The patent US8209267B2, titled “Automatic revenue protection and adjustment of postal indicia products,” presents a fascinating method aimed at ensuring postal tariffs stay accurate and fair. But how exactly does it work?
This innovation automatically adjusts accounts when there’s a discrepancy between the tariff tied to a postal indicium and the actual details of the mail piece. However, the real intrigue lies in how it handles these adjustments—and what happens behind the scenes when errors are caught.
Not only does the system correct postage issues in real-time, but it also generates detailed reports on these adjustments. This promises to streamline postal operations and protect revenue. But what other technologies have paved the way for this solution?
In this article, we’ll explore the top prior art we uncovered using our Global Patent Search Tool for US8209267B2, and see what insights these earlier innovations provide.
Looking for fresh updates? Dive into our latest post for the newest insights.
How We Conducted the Prior Art Search for US8209267B2
To identify the top prior art for US8209267B2, we utilized the Global Patent Search Tool, an efficient resource for uncovering related patents and documents. Here’s how we approached the search:
1. Input the Patent Number:
We began by entering US8209267B2 into the search field to initiate the process.
2. Set the Priority Date:
To capture the most relevant prior art, we refined our search to focus on patents and documents predating the priority date of December 8, 2004 for US8209267B2. This ensures the results pertain to technologies and filings that could potentially influence the patent’s claims.
3. Run the Search:
After setting the parameters, a simple click of the search button generated a comprehensive list of patents related to the technology behind US8209267B2.
4. Analyzing the Results:
The Global Patent Search Tool then displayed a ranked list of the most relevant prior art, prioritizing those closest in filing date, technology focus, and content similarity to help evaluate the impact on the patent’s claims.
Top 10 Prior Art Search Results for US8209267B2
Below are the top 10 prior art results the tool found for US8209267B2:
1. System And Method For Validating Postage
Patent: US7711650B1
Filed: February 14, 2006
Published: May 4, 2010
Summary: This system dispenses postage electronically via a secure processor and validates the applied postage using machine-readable indicia. It relates to US7496538B2, as both focus on validating postage electronically to prevent fraud.
2. Method For Providing Postal Deliveries With Franking Stamps
Patent: NZ525504A
Filed: November 6, 2001
Published: January 27, 2006
Summary: This method enables franking postal deliveries by printing and tracking postage indicia. The similarity lies in the franking process and data validation to prevent fraudulent use of franking stamps.
3. Postal Counter Postage Evidencing System With Closed Loop Verification
Patent: WO0247312A3
Filed: October 23, 2001
Published: January 8, 2004
Summary: This system allows for auditing and securing postage transactions through cryptographic verification, similar to US7496538B2’s focus on securing postage indicia with encrypted data.
4. Transaction Verification And Postage Measurement Systems
Patent: BR9806685A
Filed: December 18, 1998
Published: September 5, 2000
Summary: This system includes a central processor and secure postage device for verifying postage transactions, which is closely related to US7496538B2’s method for detecting fraudulent postal activities through digital stamps.
5. Postage Meter With Cryptographically Secured Non-shipping Information
Patent: US6260029B1
Filed: August 11, 1999
Published: July 10, 2001
Summary: This system integrates postage metering and secure digital signatures to confirm postage authenticity, akin to US7496538B2’s approach of applying encrypted data for secure franking.
6. Pc Postage™ Service Indicia Design For Shipping Label
Patent: US20140032439A1
Filed: August 14, 2013
Published: January 30, 2014
Summary: This patent discusses a method to apply machine-readable postage indicia for secure shipment, related to US7496538B2’s machine-readable date stamps for inspection.
7. Mail Processing System Including Data Center Verification For Mailpieces
Patent: US6317498B1
Filed: September 9, 1997
Published: November 13, 2001
Summary: The system secures mailpieces by generating unique postage codes verified by a central data center, similar to US7496538B2’s focus on generating and verifying date stamps.
8. Systems And Methods For Dispensing Postage Stamps
Patent: NZ527813A
Filed: February 25, 2002
Published: April 29, 2005
Summary: This system dispenses postage stamps using a secure authorization process, relevant to US7496538B2’s method of securely applying and validating postage stamps to prevent fraud.
9. Mail Piece Verification System
Patent: CA2448683A1
Filed: December 11, 2001
Published: July 4, 2002
Summary: This system verifies mailpieces through postage metering and forensic analysis, similar to US7496538B2’s method of inspecting date stamps and identifying fraudulent usage.
10. Proof Of Postage Digital Franking
Patent: EP0928462B1
Filed: September 24, 1997
Published: April 12, 2006
Summary: This system secures digital franking and audits postage funds, relevant to US7496538B2’s method of applying encrypted, machine-readable date stamps to postal matter for security.
Before Wrapping Up
We recognized an unmet need—no existing tool merged the history of technological innovations with the growing demands of today’s inventors and innovators. That’s why we developed the Global Patent Search Tool.
More than a simple patent search engine, it allows you to explore how past innovations connect to modern trends. This makes it a crucial resource for igniting fresh ideas and driving future technologies.
Whether you’re an inventor, researcher, or industry leader, the Global Patent Search Tool provides an intuitive way to dive into patents, uncover insights, and strategize your next innovation. Let it fuel your next breakthrough.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. The results from the Global Patent Search Tool should be used for research, not as legal guidance. For any legal matters, consult a qualified attorney.
