US 11329973

Technical Analysis of U.S. Patent 11,329,973

Date of Analysis: April 26, 2026

This report provides a concise summary of United States Patent 11,329,973, including its key bibliographic details, abstract, and a plain-language interpretation of its independent claims.

Bibliographic Information

• Title: File format and platform for storage and verification of credentials
• Assignee: Cortex MCP Inc.
• Inventor: Shaunt M. Sarkissian
• Filing Date: June 4, 2020
• Issue Date: May 10, 2022
• Abstract: The patent describes a computer-implemented method for generating and verifying officially verifiable electronic representations of credentials. The method involves storing credential information for a user, receiving a request to generate a file for authentication, and creating a virtual representation of the credential that is verified by an issuing agency. The system then transmits this file and can later verify its authenticity through NFC or Bluetooth-based communication, confirming that the communication corresponds with the user's credential information and sending an authentication message in response.

**Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 11,329,973 contains three independent claims: 1, 15, and 22. Below is a simplified explanation of the technological territory each claim seeks to protect.

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for generating and verifying electronic credentials. At its core, the method involves a server system ("credential database") that stores a user's credential information. When requested, this server generates a secure electronic file representing an official credential (like a driver's license or employee ID) after confirming its validity with the original issuer (e.g., the DMV). This electronic credential file is then sent to the user's device. A key feature is the ability for a third party to later verify this electronic credential. The system is designed to check the authenticity of the credential file when presented, for example, via a short-range wireless communication like NFC or Bluetooth, and then send a message back confirming whether it is valid.

• Independent Claim 15: This claim focuses on the user's device (the "client device"). It outlines a method where the user's device requests the creation of an electronic credential. This process can be initiated by the user manually entering credential details or by scanning a code (like a QR code). The device then sends this information to the central server to have the official electronic credential generated and sent back. The claim also covers the device's role in the verification process, where it presents the electronic credential for a third party to check and receives a response indicating if the credential is valid or not, including reasons for invalidity.

• Independent Claim 22: This claim describes the server apparatus itself, which is responsible for the generation and verification of the electronic credentials. It details a system with a processor and memory programmed to maintain the database of credentials. This apparatus receives requests to create or check credentials. When creating a credential, it communicates with the issuing agency's database to get the necessary information and status. It then generates the secure electronic credential file and can tie it to a specific user device for security. For verification, it compares the presented credential information against its records and provides a response about its validity.

In summary, the patent covers a comprehensive system for creating, managing, and verifying digital versions of official credentials. It describes the interactions between the user's device, a central server, and the original credential-issuing agencies to ensure a secure and verifiable digital alternative to physical identification and qualification documents.

It should be noted that court records indicate this patent has been the subject of litigation. A case was filed by Cortex MCP, Inc. against Visa, Inc. in the Western District of Texas, which could have implications for the patent's interpretation and enforceability. The legal status of the patent is listed as active.