Patent Publication Number: US-2010114795-A1

Title: Stock broker social-professional website system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     a. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a social-professional website system for stock broker and investment broker professionals, to offer both professional information and services and social information and services. Uniquely, the system includes two levels of users, the first being licensed or registered broker professionals, the second being non-licensed or registered users, with independent third party confirmation of an applying broker professional&#39;s license to qualify for first level user. The independent corroboration comes from matching the applying broker professional&#39;s data with another site&#39;s data, such as federal, state or organizational registration or licensing site. Alternatively, the third party registration or licensing information is inputted, stored on the website and frequently updated, and used for the approval of an applying professional to become a first level user. 
     b. Description of Related Art 
     The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,750 B1 to Dunn et al. describes a system for managing a plurality of identities associated with a user. The invention includes a system for managing multiple credentials within the same authentication system and across federated authentication systems in such a manner that signing in with one credential allows access to content, information or services that may be associated with another credential. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,376,610 B2 to Schneider describes a computer-implemented investment management process particularly in the field of high yield corporate bond financial market consisting of five distinct process phases. In a first phase, the financial market under evaluation is researched in order to obtain all the market business information necessary for the following market evaluation phases. The next three phases are all part of the central evaluation process that will be described in more detail hereinafter. The first evaluation phase is a filtering phase where the market business information obtained from the previous research phase are filtered in order to separate useful information from non-useful information. In a following phase, the filtered business information at first is input to a subscoring process and thereafter to a scoring process. Finally, the obtained evaluation results (scores) are presented to a user in form of a recommendation displayed on a monitor or printed in paper format. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,018 B2 to Cannata et al. describes a system and method for providing a communication network. The system comprises a network-connected server having input and access capabilities, a site builder, a transmitter, a communicator, and memory. The site-builder receives instructions input from a first user and creates a dedicated network site based on the received instructions. The transmitter communicates the existence of the dedicated network site to a nominated second user. The communicator provides accesses to the contents of the dedicated network site by the first and second users. The memory stores information input by the first and the second user in the dedicated network site. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,288 B2 to Gregg et al. describes a method and system for controlling access, by an authentication server, to protected computer resources provided via an Internet Protocol network that includes storing (i) a digital identification associated with at least one client computer device, and (ii) data associated with the protected computer resources in at least one database associated with the authentication server; authenticating, by the authentication server, the digital identification forwarded by at least one access server; authorizing, by the authentication server, the at least one client computer device to receive at least a portion of the protected computer resources requested by the at least one client computer device, based on the stored data associated with the requested protected computer resources; and permitting access, by the authentication server, to the at least the portion of the protected computer resources upon successfully authenticating the digital identification and upon successfully authorizing the at least one client computer device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,008 to Goldhaber et al. describes an approach for distributing advertising and other information over a computer network. Attention brokerage is the business of buying and selling (brokering) the “attention” of consumers. It can be used to provide direct, immediate payment to a consumer for paying attention to an advertisement or other information. This compensation may be used directly or indirectly to compensate the owners of content or may be used for other purposes. The link between the ad and the appropriate viewers provided by reference to a data base of digitally stored demographic profiles of potential users. Such ads may be viewed as “negatively priced” information because consumers are paid for their attention to the information. Private profiles may be maintained for different consumers and consumer information may be released only based on consumer permission. Consumers may be compensated for allowing their information to be released. Information can be routed based on demographics. A special icon or other symbol displayed on a computer screen may represent compensation and allow users to choose whether they will view an ad or other information and receive associated compensation. 
     United States Pending Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0235043 A1 to Goulandris et al. describes a distributed system for communicating messages between registered users of the system, each registered user communicating with the system via a user terminal, the messages relating to an original electronic document that is stored on the system and associated with one of the user terminals, the system comprising a plurality of registries, each registry having a mutual trust relationship with each of the other registries and each registry being associated with one or more user terminals; wherein each registry is connectable to a data communications network, and comprises a processing means arranged to validate the eligibility of each of its registered users&#39; user terminals to send or receive a message relating to the stored electronic document, the processing means further being arranged to notarize a message sent from or received by the user terminal of one of its one or more registered users, the notarization indicating the validity of the message relating to the stored document. 
     United States Pending Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0282730 A1 to Carpenter et al. describes systems and methods for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data. 
     United States Pending Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0259957 A1 to TAM et al. describes a system for a plurality of users to share resources with access, control and configuration based on pre-defined relationships of trust between the users of the system. A computer-based authority provides the services of authentication, identification and verification of each user within network. Processes are described that leads to the formation of an electronic community, which facilitates electronic communication and transactions in a defined manner. 
     United States Pending Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0106703 A1 to Del Rey et al. describes a system for facilitating client and advisor communications which may include a port to an aggregate database of a client&#39;s holdings and profile. When servicing or analyzing a client&#39;s financial needs, a financial advisor at a call center or other facility may be presented with a screen displaying some or all of the client&#39;s accounts, profile or analysis tools, collected via Internet or other sources. Other parties, including the client, may be offered access to the same, similar or related data and the financial advisor&#39;s analysis via a Web browser or other interface. 
     Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers. This system includes: A) a website and at least one host server hosting the website and providing internet access thereto, the website having at least sufficient software to provide a first level of use, a second level of use, a broker-related professional information center, and means for verifying the professional broker member&#39;s approval by independent verification. Independent verification is from a second, independent website. The first level of use is a professional broker member level that enables a professional broker to use the website to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data. The second level of use for a second level user includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. The broker-related professional information center provides at least one feature selected from the group consisting of a knowledge base, a blog, a chat room, a one-on-one chat room within the first level, a one-on-one chat room that includes the first level and the second level. There is means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval by matching a submitting professional broker&#39;s data with data from a second website. There is a second website, being independent of the first website, the second website having a list of all registered professional brokers. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide a classified ad section for first level users to post classified ads. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide classified ad response capabilities for first level users and second level users. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide first level user broker profiles including creating a profile and editing profile features. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to retrieve, store and present current and historical stock market data. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide an investment recommendations sector for first level users and to provide first level users an investment recommendations sector input capability that is available as read only for second level users. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide an internal search feature to permit any user to search for a parameter selected from the group consisting of an investment, a fund, a stock, a subject area and a particular broker. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide a job posting feature and a resume posting feature to assist first level users to review and seek employment opportunities. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to provide a job searching feature for first level users that includes at least one search choice selected from the group consisting of job type, company name, job location and combinations thereof. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers, the website has sufficient software to capture any particular user&#39;s incoming email address and convert it to a code for potential use by other authorized users wherein the other authorized users may rely upon the code to email the particular user without direct knowledge of that particular user&#39;s email. 
     In yet some other preferred embodiments wherein a second website or other third party source of information provides data for the present invention website onsite storage for independent membership verification, the present invention broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers includes: a website and at least one host server hosting the website and providing internet access thereto, the website having at least sufficient software to provide a first level of use, a second level of use, a broker-related professional information center, means for verifying the professional broker member&#39;s approval by independent verification from onsite independent, third party stored data, and means for periodically updating that data. The first level of use is a professional broker member level that enables a professional broker to use the website to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data. The second level of use for a second level user includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. The broker-related professional information center providing at least one feature selected from the group consisting of a knowledge base, a blog, a chat room, a one-on-one chat room within the first level, a one-on-one chat room that includes the first level and the second level. There is means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval by matching a submitting professional broker data with data from a separate third party source, wherein the data from the third party source is updated periodically and is verification data to confirm that a first level user is a licensed or registered professional within a scope of the first level user professional broker membership. These embodiments may further include all of the additional features set forth above in paragraphs [0013] to [0021] inclusive. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a conceptual schematic of the communications of an embodiment of a present invention stock broker social-professional system; 
         FIG. 2  is a conceptual schematic of the communications of another embodiment of a present invention stock broker social-professional system; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  collectively show a schematic of the present invention stock broker social-professional system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of a second website shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  collectively show a schematic of a first website shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  collectively show a schematic of the present invention stock broker social-professional system shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of a second website shown in  FIG. 6A ; and 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  collectively show a schematic of a first website shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIGS. 9 through 27  illustrate examples of various screens of one embodiment of a present invention broker social-professional system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein illustrations and examples set forth the present invention, the present invention encompasses all of the possible variations that are embodied in the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual schematic of an embodiment the overall present invention stock broker social-professional system  1 . The stock broker social-professional system  1  includes an investment broker and stock broker social and professional website and a host server (the investment broker and stock broker social and professional website, and its supporting host server, both collectively shown as element  7 ). A website operator  3  and the social and professional website and host server  7  are in communication with each other to enable the operator  3  to oversee content, to input various data and updated information, news, statistics, possibly, charts and other information, and to monitor and control the growth, needs and limitations of the site and server  7 . Once the site is operational, users may apply for level 1 usage, that is, an approved broker member, and level 2 users (non-brokers) may utilize the site with limited capabilities compared to level 1 user rights and opportunities. There is a verification website  5  that utilizes independent license and/or registration information in the level 1 admission process. Thus, when a broker applies for level 1 (broker membership), the verification website  5  is relied upon by website and server  7 , which includes means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval by matching a submitting professional broker&#39;s data with data from the verification website  5 . The verification website  5 , and the social and professional website and host server  7  are in communication with each other on an as needed basis. 
     There are first level users  9 ,  11  and  13  and second level users  15 ,  17  and  19 , exemplary of any total number n of users at each level. The first level users  9 ,  11  and  13  (level 1 users) are professional broker members who are enabled as professional brokers to use the social and professional website and host server  7  to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data and to optionally otherwise use the site for purposes, inputs, retrievals and the like that are not available to level 2 users. The second level users  15 ,  17  and  19  (level 2 users) are for a second level use that includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. 
     In  FIG. 1 , first level users, broker 1    9 , broker 2    11 , and broker n    13 , are indicated where there may be any upper number of brokers. There are second level users, non-broker 1    15 , non-broker 2    17 , and non-broker n    19 , are indicated where there may be any upper number of non-brokers. The first level users  9 ,  11  and  13 , and the social and professional website and host server  7  are in communication with each other. The second level users  15 ,  17  and  19 , and the social and professional website and host server  7  are in communication with each other. Moreover, the first level users  9 ,  11  and  13  and the second level users  15 ,  17  and  19  may be in communication with each other, such as through mutually accepted one-on-one email correspondence, blogs, etc. The first level user  9 ,  11  and  13  may enter professional data such as services provided, contact information, brokerage house information, recommendations, experience, bio, photo, etc. The second level user  15 ,  17  and  19  may not only be to contact individual brokers, but may be to read classified ads and respond to them, as well as to read and indicate particular needs/interests/questions in a chat room. 
       FIG. 2  is a conceptual schematic of the communications of an embodiment of a present invention stock broker social-professional system  31 . The stock broker social-professional system  31  includes an investment broker and stock broker social and professional website and a host server (both collectively known as element  37 ). A website operator  33  and the social and professional website and host server  37  are in communication with each other. In addition, there are first level users  39 ,  41  and  43  and second level users  45 ,  47  and  49 . The first level users  39 , 41  and  43  are professional broker members that enable a professional broker to use the social and professional website and host server  37  to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data. The second level users  45 ,  47  and  49  are for a second level use that includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. 
     In essence, to level 1 and level 2 users, these  FIG. 2  embodiments may function externally in the same manner as those of  FIG. 1  above. However, a verification website is not contacted each time an applicant seeks verification. Instead, there is data from a separate third party source  35  which includes means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval by matching a submitting professional broker&#39;s data with data in the website  37  that was previously obtained from the third party source  35 . The data from the third party source  35  is updated periodically. The third party source  35  and the social and professional website and host server  7  are in communication with each other. Third party verification information may be obtained by any known method, e.g., scanning into the site from paper copy, email, periodic transmittal from another site, keypunched into the site, etc. 
     In  FIG. 2 , first level users, broker 1    39 , broker 2    41 , and broker n    43 , are indicated where there may be any upper number of brokers. There are second level users, non-broker 1    45 , non-broker 2    47 , and non-broker n    49 , are indicated where there may be any upper number of non-brokers. The first level users  39 ,  41  and  43 , and the social and professional website and host server  3  are in communication with each other. The second level users  45 ,  47  and  49 , and the social and professional website and host server  3  are in communication with each other. Moreover, the first level users  39 ,  41  and  43  and the second level users  45 ,  47  and  49  are in communication with each other. The first level user  39 ,  41  and  43  may enter professional data such as passing the broker certification examinations. The second level user  45 ,  47  and  49  may read these certifications and indicate in a chat room that he would like to hire the first level user for investment advice. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  together show a schematic of the present invention stock broker social-professional system  60  shown in  FIG. 1 . The stock broker social-professional system  60  is directed to a broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers. This system includes a website  63  and at least one host server  65  hosting the website  63 . The at least one host server provides internet access to the website  63 . The website has at least sufficient software to provide a first level of use  69 , a second level of use  73 , a broker-related professional information center  75 , and means for verifying the professional broker member&#39;s approval  77  by independent verification. Independent verification is from a second, independent website  67 . 
     Referring to box  71 , the first level of use  69  is a professional broker member level that enables a professional broker to use the website to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data. Referring to box  73 , the second level of use for a second level user includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. Referring to boxes  75  and  79 , the broker-related professional information center provides at least one feature selected from the group consisting of a knowledge base, a blog, a chat room, a one-on-one chat room within the first level, a one-on-one chat room that includes the first level and the second level. Referring to box  77 , the means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval is by matching a submitting professional broker&#39;s data with data from the second website  67 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a schematic of the second website  67  shown in  FIG. 3A . Box  81  describes the second website as being independent of the first website  63 , and including a list of all registered and licensed professional brokers. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , there is shown a schematic of the first website  83  illustrating at least sufficient software  85  for capabilities of the system. Referring to box  87 , the website has sufficient software to provide a classified ad section for first level users to post classified ads. Referring to box  89 , the website has sufficient software to provide classified ad response capabilities for first level users and second level users. Referring to box  91 , the website has sufficient software to provide first level user broker profiles including creating a profile and editing profile features. 
     Referring to box  93 , the website has sufficient software to retrieve, store and present current and historical stock market data. Referring to box  95 , the website has sufficient software to provide an investment recommendations sector for first level users and to provide first level users an investment recommendations sector input capability that is available as read only for second level users. Referring to box  97 , the website has sufficient software to provide an internal search feature to permit any user to search for a parameter selected from the group consisting of an investment, a fund, a stock, a subject area and a particular broker. 
     Referring to box  99 , the website has sufficient software to provide a job posting feature and a resume posting feature to assist first level users to review and seek employment opportunities. Referring to box  101 , the website has sufficient software to provide a job searching feature for first level users that includes at least one search choice selected from the group consisting of job type, company name, job location and combinations thereof. 
     Referring to box  103 , the website has sufficient software to capture any particular user&#39;s incoming email address and convert it to a code for potential use by other authorized users wherein said other authorized users may rely upon said code to email said particular user without direct knowledge of that particular user&#39;s email. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  is a schematic of the present invention stock broker social-professional system  260  shown in  FIG. 2 . The stock broker social-professional system  260  is directed to a broker social-professional website Internet system for registered stock brokers and investment brokers. This system includes a website  263  and at least one host server  265  hosting the website  263 . The at least one host server provides internet access to the website  263 . The website has at least sufficient software to provide a first level of use  269 , a second level of use  273 , a broker-related professional information center  275 , and means for verifying the professional broker member&#39;s approval  277  by independent verification. Independent verification is from data from a separate third party source  267 . 
     Referring to box  271 , the first level of use  269  is a professional broker member level that enables a professional broker to use the website to become a verified member, and, once verified as a member, and, thus, a first level user, to input personal data and professional data. Referring to box  273 , the second level of use for a second level user includes viewing features and at least some read only features for a user who is not a verified member, and, thus, a second level user. Referring to boxes  275  and  279 , the broker-related professional information center provides at least one feature selected from the group consisting of a knowledge base, a blog, a chat room, a one-on-one chat room within the first level, a one-on-one chat room that includes the first level and the second level. Referring to box  277 , the means for verifying professional broker member&#39;s approval is by matching a submitting professional broker&#39;s data with data from a separate third party source. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a schematic of the data from third party source  267  shown in  FIG. 6A . Box  281  describes the data from third party source as being updated periodically, as being verification data, and confirms that a licensed or registered professional is within the scope of the first level user professional broker membership. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , there is shown a schematic of the first website  283  illustrating at least sufficient software  285  for capabilities of the system. Referring to box  287 , the website has sufficient software to provide a classified ad section for first level users to post classified ads. Referring to box  289 , the website has sufficient software to provide classified ad response capabilities for first level users and second level users. Referring to box  291 , the website has sufficient software to provide first level user broker profiles including creating a profile and editing profile features. 
     Referring to box  293 , the website has sufficient software to retrieve, store and present current and historical stock market data. Referring to box  295 , the website has sufficient software to provide an investment recommendations sector for first level users and to provide first level users an investment recommendations sector input capability that is available as read only for second level users. Referring to box  297 , the website has sufficient software to provide an internal search feature to permit any user to search for a parameter selected from the group consisting of an investment, a find, a stock, a subject area and a particular broker. 
     Referring to box  299 , the website has sufficient software to provide a job posting feature and a resume posting feature to assist first level users to review and seek employment opportunities. Referring to box  301 , the website has sufficient software to provide a job searching feature for first level users that includes at least one search choice selected from the group consisting of job type, company name, job location and combinations thereof. 
     Referring to box  303 , the website has sufficient software to capture any particular user&#39;s incoming email address and convert it to a code for potential use by other authorized users wherein said other authorized users may rely upon said code to email said particular user without direct knowledge of that particular user&#39;s email. 
     As can now be seen, the present invention system serves brokers, clients and the public in many diverse ways, including opportunities for investments, for broker selection, for data procurement, broker upward mobility, new job opportunities, social interactions, professional discourse, chats, emails, blogs, classifieds, products, advertising, events, news, advisors, profiles, continuing education, rolling surveys, charts and histories, all with unique independently verified membership acceptance. 
       FIGS. 9 through 28  illustrate examples of various screens of one embodiment of a present invention broker social-professional systems. Thus,  FIG. 9  illustrates the home page screen  401  for a present invention system website called the “BOOK OF BROKERS”. It presents the user with the many options, including SIGN IN and SIGN UP.  FIG. 10  illustrates another page screen showing options after member sign in  403 .  FIG. 11  illustrates another page screen showing options after non-member sign in  405 .  FIG. 12  illustrates another page screen showing a confidential “create a broker profile” page  407 .  FIG. 13  illustrates another page screen showing a high level profile for non-members  409 .  FIG. 14  illustrates another page screen showing the  FIG. 13  screen but with MyBook selected  411 .  FIG. 15  illustrates another page screen showing full profile for members with windows of information  413 .  FIG. 16  illustrates another page screen showing “find a broker” selected  415 .  FIG. 17  illustrates another page screen showing classifieds selected and search by choices  417 .  FIG. 18  illustrates another page screen showing the knowledge base selected with forums chosen under it  419 .  FIG. 19  illustrates another page screen showing the knowledge base selected with mentoring chosen under it  421 .  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23  illustrate other page screens showing the knowledge base selected with various surveys chosen under it  423 ,  425 ,  427  and  429 , respectively.  FIG. 24  illustrates another page screen showing the knowledge base selected with knowledge base searching chosen under it  431 .  FIG. 25  illustrates another page screen showing instant message capabilities  433 .  FIG. 26  illustrates another page screen showing a broker blog  435 .  FIG. 27  illustrates another page screen showing a contact us option  437 . 
     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the website of the present invention system may include video streaming, video conferencing, instant messenger phoning and other features currently or about to become available on internet web sites.