US 9817562

US patent 9817562, titled "Methods and apparatus for managing and exchanging information using information objects," was issued on November 14, 2017, from an application filed on August 22, 2016. The inventors are Paul Erich Keel and Jeffrey Huang. The current assignee is Cogmedia LLC.

Abstract:
The patent describes a computer-implemented method for interacting with data items by configuring each into a distinct information object. This involves extracting a heading, a source, graphical and textual material, and a hyperlink from each data item. The extracted data is then used to display a representation of each information object in a uniform "card" format. This card includes an icon area for graphical and textual material, the heading, the source, a set of indicators, and a mechanism for graphical access to a set of functions.

Plain-language overview of independent claims:

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a computer-implemented method for managing and exchanging information using "information objects" (IOs). The method involves receiving input from a first user to create a first IO on a graphical user interface (GUI). This IO includes a link to an information source, a graphical icon, and a heading. The system then stores attributes of this IO in a database, including its creation time and position on the GUI. When a second IO is created by the first user, the system also stores its attributes. A relation manager then analyzes the position of the first and second IOs on the GUI to discover a spatial relationship between them. Based on this spatial relationship, the system identifies a second set of IOs from the database that might be of interest to the user and displays them on the GUI in a prioritized manner.

• Claim 11 (System): This claim outlines a system designed for managing and exchanging information using information objects. The system includes a processor, a memory storing instructions for an application, and an interconnect. When executed, the application causes the system to: receive input to create a first information object on a graphical user interface, including a link to an information source, a graphical icon, and a heading. It stores attributes of this first information object in a database, such as its creation time and position. The system also receives input to create and store attributes for a second information object. A relation manager then discovers a spatial relationship between the first and second information objects based on their positions on the GUI. Subsequently, it identifies a second set of information objects from the database that are potentially relevant to the user, based on this spatial relationship, and displays them on the GUI in a prioritized manner.

• Claim 12 (Computer Program Product): This claim covers a computer program product that includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium with computer program logic. When executed by a processor coupled to a memory and a display, this logic performs the method steps substantially similar to those described in Claim 1. This includes creating information objects, storing their attributes, discovering spatial relationships between them, and identifying and displaying related information objects to the user.

Litigation Information:
As of April 26, 2026, the Google Patents page for US9817562B2 indicates that the "Family has litigation". Specifically, it lists:

• First worldwide family litigation filed.
• PTAB case IPR2026-00247 filed (Pending).
• US case filed in Massachusetts District Court (Case: 1:25-cv-12127).

A specific search for US patent 9817562 within the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return direct results indicating a CAFC decision or argument for this specific patent. The provided CAFC docket results are general and do not mention US9817562. Therefore, while litigation exists, a direct CAFC case for this patent in 2026 could not be authoritatively confirmed through the provided search snippets.The initial search successfully provided comprehensive details about US patent 9817562 from Google Patents. This includes the title, assignee, inventors, filing date, issue date, and abstract, as well as the full patent text needed to identify and interpret the independent claims.

The Google Patents page also explicitly mentions litigation activity related to US9817562, including a PTAB case (IPR2026-00247) and a US case in Massachusetts District Court (1:25-cv-12127). This directly addresses the query regarding litigation.

Therefore, all necessary information has been gathered, and no further search actions are required. I can now proceed to compile the final summary.

US patent 9817562, titled "Methods and apparatus for managing and exchanging information using information objects," was granted on November 14, 2017. The application was filed on August 22, 2016. The inventors are Paul Erich Keel and Jeffrey Huang. The current assignee is Cogmedia LLC.

Abstract:
The patent describes a computer-implemented method for interacting with data items by configuring each into a distinct "information object" (IO). This process involves extracting key data such as a heading, source, graphical and textual material, and a hyperlink from each data item. This extracted data is then used to display a standardized representation of each IO, typically as a "card." This card format consistently includes an icon area for visual and textual content, the heading, the source, a set of indicators, and a mechanism to graphically access various functions.

Plain-language overview of independent claims:

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim details a computer-implemented method for managing and exchanging information using information objects (IOs). It begins with a first user creating a first IO on a graphical user interface (GUI), which includes a link to an information source, a graphical icon, and a heading. The system then records various attributes of this first IO in a database, such as its creation time and position on the GUI. The same process occurs for a second IO created by the user. A "relation manager" then analyzes the physical arrangement (spatial relationship) of these first and second IOs on the GUI to identify connections between them. Based on these discovered spatial relationships, the system then identifies and displays a second set of potentially relevant IOs from the database to the user on the GUI, presented in a prioritized manner.

• Claim 11 (System): This claim describes a system designed to perform the functions outlined in the method claim. The system comprises a processor, a memory storing application instructions, and an interconnect. When these instructions are executed, the system is enabled to: receive user input to create a first information object on a GUI, complete with a link to an information source, a graphical icon, and a heading. It stores attributes of this first object (like creation time and position) in a database. It also handles the creation and attribute storage for a second information object. A relation manager component then determines spatial relationships between these displayed information objects based on their positions on the GUI. Finally, it identifies and displays a second set of information objects from the database that are considered relevant to the user, based on these identified relationships, presenting them in a prioritized order on the GUI.

• Claim 12 (Computer Program Product): This claim covers a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. This medium contains computer program logic that, when executed by a computerized device (including a processor, memory, and display), causes the device to perform the method steps detailed in Claim 1. This essentially means the software enables the creation, attribute storage, spatial relationship analysis, and prioritized display of relevant information objects as described.

Litigation Information:
The patent family for US9817562 is currently involved in litigation. This includes a PTAB case, IPR2026-00247, which is currently pending, and a US case filed in the Massachusetts District Court, with case number 1:25-cv-12127. There is no authoritative information from the provided search results confirming specific CAFC 2026 docket entries directly referencing patent US9817562.