US 9503421

An analysis of US Patent 9503421 reveals the following details regarding its prosecution, claims, and legal status.

Title: Security information and event management

Assignee: The current assignee of record is Athena Security LLP. The original assignee was Fortinet Inc.

Inventors: Dong Liang

Filing Date: March 17, 2014

Issue Date: November 22, 2016

Abstract: The patent describes systems and methods for a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) device to automatically conduct complex tasks through "work flows." These work flows consist of multiple security tasks performed by one or more security devices. The SIEM device initiates the work flow either in response to a security event or at a scheduled time. It then schedules the tasks defined in the work flow and collects the results from the performing security devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent includes two independent claims, claim 1 and claim 11.

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) device to manage security tasks. The core of this method is the use of a "work flow template" which outlines a series of abstract tasks. When this template is triggered, a "device engine" translates these abstract tasks into specific, executable commands for particular security devices. This allows for flexibility, as the same general workflow can be adapted for different devices without needing to be manually rewritten. The SIEM device then schedules these specific tasks, collects the results, and can use the output of one task as an input or a trigger for the next, creating an automated sequence of actions.

• Claim 11: This claim describes a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for performing the method outlined in Claim 1. In essence, it covers the software that would enable a SIEM device to use work flow templates, translate abstract tasks into specific ones, schedule their execution across various security devices, and manage the results to automate a complex security process.

Litigation History:

A search of court records indicates recent litigation involving this patent. A case was filed on April 20, 2026, in the Texas Western District Court: Athena Security Inc v. Google LLC (Case 7:26-cv-00158). As of today's date, this case is still open. A specific search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) 2026 dockets did not yield any results for this patent number. Therefore, there is no indication of any appellate-level litigation concerning US 9503421 in the specified timeframe. It should be noted that the provided information from Google Patents indicates a history of litigation, including a case in the California Northern District Court and an Inter Partes Review (IPR) at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), though the IPR was not instituted.