US 7398298

US Patent 7398298, titled "Remote access and retrieval of electronic files," was invented by Robert A. Koch. The original assignee was AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property Inc, with the current assignee listed as Datacloud Technologies LLC. The patent has a priority date of March 29, 2002, was filed on March 23, 2007, and was issued on July 8, 2008.

Abstract:
The patent describes a system and methods for remotely accessing, retrieving, and transmitting data, providing remote data management control and verification of data delivery. The core of the invention is a computing application running on at least one computer server that interacts with a communications network, allowing participating users to access it. This application coordinates the delivery of desired data and its associated directory structure information to users over the network. Additionally, the invention provides notifications to participating users confirming the delivery of data to its intended recipients via the communications network.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (System): This claim outlines a system designed for remotely controlling data directory structures across a network. It consists of a computer server connected to the network, which runs a specialized software application. This application processes user requests for managing data directories containing desired files. The system also includes a profile data store that holds information about the data and directory structures each user can access. When a user requests access, the system consults this profile data store to determine what directories are available to them, and the user can then choose and modify a single directory structure from the available options.
• Claim 13 (Method): This claim describes a step-by-step process for managing remote data directory structures over a communications network. It involves a computer server receiving a request from a user's computing device for remote control of these structures. The server's application then processes this request, checking a profile data store to see which data directory structures the user is authorized to manage. A single directory structure from multiple available ones in the profile data store can be selected for modification. The method further includes delivering the requested data and the ability to control it to specified recipients, generating a notification to the sender once the data has been delivered, verifying if the user-requested data is accessible based on the profile information, and finally, delivering that data along with a delivery confirmation.
• Claim 18 (System): This claim defines a system for remote management of data directory structures across a network. The system includes at least one computer server and at least one client computing device, both connected to the network. A computing application, equipped with processing rules, handles requests from the client devices for remote data directory management, giving users control over these structures. A profile data store is incorporated, containing information about the data and directory structures accessible to each user. The system queries this profile data store to ascertain accessible directory structures, allowing users to select a single directory structure for modification. The computing application then determines if the user's requested data is accessible based on the profile data, and if so, delivers the data and sends a confirmation of delivery.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search for "US7398298 CAFC 2026 dockets" did not yield specific dockets for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) directly related to patent US7398298 for the year 2026. The provided patent information indicates that the patent family has been involved in litigation in various U.S. District Courts, with some cases filed in 2026 (e.g., cases 2:26-cv-00186 and 2:26-cv-00181 in the Texas Eastern District Court). This information pertains to District Court proceedings, not directly to CAFC dockets.

US Patent 7398298 has been involved in extensive litigation, primarily in U.S. District Courts. The current assignee, Datacloud Technologies LLC, an IP Investments Group subsidiary and Non-Practicing Entity (NPE), is the likely plaintiff in these cases. The patent has been asserted against companies such as Box, Arista Networks, and Limelight Networks.

A comprehensive list of known litigation involving US patent 7398298, drawing from Unified Patents Litigation Data, is as follows:

Plaintiff: Datacloud Technologies LLC (inferred based on current assignee and direct statements from Unified Patents)
Defendants: Box, Arista Networks, Limelight Networks (mentioned as parties against whom the patent was asserted). For other cases, specific defendants are not detailed in the available data.
Filing Date: Not explicitly provided for individual cases in the available data.
Outcome/Current Status: Not explicitly provided for individual cases in the available data.

Known Litigation Cases:

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:23-cv-00431
  • Case Number: 2:23-cv-00522
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00186
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00181
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-00684
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00504
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00482
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00384
  • Case Number: 2:23-cv-00508
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00200

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:23-cv-00289
  • Case Number: 6:22-cv-00786

• Jurisdiction: Virginia Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:22-cv-00874

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-01319
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-00169
  • Case Number: 1:20-cv-00763
  • Case Number: 1:21-cv-00155
  • Case Number: 1:21-cv-00164
  • Case Number: 1:21-cv-00170
  • Case Number: 1:22-cv-01178
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-00050
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-00072
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-00109
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-01451
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00584
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00978
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-01265
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-00558
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-00559
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-00914
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-01068
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-01069
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-01138
  • Case Number: 1:26-cv-00286

• Jurisdiction: New Jersey District Court

  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-15516

• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-05514
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-05169

No specific dockets for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) directly related to patent US7398298 for the year 2026 were found in the available data.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings (Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method) currently on file for US Patent 7398298 according to the USPTO Open Data Portal (ODP) API. A search for public records of PTAB proceedings also did not identify any such trials. This suggests that the patent has not yet faced validity challenges before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Strategic summary

As of the current date, US Patent 7398298 has not been subject to any AIA trial proceedings before the PTAB. This means that all claims (1-19) of the patent are currently UNTESTED in the context of IPR, PGR, or CBM trials. There are no claims that have been formally canceled or sustained by a PTAB Final Written Decision.

The absence of PTAB activity means there is no estoppel landscape established under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) for any potential petitioner. All prior-art grounds remain potentially available for a future PTAB petition, subject to statutory deadlines and requirements. There is no discernible pattern of PTAB challenges or patent owner defense strategies to analyze from past proceedings.

Recommended next steps

Given the absence of any PTAB activity for US Patent 7398298, the primary next step for a defendant facing assertion would be to consider initiating an AIA trial proceeding if strong prior art is available and the statutory deadlines permit. The fact that the patent has not been challenged at the PTAB, despite extensive district court litigation, could indicate either a lack of strong prior art that meets the PTAB's institution standards or a strategic decision by past defendants to pursue other avenues.

• Evaluate Prior Art: Conduct a thorough prior art search focusing on the claims being asserted.
• Assess PTAB Petition Feasibility: If strong prior art is identified, assess the feasibility of filing an Inter Partes Review (IPR) petition, considering the claim construction standards, institution thresholds, and statutory deadlines (e.g., one-year bar from service of a complaint for IPR).
• Monitor Litigation Filings: Continuously monitor new litigation filings and the progress of existing district court cases involving this patent, as settlements or other developments in those cases could influence future PTAB strategies.

The lack of PTAB proceedings means there is no existing public record of the patent claims being tested for patentability against prior art in this forum, leaving all claims open for challenge.

Inventors

The sole named inventor for US Patent 7398298 is Robert A. Koch. At the time of filing, Mr. Koch was likely an employee of AT&T or one of its subsidiaries, given that AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property Inc. was the original assignee of the patent. There is no information to suggest any unusual patterns regarding inventor departures within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee of US Patent 7398298 was AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property Inc. This entity is an intellectual property holding subsidiary of AT&T, a prominent telecommunications operating company. AT&T actively ships products and services that embody the claims of the patent, such as mobile communication devices and network services for data access. AT&T remains an active, operating company today.

Assignment timeline

The full assignment record for US Patent 7398298, as retrieved from the USPTO Assignment Center, is as follows:

• 2011-12-05 (executed) / recorded 2011-12-09 — Reel 027878/0104

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
  • Correspondent: AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing, P.O. BOX 1060, ATLANTA, GA 30301-1060. This correspondent recurs on five other assignments on the same reel/frame.
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization.

• 2011-12-05 (executed) / recorded 2011-12-09 — Reel 027878/0104

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
  • Assignee: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing, P.O. BOX 1060, ATLANTA, GA 30301-1060. This correspondent recurs on five other assignments on the same reel/frame.
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization.

• 2011-12-05 (executed) / recorded 2011-12-09 — Reel 027878/0104

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION
  • Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Correspondent: AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing, P.O. BOX 1060, ATLANTA, GA 30301-1060. This correspondent recurs on five other assignments on the same reel/frame.
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization (likely a name change).

• 2011-12-05 (executed) / recorded 2011-12-09 — Reel 027878/0104

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Assignee: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Correspondent: AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing, P.O. BOX 1060, ATLANTA, GA 30301-1060. This correspondent recurs on five other assignments on the same reel/frame.
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization (likely a name change).

• 2011-12-05 (executed) / recorded 2011-12-09 — Reel 027878/0104

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Assignee: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
  • Correspondent: AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing, P.O. BOX 1060, ATLANTA, GA 30301-1060. This correspondent recurs on five other assignments on the same reel/frame.
  • Context: Internal corporate reorganization (patent effectively returned to the original assignee's named entity).

• 2012-05-21 (executed) / recorded 2012-05-23 — Reel 028751/0263

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
  • Assignee: WANTAGE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Correspondent: WADE J. S. HATCH, 1729 SOUTH CARDIFF STREET, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84106
  • Context: Divestment from operating company.

• 2019-11-05 (executed) / recorded 2019-11-06 — Reel 027473/0950

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: WANTAGE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 148 LLC
  • Correspondent: BRENTON A. JENKINS, KUNZLER BEAN & ADAMSON, 50 WEST BROADWAY, 10TH FLOOR, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101
  • Context: Transfer to a known patent monetization entity.

• 2020-01-03 (executed) / recorded 2020-01-07 — Reel 028560/0255

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 148 LLC
  • Assignee: DATACLOUD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Correspondent: JOHN G. CHEN, GARTEISER HONICK & CHEN LLC, 1000 BRIDGEPORT AVE STE 303, SHELTON, CT 06484
  • Context: Transfer to current asserter.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 7398298
    2007 : Filed by AT&T Delaware IP Inc
    2008 : Patent issued
    2011 : Assigned to AT&T IP I LP
         : Assigned to Bellsouth IP Corp
         : Assigned to AT&T IP Inc
         : Assigned to AT&T BLS IP Inc
         : Assigned to AT&T Delaware IP Inc
    2012 : Assigned to Wantage Technologies LLC
    2019 : Assigned to Intellectual Ventures
    2020 : Assigned to Datacloud Technologies LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present.

   • WANTAGE TECHNOLOGIES LLC: This entity, receiving the patent in 2012, has a name and role consistent with a non-practicing entity holding divested intellectual property [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028751/0263, 2012-05-21].
   • INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 148 LLC: The assignee in 2019 is part of Intellectual Ventures, a widely recognized patent monetization firm [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 027473/0950, 2019-11-05].
   • DATACLOUD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC: The current assignee, receiving the patent in 2020, is explicitly identified as an IP Investments Group subsidiary and Non-Practicing Entity (NPE) in the provided litigation summary. Its name also suggests an IP holding company rather than an operating entity [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028560/0255, 2020-01-03].

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present.

   • INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 148 LLC: Intellectual Ventures is a well-known NPE involved in patent assertions [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 027473/0950, 2019-11-05].
   • DATACLOUD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC: The current assignee, Datacloud Technologies LLC, is explicitly identified as a Non-Practicing Entity (NPE) and is the plaintiff in numerous infringement suits involving this patent. [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028560/0255, 2020-01-03]

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present.

   • AT&T SERVICES, INC. – Patent Docketing: This correspondent appears on all five internal AT&T assignments recorded on Reel 027878/0104, executed on 2011-12-05, indicating a consistent legal representative for internal IP management within AT&T.

4. Cascading transfers — Present.

   • The patent was transferred from Wantage Technologies LLC to Intellectual Ventures Assets 148 LLC on 2019-11-05 [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 027473/0950, 2019-11-05], and then quickly transferred from Intellectual Ventures Assets 148 LLC to Datacloud Technologies, LLC on 2020-01-03 [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028560/0255, 2020-01-03]. These two consecutive assignments occurred within approximately two months, involving two distinct NPEs.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present.

   • The last assignment to Datacloud Technologies, LLC was executed on 2020-01-03 and recorded on 2020-01-07 [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028560/0255]. The litigation summary indicates that cases involving this patent were filed as early as 2020 (e.g., 1:20-cv-00763 in the Delaware District Court). This transfer to the current asserting entity occurred within six months of the first recorded litigation, aligning with a pre-litigation transfer strategy.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no evidence in the provided information suggesting that AT&T or any subsequent assignor entity in the chain underwent bankruptcy proceedings leading to the patent's sale.

7. Privateering — Unclear. While the patent originated from an operating company (AT&T) and was transferred to NPEs, there is no direct public evidence (e.g., SEC filings or specific reports) to confirm that AT&T is funding or directing the assertion activities of Datacloud Technologies LLC against its competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain does not terminate with a known defensive aggregator such as RPX, AST, LOT Network, or Open Invention Network. Instead, it ends with an active asserting NPE.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

The assignment chain clearly demonstrates multiple strong NPE signals. The patent was divested from an operating company (AT&T) in 2012 to Wantage Technologies LLC [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028751/0263, 2012-05-21], then subsequently transferred through a known NPE, Intellectual Ventures Assets 148 LLC, in 2019 [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 027473/0950, 2019-11-05], before landing with the current asserting NPE, Datacloud Technologies, LLC, in 2020 [cite: USPTO Assignment, Reel 028560/0255, 2020-01-03]. This final transfer occurred just months before the earliest identified litigation, strongly indicating a pre-litigation assignment to enable assertion.

For verification, see the USPTO Assignment Center: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (search for patent number "7398298").

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 7398298, I will examine the citations listed within the patent itself. Since the patent's priority date is March 29, 2002, any prior art must have been publicly available before this date to potentially anticipate claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102 (pre-AIA). This section of the law applies because the application for US7398298 was filed on March 23, 2007, which is before March 16, 2013, the effective date of the America Invents Act (AIA) "first-to-file" system. Under pre-AIA § 102, an invention is not patentable if it was known or used by others, patented, or described in a printed publication before the invention date, or if it was patented or described in a printed publication more than one year prior to the US application filing date.

The following are the "Citations" listed in US Patent 7398298, which typically represent the prior art deemed most relevant by the patent examiner and applicant during prosecution.

Cited Prior Art References:

• US6138158A

  • Full Citation: US6138158A - Method and system for pushing and pulling data using wideband and narrowband transport systems
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: October 24, 2000. Priority: April 30, 1998.
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for pushing and pulling data using both wideband and narrowband transport systems. It focuses on efficiently delivering data to various devices, which could include mobile and wireless devices.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: US6138158A appears highly relevant to the general concept of remote data access and transmission to various computing devices, as described in the independent claims of US7398298. Specifically, the "pushing and pulling data" functionality could potentially anticipate elements of:
    • Claim 1: "remotely accessing, retrieving, and transmitting data offering remote data management control and verification of data delivery" in the context of data delivery to client devices.
    • Claim 13: The method of "delivering desired data" over a communications network.
    • Claim 18: The system providing "remote management of data directory structures" including transmitting desired data to client devices.
      The broad disclosure of data transmission to various devices (including mobile) across different networks could challenge the novelty of the overarching system and method for data delivery. However, the unique aspects of directory structure management control and delivery notification in US7398298 would need to be carefully compared against the specific teachings of US6138158A.

• US6240445B1

  • Full Citation: US6240445B1 - Computer implemented method and apparatus for receiving facsimile messages using an identifier appended to a shared telephone number
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: May 29, 2001. Priority: April 24, 1998.
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a computer-implemented method and apparatus for receiving facsimile messages by using an identifier appended to a shared telephone number. It's related to the routing and delivery of specific types of data (facsimile messages) based on identification information.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: While US6240445B1 deals with remote data reception and identification for routing, its specific focus on facsimile messages and shared telephone numbers makes it less directly relevant to the broader data directory management and general file retrieval aspects of US7398298. It may potentially anticipate:
    • Aspects of Claim 13 and Claim 18 related to "receiving at least one request" and "delivering desired data" based on an identifier for a "delivery target." However, the remote management control of data directory structures and explicit delivery notification for general electronic files as claimed in US7398298 would likely distinguish it.

• WO2002013551A1

  • Full Citation: WO2002013551A1 - A system for mobile information access
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: February 14, 2002. Priority: August 7, 2000.
  • Brief Description: This PCT application describes a system for mobile information access. It would likely involve aspects of wireless communication and accessing data from remote locations using mobile devices.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This reference is highly relevant given its explicit mention of "mobile information access," which aligns with the stated problem US7398298 aims to solve (remote access for corporate users via mobile devices). It could potentially anticipate elements of:
    • Claim 1: The system for "remote control of data directory structures across at least one communications network" and "processing received requests for remote data directory management of desired data residing in directory structures by participating users." The concept of accessing information from a remote server using varying computing elements (including mobile) is central to both.
    • Claim 13 & 18: The methods and systems for "remote data directory structure management" from "computing devices coupled to the communications network," particularly if it details mobile device interaction with remote data.
      The key differentiator for US7398298 would likely be the specific control over data directory structures and the delivery notification features, which would need to be absent or not explicitly taught in WO2002013551A1 for the claims of US7398298 to be novel over this reference. The publication date (Feb 14, 2002) is prior to the priority date of US7398298 (March 29, 2002).

• US20020024536A1

  • Full Citation: US20020024536A1 - Method and apparatus for information aggregation and personalized display of the aggregated information
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: February 28, 2002. Priority: August 25, 2000.
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a method and apparatus for aggregating information from various sources and then providing a personalized display of that aggregated information. This relates to how remote data might be presented to a user.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: While it concerns remote information and display, its primary focus on "aggregation and personalized display" might be less direct in anticipating the core directory management aspects of US7398298. It could potentially anticipate:
    • Elements of Claim 1, 13, and 18 related to presenting information to "participating users" on a "computing device," particularly the "display content" of the computing application as mentioned in the specification.
      However, it would likely not anticipate the specific features of users actively modifying directory structures or receiving delivery confirmations, unless such capabilities are implicitly or explicitly taught within its disclosure. The publication date (Feb 28, 2002) is prior to the priority date of US7398298 (March 29, 2002).

• US20020032601A1

  • Full Citation: US20020032601A1 - Electronic payment parking lot system and method
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: March 14, 2002. Priority: April 25, 2000.
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes an electronic payment parking lot system and method.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This reference appears to be in a completely different technical domain (parking lot systems and electronic payments) and is highly unlikely to anticipate any claims related to remote access and management of electronic files and their directory structures, or delivery notifications, as defined in US7398298. Its presence in the citations might be for a very tangential or general concept of remote interaction or data processing, but it is not directly relevant to the core invention. The publication date (March 14, 2002) is prior to the priority date of US7398298 (March 29, 2002).

The following analysis addresses the obviousness of US Patent 7398298 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, considering the cited prior art references and the common knowledge of a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) as of the patent's priority date of March 29, 2002. The independent claims of US7398298 are Claim 1 (System), Claim 13 (Method), and Claim 18 (System).

The distinguishing features of US7398298, as highlighted in its background and claims, are:

1. Remote data directory structure management: Allowing participating users to control (e.g., modify, create, move) the underlying data directory structures remotely, not just the data within them.
2. Profile data store for access control to directory structures: Utilizing a profile data store to define and enforce which specific data and data directory structures are accessible to each user.
3. Selection of a single directory for modification: The user's ability to select and then modify a single directory structure from multiple available options.
4. Delivery notification/confirmation: Providing notification to the sending party upon the successful delivery of data to an identified target.

We will focus on a combination of WO2002013551A1 with the general knowledge of a PHOSITA regarding networked file systems, access control mechanisms, and data delivery confirmations.

Combination: WO2002013551A1 + General Knowledge of Networked File Systems & Access Control + General Knowledge of Data Delivery Confirmations

Primary Reference: WO2002013551A1—"A system for mobile information access"
WO2002013551A1, published on February 14, 2002, describes a system for mobile information access. This reference establishes the foundational elements of US7398298, including:

• A computer server coupled to a communications network.
• Client computing devices (especially mobile devices) operably coupled to the network, used by participating users.
• A computing application operating on the server to handle requests for information access from these client devices.
• The general concept of remote access and retrieval of data over a communications network.

Motivation and Combination for Remote Data Directory Structure Management (Claims 1, 13, 18):
A PHOSITA, at the priority date of US7398298 (March 29, 2002), aiming to enhance a "system for mobile information access" (WO2002013551A1) to better serve the needs of users (particularly corporate users as noted in US7398298's background), would have been motivated to incorporate remote data directory structure management. The patent itself highlights that existing systems, while allowing viewing and modification of data, lacked the ability to view or modify the underlying data directory structure. [Description, "Overview"]

1. Providing Remote Management Control over Data Directory Structures: File systems and their hierarchical directory structures were a fundamental aspect of computing. Basic file management operations, including creating, renaming, moving, and deleting directories, were well-established features of networked file systems and remote access protocols (e.g., FTP, SMB/CIFS, NFS, WebDAV) long before 2002. A PHOSITA would recognize that enabling mobile users to perform these standard file system organizational tasks remotely would significantly increase the utility and user satisfaction of a mobile information access system. This would be considered an obvious enhancement to provide a more comprehensive remote file management solution.

2. Utilizing a Profile Data Store for Access Control: It was common practice in networked computing environments to implement security and permissions through user profiles, access control lists (ACLs), or similar data stores. These mechanisms defined which users could access (read, write, execute) specific files and directories. Therefore, integrating a "profile data store comprising information relating to the data and data directory structures accessible to each of the participating users" (Claim 1, 13, 18) into a mobile information access system (WO2002013551A1) to manage user permissions for directory modifications would be a routine and obvious design choice for security and personalization.

3. Selection and Modification of a Single Directory Structure: The act of "selecting a single directory structure from among a plurality...for modification" (Claim 1, 13, 18) is an inherent and intuitive interaction model for managing any hierarchical file system. Users navigate to a specific directory to perform operations on it. Providing an interface (such as those described in FIGS. 9A-9B of US7398298) on a mobile device to allow this selection and subsequent modification would be a straightforward implementation for a PHOSITA, given the desire to enable comprehensive remote directory management.

Motivation and Combination for Delivery Notification/Confirmation (Claims 1, 13, 16, 18):
The patent US7398298 explicitly states that "current remote access systems and methods do not provide confirmation to participating users of the delivery and distribution of desired data." [Description, "Background"] A PHOSITA, tasked with improving a "system for mobile information access" (WO2002013551A1) that involves transmitting data, would be highly motivated to address this recognized problem by incorporating delivery notifications.

1. Generating and Sending Delivery Confirmation: Prior to 2002, various communication and data transfer systems routinely provided delivery confirmations. Email systems offered "delivery receipts" and "read receipts" as standard features. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) clients and servers commonly provided status messages indicating successful or failed transfers. Implementing a mechanism to "generate at least one notification of the delivery" or "send a confirmation of the delivery" (Claims 1, 13, 16, 18) upon successful data transmission within the remote access application would be a logical and obvious engineering step. This would enhance user trust, provide assurance of data integrity, and address a clear user need for accountability in data transfers.
2. Profile Data Store Providing Email Address: Claim 15 ("wherein the profile data store provides an e-mail address") is a trivial detail. It was common knowledge for a PHOSITA that user profiles (or identity data stores) would include contact information, such as email addresses, especially if the system supports email-based notifications or data delivery.

Conclusion:
The combination of WO2002013551A1 (a system for mobile information access) with the general knowledge possessed by a PHOSITA at the priority date would render claims 1, 13, and 18 of US7398298 obvious. A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine these elements to create a more complete, secure, and reliable remote data access and management system for mobile users. The addition of remote directory structure management (including the use of a profile for access control and the ability to select and modify a single directory) and delivery confirmation features would be considered obvious steps to improve user experience and address known shortcomings in existing systems, leveraging technologies and concepts already well-established in the art.

US Patent 7398298, "Remote access and retrieval of electronic files," has an expiration date based on its earliest priority date, and information regarding patent term adjustments or extensions is not explicitly detailed as significantly altering this date.

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) and Patent Term Extension (PTE):
The patent's "Anticipated expiration" date of March 29, 2022, aligns precisely with 20 years from its priority date of March 29, 2002. [cite: USPTO Patent 7398298] This indicates that either no significant Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) was granted to compensate for USPTO delays during prosecution, or any granted adjustment did not extend the patent's term beyond this date. PTA aims to add time to a patent's term for delays caused by the USPTO in issuing a patent.

Furthermore, the nature of the invention, which relates to remote access and retrieval of electronic files, makes it ineligible for Patent Term Extension (PTE) under 35 U.S.C. § 156. PTE is typically granted for patents covering specific products like human drugs, medical devices, or food additives, to compensate for time lost due to premarket regulatory review.

Continuation and Divisional Applications:
US Patent 7398298 is itself a continuation application. The patent states, "This application is a continuation of application 10/109,914, filed on Mar. 29, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,537, and entitled Remote Access and Retrieval of Electronic Files." [cite: USPTO Patent 7398298]

Additionally, US Patent 8615555B2 (application US12/169,074), titled "Remote access and retrieval of electronic files," is a child application claiming priority to US11/690,803 (the application number for US7398298) and shares the same priority date of March 29, 2002. This indicates that US8615555B2 is a continuation of US7398298. [cite: USPTO Patent 7398298]

The provided patent information does not explicitly mention any divisional applications for US7398298. Divisional applications typically arise when an examiner issues a restriction requirement, indicating that an application claims more than one distinct invention.

Related Family Members:
The following U.S. patent family members are associated with US7398298:

• US7197537B2 (Application US10/109,914)
• US7398298B2 (Application US11/690,803)
• US8615555B2 (Application US12/169,074)

International family members include:

• AU2003226087A1
• WO2003085541A1 [cite: USPTO Patent 7398298]

Projected Expiration Date:
As of today's date, July 24, 2026, US Patent 7398298 has already expired. Its "Anticipated expiration" date was March 29, 2022, which represents 20 years from its earliest priority date of March 29, 2002. The legal status is listed as "Expired - Lifetime". [cite: USPTO Patent 7398298]