New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents continue our theme of blockchains (smart contracts, distributed ledgers) and rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Symbiont.IO, the first patent addresses techniques for encrypted electronic storage and confidential network transfer of private data through a trustless distributed ledger technology system. Assigned to Lowes, the second patent addresses techniques for trans-account device key transfer in a benefit denial system.
10,728,283, "Methods, systems, and devices for encrypted electronic storage and confidential network transfer of private data through a trustless distributed ledger technology system," assigned to Symbiont.IO, Inc.
Abstract
In some embodiments, systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein enable trusted sharing of private data and/or transactions via a distributed ledger, while maintaining data consistency properties. Some embodiments provide and utilize one or more independent and/or dependent channels. In particular, in some embodiments, one or more independent and/or dependent channels can exist on a single distributed ledger, wherein participants or nodes that are members of a particular channel can view and access the information in a given network transaction. To other participants or nodes not on the particular channel, however, only an encrypted or redacted version of the information can be viewable, thereby not disclosing the transaction information to such participants or nodes. In some embodiments, consistency properties may be preserved even in the presence of selective sharing of transaction information with proofs of validity.
10,721,224, "System and techniques for trans-account device key transfer in benefit denial system," assigned to Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Abstract
Techniques described herein are directed to a system and methods for enabling a transfer of access rights for an electronic device between users. In embodiments of the system, a first user (e.g., a transferor) may, upon determining that access rights should be granted to a second user (e.g., a transferee), generate a transaction record. The transaction record may then be provided to a registry network, which may verify a digital signature of the transaction record as well as a current ownership status. Upon verification, the transaction record may be written to an ownership registry and a mobile application server may be notified of the transaction. Once notified, the mobile application server may transmit a device key to a user device associated with the transferee. Once the device key has been received at the transferee user device, it may be used to issue commands to the electronic device.
