US US5768528

Analysis of U.S. Patent No. 5,768,528

Date of Analysis: April 26, 2026

Patent Information:

• Title: Client-server system for delivery of online information
• Assignee: The provided information indicates the original assignee was V Cast Inc. The current assignee is listed as Silicon Valley Bank Inc., following a series of reassignments.
• Inventors: Christian Stumm
• Filing Date: May 24, 1996
• Issue Date: June 16, 1998
• Abstract: The patent describes a method for a server system to provide information files, such as online publications, to multiple subscribers over a network like the Internet. Publishers store their content on a database server, which maintains a schedule for downloading this information to subscribers. The system is designed to ensure successful file downloads by tracking transmissions and retransmitting only the missing portions of files if an interruption occurs.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent includes four independent claims which outline the core inventions. Below is a simplified explanation of each.

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for a server system to manage and distribute online publications. The server stores files from various publishers and maintains a download schedule. It sends this schedule to subscribers, so they know when to connect. At the scheduled times, the subscriber's computer sends a request to the server, which includes a list of the files it already has. The server then sends back the necessary new or updated files authorized by the publisher.

Independent Claim 14: This claim focuses on the subscriber's computer system. It details a method for downloading files from the server. The subscriber's system keeps a schedule of events for downloads and a log to track whether these downloads were successful. If the log shows that a scheduled download failed, the system will automatically try to perform that download again.

Independent Claim 32: This claim outlines the user interface experience for the subscriber. It describes a method where a subscriber can request and receive files from different publishers. The subscriber's computer displays a "channel" selection menu, with each channel corresponding to a publisher. A scrolling "ticker" then displays content from the selected publisher, along with the publisher's logo or name.

Independent Claim 38: This claim details a method for ensuring the complete and accurate transmission of data files from the server to the subscriber. If a file is not received properly, the subscriber's computer sends a message back to the server. This message specifies which file was incomplete, the size of the portion that was successfully received, and a unique code (CRC code) for that portion. The server then verifies this information and transmits only the remaining, missing part of the file.

CAFC Docket Search:

A search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for the year 2026 was conducted for any litigation involving US Patent US5768528. As of the date of this report, no records were found.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the provided patent documentation and publicly available information as of the date of this report. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal determinations, consultation with a qualified patent attorney is recommended.