Is US7249262B2 on the brink of significant legal scrutiny? BrowserKey, LLC, identified as a non-practicing entity, has initiated multiple lawsuits against prominent financial institutions, alleging infringement of this patent. With four active cases, one under reexamination, and a related-party dispute, the stakes are high.
US7249262B2 pertains to a method for restricting access to data on a server by authorized client machines. In essence, it describes a system where a server verifies the identity of a client machine before granting access, enhancing security by ensuring that only authorized devices can retrieve sensitive information.
The crux of the litigation lies in whether these financial institutions have implemented systems that infringe upon this patented method. Identifying related patents is crucial in determining the validity of BrowserKey, LLC’s claims. Tools like Global Patent Search facilitate the discovery of existing technologies that may challenge the novelty of US7249262B2.
For a comprehensive search of related patents, Google Patent Search offers a user-friendly platform to explore similar innovations, providing valuable insights into the patent landscape. It can help businesses and legal teams find supporting evidence to challenge or defend against litigation, making it an essential tool in patent disputes.
Let’s now delve deeper into the specifics of this patent and its implications in the ongoing litigation.
Understanding Patent US7249262B2
US7249262B2, originally filed by BrowserKey, LLC, describes a method for restricting access to data on a server based on authorized client machines. Instead of relying solely on traditional username and password authentication, this system generates a machine-specific identifier to verify a user’s device before granting access.
Source: US7249262B2
The core idea is to tie user authentication to a specific device, preventing unauthorized access even if login credentials are stolen. This method is particularly useful for online banking, corporate intranets, and subscription-based websites where security is a priority.
Its four key features are:
#1. Client-side software for machine-specific authentication: A software program installed on the client device generates a unique identifier based on the machine’s characteristics.
#2. Server-side validation using a unique password: The server assigns a password that corresponds to the machine-specific identifier, ensuring that only pre-registered devices can log in.
#3. Session tracking for ongoing authentication: A session identifier is stored on the server and checked with every access request to prevent unauthorized logins.
#4. No need for traditional credentials: The system eliminates the need to store usernames and passwords on the server, reducing the risk of credential theft.
BrowserKey, LLC has asserted this patent against major financial institutions, claiming their authentication systems infringe upon its technology. Banks and financial service providers rely heavily on secure login mechanisms, making them prime targets for litigation.
To assess the strength of BrowserKey, LLC’s claims, identifying related patents is critical. If similar authentication technologies existed before US7249262B2, it could challenge its validity in court. The next section will explore related patents that may impact this case.
Related Patent Reference for US7249262B2
#1. US6006333A
This patent, filed on March 13, 1996, by Sun Microsystems Inc., describes a client-side password management system. It enables a user to store a master password, which is used to decrypt and automatically present corresponding server-side passwords when accessing restricted websites. This technology aims to streamline authentication while maintaining security.
Source: US6006333A
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Client-side password storage and management – The reference describes software that securely stores and retrieves authentication credentials for multiple remote servers.
- Automated authentication – The system decrypts and auto-fills the appropriate server-side password without requiring user intervention.
- Remote server access request handling – The client machine initiates access requests to controlled web servers, similar to US7249262B2’s restricted access method.
- Conditional access control – Access to protected data is granted only after successful password verification, though it does not involve machine-specific identifiers.
Which features of US7249262B2 are disclosed by US6006333A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Fully Disclosed |
| Access to server data is granted only if the verification is true, and denied if false | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US6006333A:
“By virtue of the present invention, a user operating a client system may access a plurality of remote servers requiring passwords for access by employing a master password. The master password is used to decrypt a stored password, which is then presented automatically to the appropriate remote server, eliminating the need for users to manually enter multiple passwords.”
#2. KR19990076101A
This patent, filed on March 27, 1998, by the Korea Information Security Center, describes a mutual identity authentication system where the user and the server verify each other through secure password exchanges. The process involves hash functions and secret keys to confirm identities before granting access.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Mutual identity authentication – The system ensures that the user and the server verify each other’s identity before granting access.
- Secure password exchange – Passwords are securely exchanged using cryptographic functions to enhance authentication security.
- Client requests access to server data – The authentication system requires the client machine to send an access request to initiate the verification process.
- Conditional access control – Access is granted only if authentication is successfully completed, aligning with US7249262B2’s verification-based access control.
Which features of US7249262B2 are disclosed by KR19990076101A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Fully Disclosed |
| Access to server data is granted only if the verification is true, and denied if false | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from KR19990076101A:
“The present invention relates to a method of authenticating mutual identity between a user and a server, and in particular, by securely exchanging passwords to authenticate each other’s identity to each other, to secure mutual authentication before granting access to server data.”
#3. JP2000347994A
This patent, filed on April 28, 1999, by Sun Microsystems Inc., describes a single sign-on system for network authentication. It enables users to access multiple restricted resources with a single master password, eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords for different sites. The system generates site-specific passwords based on a master password and site-specific data.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Single sign-on authentication – The system allows users to access multiple restricted sites with a single master password.
- Automatic password management – Site-specific passwords are generated using a master password and stored securely for authentication.
- Client requests access to server data – The client machine initiates a request to restricted resources, similar to US7249262B2’s controlled access method.
- Verification-based access control – The system determines if a sign-on applet is already active on the client before granting access.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US7249262B2 are disclosed by JP2000347994A?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from JP2000347994A:
“Users can provide different passwords for different sites, but a single sign-on mechanism is provided that requires only a single ‘master’ password to be remembered. Generally, the user enters the master password into the client, which then generates site-specific passwords for authentication to restricted resources.”
#4. JPWO0029965A1
This patent, filed on November 16, 1998, and published on May 25, 2000, by Saison Information Systems Co. Ltd., describes a network authentication device and method designed to enhance data security by mediating authentication through an intermediary server. It ensures secure access by distributing authentication programs to user terminals in a controlled manner.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Secure authentication through an intermediary server – The reference describes an authentication system that enhances security by verifying user data before granting access.
- Encrypted password management – The system generates and stores passwords using encryption for secure user authentication.
- Client requests access to server data – The client machine must request access through a mediation and authentication server, similar to US7249262B2’s restricted access control.
- Conditional access control – Access is granted or denied based on password verification, though it does not involve machine-specific identifiers.
Which features of US7249262B2 are disclosed by JPWO0029965A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A client-side software program generates a client machine-specific identifier unique to the machine upon installation | Partially Disclosed |
| The client machine-specific identifier is generated by operating the client-side software program | Partially Disclosed |
| A password is generated remotely and provided to the user, derived from and uniquely corresponding to the client machine-specific identifier | Partially Disclosed |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Fully Disclosed |
| Access to server data is granted only if the verification is true, and denied if false | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from JPWO0029965A1:
“The first means of the present invention comprises a mediation server that mediates the data and an authentication server that authenticates the data to the user terminal that inputs the data, and the first means in the user terminal transmits an access request to the server for authentication.”
#5. US20030163737A1
This patent, filed on February 26, 2002, and published on August 28, 2003, by James Roskind, describes a secure login system that supports multiple authentication providers. It enables users to authenticate their identities using different methods, such as passwords, cryptographic keys, and multi-factor authentication, before gaining access to online services.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Multi-provider authentication – The system supports authentication using multiple sources, including password-based and cryptographic key-based methods.
- Secure login handling – The client sends user authentication credentials, which are verified by the server before granting access.
- Client requests access to server data – The client initiates an authentication request, which could be interpreted as requesting access to server data.
- Verification-based access control – Authentication is granted or denied based on hash value comparisons, ensuring controlled access.
Which features of US7249262B2 are disclosed by US20030163737A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Partially Disclosed |
| Access to server data is granted only if the verification is true, and denied if false | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20030163737A1:
“In the first preferred embodiment, the secure distributed authentication system comprises a client portion and a server portion. The client portion collects a user’s regular user name and password and tests that user name and password against stored authentication data before granting access.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | US6006333A | KR19990076101A | JP2000347994A | JPWO0029965A1 | US20030163737A1 |
| A client-side software program generates a client machine-specific identifier unique to the machine upon installation | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The client machine-specific identifier is generated by operating the client-side software program | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| A password is generated remotely and provided to the user, derived from and uniquely corresponding to the client machine-specific identifier | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The client machine requests access to data on the server computer | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The client machine re-generates its machine-specific identifier in response to the access request | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The client machine verifies if the re-generated machine-specific identifier uniquely corresponds with the previously generated password | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Access to server data is granted only if the verification is true, and denied if false | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search?
Finding related patents is crucial when evaluating a patent’s validity in litigation. Global Patent Search simplifies this process by offering advanced tools for searching and comparing patents based on key features. Here’s how it works:
Search by patent Number or description – Instantly retrieve relevant patents by entering a specific patent number (e.g., US7249262B2) or related keywords like “client authentication” or “secure login systems.”
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping – The platform allows users to compare key features of a patent against existing patents, highlighting similarities and differences.
Review matching results – Get a curated list of related patents that may impact the validity of the subject patent.
Analyze detailed reports – Understand how each reference patent aligns with or differs from the claims of the subject patent.
Make confident decisions – Use data-driven insights to assess litigation risks, strengthen legal strategies, or challenge infringement claims.
With Global Patent Search, legal teams and businesses can efficiently identify related patents that may influence the outcome of patent disputes.
Take Control of Your Patent Strategy Today
Patent disputes can determine the future of your business. Don’t leave them to chance. Global Patent Search empowers you with:
- Instant access to related patents – Discover key references that could impact your case.
- Advanced feature mapping – Identify critical overlaps and differences with unmatched accuracy.
- Actionable insights – Make data-driven legal decisions with confidence.
Whether you are defending a patent, challenging a claim, or strengthening your portfolio, the right related patents can make all the difference. Start your search with Global Patent Search now and gain the edge you need in litigation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
