the date range, the Business and an indication of whether inventors are to be included in the report.  
     [0173] Applications Allowed Reports  
     [0174] An Applications Allowed Report displays at least one of a docket number, a filing number, a Lab/Technology Group, a USPTO application number, a patent number and an action contact from U.S. filings where a Notice of Allowance action exists having an action date in between the time specified. When specified, the business is compared to the filing business of the filing and the initiating business of the action (inclusive). The criteria include at least one of: Notice of Allowance, Action Date, Filing Business, and Action&#39;s Business Initiating Action.  
     [0175] Applications Abandoned Reports  
     [0176] An Applications Abandoned Report displays at least one of a Lab/Technology Group (from Docket), an Action Contact, a docket number and a USPTO application number. The results are all U.S. filings with an abandoned action from departments belonging to a specified business, where an abandoned action falls in between the dates provided. If a Lab/Technology Group is specified, then only those dockets associated with that Lab/Technology Group are included. The criteria include at least one of: Abandoned Action, Action Date, and Docket Lab/Technology Group.  
     [0177] Dockets Inactivated  
     [0178] A Dockets Inactivated Report displays at least one of a lab/technology group, an action contact and a docket number. The results are all dockets that have an Inactivated status from departments belonging to a specified business, where the inactivation status falls in between the dates provided. The sum of all the inactivated dockets is also provided. If a Lab/Technology Group is specified, then only those dockets associated with that Lab/Technology Group are included. The criteria include at least one of: Business or Lab/Technology Group and a date range.  
     [0179] Expired Patents Reports  
     [0180] An Expired Patents Report displays at least one of a docket number, a lab/technology group, and a patent number. The results are all patents that have an expiration date during the date range requested and that are from departments belonging to a specified business. The sum of all of the expired patents is also provided. If a Lab/Technology Group is specified, then only those dockets associated with that Lab/Technology Group are included. The criteria include at least one of: Business or Docket Lab/Technology Group and a date range.  
     [0181] Transferred Patents Reports  
     [0182] A Transferred Patents Report displays at least one of a docket number, a filing number, a Lab/Tech Group, a patent number, a USPTO application number where a docket has a Transfer Docket action with an action date between the date range provided, and a USPTO application number where the docket&#39;s Lab/Tech Group is equal to the one provided. If a business is specified, then that business is compared to the initiating business of the action as well as the filing business. The criteria include at least one of: Transfer Docket, Action Date, Docket Lab/Tech Group, and Action&#39;s Business Initiating Action.  
     [0183] Patent Activity by Attorney Report  
     [0184] The Patent Activity Report by Attorney displays at least one of a contact and counts per month and year-to-date for total U.S. applications filed, total U.S. amendments prepared, total U.S. original applications filed, total U.S. appeal briefs and total U.S. applications abandoned on a given date and for a specified business. The user is required to select a business and date to run the report.  
     [0185] Monthly Statistics Summary Report  
     [0186] The Monthly Statistics Summary Report displays at least one of a lab/technology group and a count of dockets opened, U.S. applications filed and U.S. patents issued per month and year-to-date by Lab/Technology Group for a specified month and year. The user is required to select a business, a month and year to run the report.  
     [0187] Statistical Summary of Patent Activity  
     [0188] The Statistical Summary of Patent Activity Report displays at least one of a lab/technology group, a count of dockets opened, inactivated, rated to file, transferred and all others for a month and year specified for a Lab/Technology Group, a count of U.S. applications filed, pending, abandoned and issued for a month and year specified for a Lab/Technology Group, a count of U.S. amendments and appeal briefs filed for a month and year specified for a month and year specified for a Lab/Technology Group. The user is required to select a business, a month and year to run the report.  
     [0189] International Active (MQ 15 A) Reports  
     [0190] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 15 A report. The MQ 15 A Report is a file status report for international applications and patents, and provides the user with at least one of an annual charge the dockets in a specified Lab/Technology Group or Business for which the corporation is the payor. The report can be run on future dates based on the current portfolio to give the user projected costs. The costs are standardized internal costs that are charged for prosecution and annuities. The inputs from the user include at least one of a Lab/Technology Group for which the report is to be generated and a status year. If the department code is left blank, the report is generated for all the departments. This calculation takes into consideration the percentage distribution between the primary department and the alternate department in the foreign filing sponsor.  
     [0191] The MQ 15 A Report contents include at least one of:  
                                   Field Name   Field Description                  Cty   Country Code       Docket Number   Docket Number       Application No.   Application number       Appl date   Application date       Patent Number   Patent number       Patent Date   Patent date       Agt   Prosecuting attorney       Adm   Administrating attorney       Termin date   Termination date       Cnt date   Count date       Lab/Tech Group   Lab/Tech Group       Assignee   Assignee       Status   Status       Title   Title       Annual Charge   Annual charges       Total costs   Sum of charges for each filing per docket       Primary Department   First department listed as a Foreign Filing           Sponsor       Alt Dept   Alternating department listed as Foreign           Filing Sponsor       Inventors   Inventors       Total Costs for all Dockets   Sum of all docket costs per Department       in Department                  
 
     [0192] Billing (MQ 15 B) Reports  
     [0193] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 15 B report. The MQ 15 B Report is a billing report for international applications and patents, and provides a plurality of costs for the chosen department or business for the year or by quarter. The report can be run on future dates based on the current portfolio to give the user projected costs. The inputs from the user include at least one of a department code for which the report is to be generated or a business, a status year, and a quarter of a year for which the report is to be generated or the entire year. If the department code is left blank, the report is generated for all the departments.  
     [0194] The MQ 15 B Report provides at least one of the portfolio administrative fee, application prosecution fees, and the maintenance fees for all of the dockets for which the corporation is the payor within the selected Lab/Technology Group or business. This calculation takes into consideration the percentage distribution between a primary department and an alternate department. The costs are standardized internal costs that are charged for prosecution and annuities.  
     [0195] The MQ 15 B Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Count   Number of patents or applications for               which company is payor                      
 
     [0196] MQ 15 C Reports  
     [0197] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as a MQ 15 C report. The MQ 15 C Report provides a detailed listing of all U.S. patents pertaining to the department specified which are due for renewal in a specified time period. The input from the user is the time period. The department code, whose dockets are to be considered, is also accepted as input. If the department code is left blank, the report is generated for all the departments together. The details for all the dockets whose 3 years begin within the search request date are displayed.  
     [0198] The MQ 15 C Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Appl&#39;n Number   Application number           Appl&#39;n date   Application date           Patent Number   Patent number           Patent Date   Patent date           Due Date   Date Maintenance Fee is due           Docket no.   Docket number           Department   Primary department           Contact Name   Contact Name for paying Maintenance Fee                      
 
     [0199] MQ 20  Reports  
     [0200] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 20  report. The MQ 20  Report is an IPO billing report and includes a plurality of billed costs for the department for which MQ 15 B report was generated. A billing quarter for which the report is to be generated is taken as input from the user. If the user requests, an EDI billing file can also be created. An output includes the billed costs for the department. A plurality of billed costs are taken from a plurality of annual charges of the MQ 15 B report.  
     [0201] The MQ 20  Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Sponsor code   Primary Department Code           Sponsor Name   Primary Department Name           Credits           Debits           Billed                      
 
     [0202] MQ 25  Reports  
     [0203] Another report generated by PACS  10  is referred to as an MQ 25  report. The MQ 25  Report lists all the dockets for a particular country. A country code for which the report is to be generated is taken as input from the user. If the country code is left blank, the report is generated for all the countries together. Depending upon the country inputted, the various dockets, which are filed in that particular country, are outputted. Dockets are classified according to whether the corporation is the payor.  
     [0204] The MQ 25  Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Docket no.   Docket Number                          Type   Type           Title of Invention   Title of invention           Appln. Date   Application date           Appln. No.   Application number           Patent Date   Patent date           Patent No.   Patent number           Assignee   Assignee           Agent   Prosecuting attorney           Term. Date   Termination date of the patent           Status   Status of the patent or application           License   Indication of whether the application or               patent is licensed           Worked   Indication of whether the patent has been               worked                      
 
     [0205] MQ 26  Reports  
     [0206] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 26  report. The MQ 26  Report lists all the dockets for a particular department. A department code and year for which the report is to be generated is taken as input from the user. If the department code is left blank, the report is generated for all the departments together. Depending upon the department inputted, the various dockets, which are filed in that particular department, are outputted. Dockets are classified according to whether the corporation is payor.  
     [0207] The MQ 26  Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Appln. No.   Application number           Appln. Date   Application date           Patent no.   Patent number           Patent date   Patent date           Title of Invention   Title of invention           Docket no.   Docket number           Department   Primary department           Term. Date   Termination date           Assignee   Assignee           Country   Country of filing           Type   Type of application or patent           Status   Status of application or patent           Agent   Prosecuting attorney           Payor   Owner of patent or application           License   Indication of whether the application or               patent is licensed           Worked   Indication of whether the patent has been               worked                      
 
     [0208] MQ 29  Reports  
     [0209] Another report generated by PACS  10  is referred to as an MQ 29  report. The MQ 29  Report is a foreign maintenance report. The output is organized by country. The country, year, and month for which the report is to be generated will be taken as input from the user. If the user leaves the month field blank the report is generated for the whole year. This report prints out the docket details for those dockets for which annuity payment is due in the month specified for the specified country.  
     [0210] The MQ 29  Report contents include at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Appl No.   Application number           Appl date   Application date           Patent no.   Patent number           Patent date   Patent date           Docket no.   Docket number           Count Date   Date from which annuity is determined           Term date   Termination date           Assignee   Assignee           Status   Status           Type   Type           Agent   Prosecuting Attorney           License   Indication of whether the application or               patent is licensed           Worked   Indication of whether the patent has been               worked                      
 
     [0211] MQ 51 B Reports  
     [0212] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 51 B report. The MQ 51 B Report provides a plurality of details regarding a plurality of recently dropped dockets. The inputs from the user include at least one of a country code, a start date, and an end date. The docket details for the dockets dropped in the date range given will be outputted.  
     [0213] The MQ 51 B Report content includes at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Appl No.   Application number           Appl date   Application date           Patent no.   Patent number           Patent date   Patent date           Docket no.   Docket number           Department   Primary department           Ter date   Termination date           Assignee   Assignee           Count date   Count date           Type   Type                      
 
     [0214] PAMTAP Reports  
     [0215] The PAMTAP Report is an annuity report for synchronizing data with an annuity service. It includes a dropped section and an updated section. The user inputs a date range. Generally, the date range includes the date from which the report was last run to the present date, but any date range may be used. The system retrieves all new data entered into the system during the specified date range and separates the data into a dropped section or an update section. The dropped section includes all records that do not match the criteria for annuity payment including: dropped status, payor code change from the company code, a U.S. filing and a U.S. patent. The dropped section displays at least one of: Docket Number, Country, Application Number, Patent Owner, Application Date, Patent Number, Patent Date, Prosecuting attorney, Inventor, dropped status, termination date, title of invention and comments.  
     [0216] The updated section includes all data during the specified date range on records that match the criteria for annuity payment including: publishing data, international application number, international application date, international patent number, international patent date, status change to issue or under exam and creating an international filing. The update section displays at least one of: Docket Number, Country, Application Number, Patent Owner, Application Date, Patent Number, Patent Date, Prosecuting attorney, Inventor, title of invention and comments.  
     [0217] MQ 55  Reports  
     [0218] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as an MQ 55  report. The MQ 55  Report provides a list of deferred applications for any particular attorney. The attorney for which the report is to be printed and the year is taken as input from the user. The dockets which have the inputted attorney as their prosecuting attorney and their status as deferred applications, will be outputted.  
     [0219] The MQ 55  Report content includes at least one of:  
                                                   Field Name   Field Description                          Appl No.   Application number           Appl date   Application date           Docket no.   Docket number           Dept   Primary department                      
 
     [0220] Deferred Application by Department Reports  
     [0221] PACS  10  also generates a report referred to as a Deferred Application by Department report. The Deferred Application by Department Report provides a plurality of details regarding a plurality of deferred applications pertaining to the particular department. The input taken from the user is the department code and year. Those dockets that have their respective primary departments as the one inputted by the user and have the same status as deferred applications will be outputted.  
     [0222] The Deferred Application by Department Report content includes at least one of:  
                                   Field Name   Field Description                  Country   Country name       Year   Year that deferred applications are due for           examination       Docket no.   Docket Number       Prim Dept   Primary department of Foreign Filing           sponsor                  
 
     [0223] Bonus Awards Due Reports  
     [0224] The Bonus Awards Due Report displays at least one of a Lab/Technology Group, Docket Number, an indication of whether the inventor is a company employee, inventor name, and social security number. The user inputs a date range for awards due during the date range or indicates that all awards are to be viewed, selects a business and an indication of whether the report is limited to company employees. The results are a list of all dockets and inventors that are subject to an award or bonus during the specified data range.  
     [0225] Inventor Log Reports  
     [0226] The Inventor Log Report displays an Inventor Details section and the Log section. The Inventor Details section displays at least one of: Inventor Name, Inventor social security number, address, business, profession, citizenship, whether the inventor is an employee, a contact ID number, and a listing of Award types, award count and award amounts given to the inventor. The Log displays at least one of: Docket Number, Lab/Tech Group, Docket Date, Disclosure Status, Filing Country, Filing Date Issued Date, Filing Bonus Date and Issue Bonus Date. The results allow the user to review the contact information of the inventor and review the bonus award information for each docket the inventor is an inventor. The user accesses the report by selecting an inventor or selecting a business.  
     [0227]FIG. 21 is an example embodiment of a user interface  900  displaying an inventor execution date entry page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). Inventors entered into PACS  10  are considered a subset of contacts. When a contact is given the role of Inventor in a docket or filing within PACS  10 , PACS  10  will enable a user to associate an execution date with that contact, and will expose that contact in a bonus module when the docket or filing is viewed. Reports can also expose an association of contacts to dockets and filings with the inventor role.  
     [0228] An execution of assignment papers can be recorded in several different places with PACS  10 . At least one way to access user interface  900  is by clicking on an Inventor Execution Date link displayed on U.S. Filing details page  590  (shown in FIG. 11). User interface  900  displays a plurality of inventors under Inventor Name column  902  with an empty execution date data field  904  and a corresponding calendar next to each inventor name. An execution date is entered for each inventor who has signed an assignment. The remaining fields are left blank, and the user clicks on Save button  906  to record the information.  
     [0229]FIG. 22 is an example embodiment of a user interface  910  displaying a contact master-add page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). PACS  10  maintains contact information. The contact information can be entered through at least one of a plurality of data fields, a plurality of check boxes, and a plurality of pull-down lists displayed on user interface  910 . User interface also enables a user to designate the role of the contact person by selecting one of a plurality of check boxes displayed on user interface  910 .  
     [0230]FIG. 23 is an example embodiment of a user interface  920  displaying an edit contact information page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). The contact information can be edited through at least one of a plurality of data fields, a plurality of check boxes, and a plurality of pull-down lists displayed on user interface  920 .  
     [0231] PACS  10  includes an awards module for tracking awards activity in a patent operation. Awards are granted to inventors by a business to award the inventors for their work on a patent. To run the bonus module, a user accesses (i) an Awards Detail screen through the Awards section on U.S. Filing Details screen  590  (shown in FIG. 11) or (ii) clicks on the Administer Awards link (shown in FIG. 5).  
     [0232]FIG. 24 is an example embodiment of a user interface  960  displaying an awards detail page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  960  is accessed through the Awards section on U.S. Filing Details screen  590  (shown in FIG. 11). User interface  960  displays at least one of a Docket Number  962 , an Inventor Name  964 , an Award Date data field with a corresponding calendar  966 , an Award Type, a Reconcile button  967 , and a Back button  968 .  
     [0233] To assign an award to an inventor, a user enters the date into Award Date data field  966  and clicks on Reconcile Button  967 . The user will be returned to the U.S. Filing Details screen and the Award Date will show under the Date column of the Awards section (shown in FIG. 11).  
     [0234] A user may edit awards and bonuses by clicking on the Edit Awards link under the Awards section of the U.S. Filing Details screen (shown in FIG. 11). By so doing, FIG. 25 will be displayed. FIG. 25 is an example embodiment of a user interface  980  displaying an Inventor Awards Details and Pending Awards page. The Inventor Awards Details section of user interface  980  displays at least one of: Inventor Name, Award Date column and an Award Description column. Each award under the Award Date column will have an Award Date or a Reconcile link, an Edit Award link and a Delete link. The user may: (i) reconcile the award, (ii) edit the award or (iii) delete the award. The user reconciles the award by clicking on the Reconcile link, which will take the user to the Award Details screen (shown in FIG. 24). The user may edit the award by clicking on the Edit Award link. A screen will come up (not shown), which will allow the user to edit the date of the award and/or the amount of the award and then submit the update by clicking the Update Award button (not shown). If the user selects the delete link, the award will be deleted.  
     [0235] The Pending Awards section of user interface  980  displays at least one of an Award Type column, an Award Date column, an Amount column, a Grant Award button and a View Details Page link. The Award Type column lists at least one of a Plaque, Gold Medallion, Silver Medallion, Bronze Medallion and a Bonus-Issue award. Each Award Type has a check box and an Award Date data field with corresponding calendar. The Bonus-Issue award also has a corresponding Amount data field. To grant the inventor a Plaque or Medallion, the user enters the date into the Award Date field, selects the Plaque and/or Medallion by clicking the check box and clicks the Grant Award button. The user will be returned to the U.S. Filing Details screen (shown in FIG. 11) and the Plaque and/or Medallion will be displayed under the Awards section for the Inventor.  
     [0236] To award a bonus, the user enters the date into the Award Date field, selects the Bonus-Issue award type by clicking the check box and clicks the Grant Award button. The user will be returned to the U.S. Filing Details screen (shown in FIG. 11) and the Bonus will be displayed under the Awards section for the Inventor.  
     [0237] The user may also access the bonus awards module by accessing the Administer Awards link  314  (shown in FIG. 5). A Bonus/Awards Module input screen (not shown) allows the user to select whether to administer awards at the docket level for disclosures or at the filing level. The user may administer awards and bonuses from (i) a specified date and business (ii) by docket numbers or docket groupings or (iii) by batch bonus interface. If the user selects a date and business and clicks an OK button (not shown), the results will be a Grant Awards report. The user may also access the Grant Awards report by providing a docket number of grouping of docket numbers. The Grant Awards report displays at least one of a docket number, a docket date, a U.S. filing, an application type, a title of invention, an application date, an inventor name column, an execution date column and a bonus/award grant column. The inventor name column lists each inventor associated with the docket or filing and any awards that the inventor has received for the invention and provides a Done check box. When a user is finished administering awards and bonuses for the inventor in the docket or filing, the user clicks into the Done box. In the Execute column, the date that the inventor executed the assignment is shown. If there is no date, an Execute link appears. The user may enter the execution date if desired by clicking the Execute link and providing the execution date as previously described. The bonus/award grant column provides dates that an award or bonus was given or a Grant link if an award or bonus is due or open. The user may grant an award or bonus by clicking on the Grant link and accessing a Pending Awards screen (shown in FIG. 25).  
     [0238] Alternatively, the user may select the Batch Bonus Interface to administer the awards and bonuses. A batch process allows for the monthly issuance of awards to inventors in large patent operations. The batch process only allows docket administrators an ability to add bonus awards for filings, and does not accommodate other awards such as medallions or plaques. The batch process facilitates a speedy process by focusing on the most time critical task in the bonus process.  
     [0239] To run the batch bonus interface, a user enters a Business through a Business pull-down list (not shown), selects a Batch Bonus Interface check box (not shown), enters a date from which the bonuses are to be administered from and then clicks on a OK button (not shown). The result is a report displaying at least one of: a docket number, a filing type, a filing number, an inventor, a social security number of the inventor, an execution column, a bonus amount column and a bonus date column. In the Execute column, the date that the inventor executed the assignment is shown. If there is no date, an Execute link appears. The user may enter the execution date if desired by clicking the Execute link and providing the execution date as previously described. The bonus amount column provides a text field for every inventor listed and an X (delete) button. The user fills in the bonus amount into the field. If the amount is wrong or the user wants to delete the amount, the user may click on the X (delete) button to remove the amount. The bonus data column is a date field to enter the date the bonus is given. It defaults to the date the user is accessing the report. The user clicks an Enter these Values button to commit the bonus amounts and date.  
     [0240]FIG. 26 is an example embodiment of a user interface  1000  displaying an advanced docket search input page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). PACS  10  enables a user to search for a specific docket or group of dockets by entering a plurality of specific information into user interface  1000 . After entering the information into user interface  1000 , the user clicks on a Search button  1002 , and a search request is submitted.  
     [0241]FIG. 27 is an example embodiment of a user interface  1020  displaying an advanced docket search results page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  1020  is generated after a user enters search information into user interface  1000  (shown in FIG. 26), and clicks on Search button  1002  (shown in FIG. 26). User interface  1020  displays in tabular form the results of the search. The search results display at least one of a docket number, country, filing number, filing type, docket date, filing date, application number, patent number, and filing status.  
     [0242] Users may also run quick searches in PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). A user enters a docket number or part of a docket number into a Quick Search field, selects Docket Number from a pull-down list and clicks a Go button. The search results display at least one of a docket number, a country, a filing number, a filing type, a docket date, a filing date, an application number, a patent number, and a filing status. Other quick searches may be run by entering a patent number or part of a patent number into the Quick Search field, selecting Patent Number from the pull-down list and clicking the Go button or entering an application number or part of an application number into the Quick Search field, selecting Serial Number from the pull-down list and clicking the Go button. The search results display at least one of a docket number, a country, a filing number, a filing type, a docket date, a filing date, an application number, a patent number, and a filing status.  
     [0243] PACS  10  also includes text search capabilities. To utilize text search capabilities, a user clicks on a Full Text Search link (shown in FIG. 5). A Full Text Search screen appears (not shown) with a Text Search Area field box. The user adds a word or string of text into the Text Search Area and clicks on a Search button. The results will be a record or records having a match to the selected word or string of text entered by the user. If no records are found having a match, the result will be no records.  
     [0244] PACS  10  includes a help section to help users effectively use the system, understand the fields and reports. The user accesses the help section by clicking on a Help link (shown in FIG. 5).  
     [0245]FIG. 28 is an example embodiment of a user interface  1040  displaying a Maintenance Tables page within PACS  10  (shown in FIG. 1). User interface  1040  is generated after a user clicks on Maintain Lookup Tables link  324  (shown in FIG. 5). User interface  1040  displays each table with an Add, Edit or Delete link and color coding for each table. The system maintains conformity of data through the use of drop-down lists, which are pulled from the maintenance tables. Information in the tables may be added to, edited or deleted, but only by specific groups of users. Providing limited access to the tables, allows the system to maintain the integrity of the tables and data in the system. In the example embodiment, some tables may be modified by Docket Administrators, some tables may be administered by local administrators and some tables may only be modified by a helpdesk. The tables are color-coded to show which tables may be modified by which groups of users. The tables include at least one of: a Country, a Type of Application, an Action, a Contract Type, a Contract Details, a Role ID, an Entity Type, Entity Details, Awards, a Contact Type, a Cross-reference Contact Type, Maintenance Fees, Patent Evaluation Board Details, Product Details, Keyword Details, an Entity, a Lab/Technology Group, Publications and a Contact.  
     [0246] To add to a table, an approved user clicks on the Add link and a screen will display (not shown) to allow the user to add an entry to the table. If the Edit or Delete link is selected, a screen will display (not shown) allowing the user to search for the entry to be edited or deleted. By selecting the entry, the user will be able to delete the entry or edit it.  
     [0247] The Maintenance Fee table provides internal amounts for international annuities that are used in a budget module to predict future costs, bill costs internally and run finance reports, such as MQ- 15 A, MQ- 15 B, MQ- 20  and Patent Portfolio Review. The budget module includes other internal cost tables for prosecution costs and administrative costs that are also used to predict future costs, bill costs internally and run finance reports, such as MQ- 15 A, MQ- 15 B, MQ- 20  and Patent Portfolio Review.  
     [0248] PACS  10  provides differing levels of security to the system based on individual users and user groups. The user groups include at least one of: an administrator, an award, different groups of in-house attorneys, different groups of docket administrators/clerks, Finance, Legacy, Helpdesk and Read Only. Each group has different access rights. In the example embodiment, a user in an award user group will be able to view social security numbers of inventors and administer bonuses and awards through the Bonus Award module. Docket administrators/clerks may create dockets and filings and edit dockets and filings. Security is also affected by the user&#39;s business. Docket administrators/clerks may only create and edit files specific to their business. Administrators have the same rights as Docket administrators/clerks with an additional ability to delete entire dockets or country filing records. The Administrator rights are also affected by the Administrator&#39;s business. An Administrator may only delete records associated with the Administrator&#39;s business. Some docket administrator/clerk groups and in-house attorney groups have rights to more than one business.  
     [0249] Security is administered by accessing Manage Users &amp; Permissions link  326  (shown in FIG. 5). The link takes the user to a screen which allows the user to select from at least one of: a Group, a User, a Screen Permission and a Table Permission. Group allows an approved user to add a new group or delete a group. User allows an approved user to add a new user, delete a user or edit a user&#39;s security. When the user clicks on the User link (not shown), the user may either search for a user or enter a new user. To set up a new user, the user clicks Add a User link (not shown). A new user screen (not shown) displays at least one of a system-generated User Id number, a field for the User&#39;s employee ID number, a field for the user name, Business, Designation, URL, a checkbox for Export Control and a Group security section, which displays the current user groups with corresponding check boxes. The user must enter the employee&#39;s id number, user name and business. If the new user is subject to export control restrictions, the user checks the Export Control Required box. The user also associates the new user with appropriate user groups that are needed for the user to perform their job functions while using PACS  10  by clicking in the check box of a user group. A user may be assigned to a more than one user group. The permissions of the user will be determined by the business of the user, the user groups and whether the Export Control Required box is checked. All of the user fields are editable except the system-generated user ID.  
     [0250] A user that has an Export Control Required checkbox checked will not be able to access any abstracts in the system. A user who is an administrator and who has an Export Control Required checkbox checked will be able to provide access to other users, but only with Export Control restrictions.  
     [0251] Screen Permission and Table Permission allow approved users to change the levels of access and user group access to screens and tables.  
     [0252] PACS  10  allows a contact to be replaced by another contact in the system. Many times attorneys or docket clerks leave a company and their responsibilities need to be taken over by another attorney or docket clerk. When a user clicks the Replace Contact link (shown in FIG. 5), a Replace Contacts screen will display (not shown). The user may search for a contact, select the contact from a list, click on an Add to Old or Add to New button. The old contact is the contact that needs to be replaced and the new contact is the contact replacing the old contact. When the user selects a Replace Contact button (not shown), the system replaces the old contact with the new contact on all records as where the old contact is listed as a contact and in all actions where the action has not been completed. If an action has been closed out, the system will not replace the old contact with the new contact, but will leave the old contact.  
     [0253] PACS  10  therefore enables a business entity to manage PA information, provide PA information to multiple users within a business entity and authorized users outside the business entity, schedule and manage patent filings and patent related actions, and generate a plurality of reports relating to PA information. Additionally, PACS  10  enables a business entity to manage PA information including patent related filings and actions for both U.S. filed patent applications and foreign filed patent applications. By enabling a business entity to better manage PA information, PACS  10  facilitates the timely filing of responses in the prosecution of patent applications and facilitates reducing the amount of time spent on managing a patent portfolio for the business entity. Accordingly, PACS  10  facilitates reducing costs for the business entity.  
     [0254] 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.