US 11036371

US patent 11036371, titled "Methods and apparatus for managing and exchanging information using information objects," was filed on October 15, 2019, and issued on June 15, 2021. The current assignee is Cogmedia LLC, with Paul Erich Keel and Jeffrey Huang listed as inventors. The original assignee was "Individual."

Abstract:
The patent describes a computer-implemented method for interacting with data items by converting them into distinct information objects. This involves extracting a picture, a heading, and a link from each data item, storing this extracted data in a database, and then displaying these information objects in a uniform "card" format. Each card uniformly presents the extracted picture, heading, a set of indicators, and graphically accessible functions.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim outlines a computer-implemented process for managing information. It involves taking various data items (like web pages or documents) and automatically transforming each into a standardized "information object" (IO). This transformation includes extracting a visual element (picture), a title (heading), and a reference (link) to the original data. This processed information for each IO is then stored in a database. Finally, the system displays these IOs to a user, typically as visual "cards," where the picture, heading, status indicators, and interactive functions are always shown in consistent positions on each card.
• Claim 9 (System): This claim describes a computer system designed to facilitate conversations around information objects. The system stores details about these IOs, including links to associated documents and a list of people involved in a discussion about the IO. It also stores metadata related to the conversation itself and integrates a communication system (such as instant messaging) to connect participants to the IO. The system provides a user interface that displays a visual representation (icon) of the IO, a contact list, the specific participants linked to that IO, and a dedicated viewing area for the IO.
• Claim 16 (Computer Program Product): This claim covers a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium. When this program runs on a computer with a processor and display, it instructs the computer to perform the method steps detailed in Claim 1. Specifically, it enables the computer to configure data items into information objects, store their associated data, and display these objects in a uniform card format, complete with a picture, heading, indicators, and functions in consistent locations.

Legal Status and Litigation:
The patent's legal status is listed as "Expired - Fee Related."
Regarding litigation, the patent family has a "PTAB case IPR2026-00249 filed (Pending)" and a "US case filed in Massachusetts District Court (1:25-cv-12127)". A review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) scheduled cases for May and June 2026 did not show patent 11036371 explicitly listed for oral arguments. However, the existence of the PTAB and Massachusetts District Court cases indicates ongoing legal activity related to the patent.