New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. This week's Spotlight Patents continue our theme of blockchain (distributed ledgers, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Xerox, the first patent addresses techniques for server based secure auditing for revisioning of electronic document files. Assigned to BofA, the second patent addresses techniques for for multiplexing and demultiplexing blockchain ledgers via a cryptographic hash.
10,164,952, "Method and system for server based secure auditing for revisioning of electronic document files," assigned to Xerox.
Abstract
Methods and systems for providing secure recording of revisions made to electronic documents, using secure methods to validate the recorded changes, are disclosed. An electronic device making a change to an electronic document can transmit the change to the network. An audit log chain is residing on the network and shared among all the nodes on the network. A node on the network can verify a change of document made by other nodes and add a new block to the chain using one-way hashes, making the chain resistant to tampering. If an invalid block is detected, the system can send an auditing alert to the network. The audit log can be strongly resistant to tampering, providing reliable evidence for use in audit compliance, investigations, and business or court record keeping.
10,158,611, "System for multiplexing and demultiplexing blockchain ledgers via a cryptographic hash," assigned to Bank of America.
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for multiplexing and demultiplexing blockchain ledgers via a cryptographic hash. In particular, the invention uses cryptographic keys and hashes to combine and dissociate blockchain records from the private blockchains two or more entities. The system provides a mechanism by which blockchains owned by distinct entities may be multiplexed upon formation of a union between the entities, in order to securely share data records and establish an authentic, tamper-resistant timeline for said data records. Furthermore, the system provides a mechanism by which the blockchains may be demultiplexed upon dissolution of said union.
