DETAILED ACTION
Examiner's Note: The Examiner has pointed out particular references contained in the prior art of record within the body of this action for the convenience of the Applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings in the art and are applied to the specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages and figures may apply. Applicant, in preparing the response, should consider fully the entire reference as potentially teaching all or part of the claimed invention, as well as the context of the passage as taught by the prior art or disclosed by the Examiner.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s remarks filed on 06/30/2026 have been fully considered.
Regarding claim[s] 1 – 23 under the 35 USC 101 rejection for non – statutory subject matter – abstract idea, applicant’s remarks are not persuasive, therefore, see the examiner’s response to such remarks in the office action below.
Regarding claim[s] 1 – 23 under the rejection for non – statutory obvious type double patenting rejection, applicant has not filed a terminal disclaimer as stated in response dated 06/30/2026 to the non – final rejection dated 04/08/2026, therefore, the rejection is maintained until a terminal is disclaimer is filed with office as per MPEP guidance.
The examiner will respond to all other remarks that do not concern the prior art rejections, if any, in the office action below.
Applicant states on page[s] 8 and 9 of the remarks as filed: “The Examiner has rejected claims 1-23 under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as allegedly being directed to abstract ideas without significantly more. Applicant respectfully traverses this rejection. Under the two-part Alice/Mayo framework, at Step 2A Prong 2, claims that integrate a judicial exception into a practical application are patent-eligible. Claims integrate an exception into a practical application when they recite additional elements that reflect an improvement to computer functionality or other technology. As illustrated by USPTO Subject Matter Eligibility Example 41 (Cryptographic Communications), claims reciting specific technical mechanisms-such as cryptographic operations- that are integrated into a practical application of securing communications are eligible because "the combination of additional elements use the mathematical formulas and calculations in a specific manner that sufficiently limits the use of the mathematical concepts to the practical application." Similarly, Example 42 Claim 1 (Medical Record Updates) was found eligible because the claim recited "a specific improvement over prior art systems."
The Examiner observed that the specification asserts benefits such as reduced redundant storage and improved security via tokens in paragraphs [0011]-[0012], but alleged that the original claims did not recite any specific technical mechanism effecting such improvements. Solely for the purpose of clarity (and not scope), Applicant has amended independent claims 1, 12, and 23 to recite the specific technical mechanisms that achieve these improvements. Specifically, claims 1, 12, and 23, as amended, now recite that "the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user's identity."
First, the claims now recite a specified cryptographic verification flow: the indication of ownership comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user. This is supported by the specification, which describes, by way of non-limiting example, that "[s]uch indication may comprise signing, with the first user's private or public cryptographic key(s), an electronic message to indicate the first user's ownership." See, e.g., As-Filed Specification, paragraph [0044].
Second, the claims now recite that ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user's identity. This is directly supported by the specification, which states, by way of non-limiting example, that "[t]he immutability of ownership of the digital token as recorded in the blockchain prevents tampering of the user's identity." See, e.g., As-Filed Specification, paragraph [0012].
Applicant submits that these mechanisms integrate any abstract idea into a practical application by providing specific improvements to computer security as described in the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the specification explains that the blockchain-based systems and methods "improve security by using digital tokens to authenticate users in a computer network" and that "[t]he immutability of ownership of the digital token as recorded in the blockchain prevents tampering of the user's identity." See, e.g., As-Filed Specification, paragraph [0012]. The specification further describes that "computing devices are able to reduce storage of user information by use of digital tokens as a single, or limited, storage source of user identity on a blockchain-based computer network," resulting in "less compute power and memory use by nodes of the system." See, e.g., As-Filed Specification, paragraph [0011].”
In response the examiner isn’t persuaded, the examiner points out that applicant’s claim amendment of “wherein the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user's identity,” is redundant functionality to what applicant has previously recited. Simply, signing the receipt of an indication with the user’s private key [i.e. cryptographic key] to further indicate that the user is the owner of the first token, is the same or similar to the previously recited claim limitation of “identifying…..the first user as affiliated with the entity that shared the first token with the first user in the first place. Applicant’s signing of the indication with the private key of the first user, is adapting the identified abstract idea to public key cryptography environment with merely a technological field without a meaningful limitation. The public key signature of the indication does not improve the functioning of the computer nor public key cryptography.
Further, applicant’s amended claim language recites that storing the user signed indication on the blockchain to prevent tampering of the ownership of the first token on distributed computer network is a redundant functionality that has been identified as being abstract previously. For example, applicant previously recited: “executing a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the user on the distributed computer network.” There is NO improvement here for blockchain or distributed ledger technology. Nor is it an improvement to the functioning of a computer. The very premise of blockchain or ledger technology to record data thru consensus, generate a hash of the blockchain record to detect tampering of the blockchain record.
Response to Amendment
Status of the instant application:
Claim[s] 1 – 23 are pending in the instant application.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1 – 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.
Applying the Subject Matter Eligibility Test as outlined in MPEP § 2106 to claims 1, 12, 23 and their corresponding dependent claims:
Step 1: Statutory Category: Yes.
Claims 1-11 recite “[a] blockchain-based method for providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens” and is a process.
Claims 12-22 recite “[a] blockchain-based system” comprising “one or more processors,” “one or more memories,” and “computing instructions,” and is a machine.
Claim 23 recites “[a] tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions…” and is a manufacture. Because the independent claims each fall within one of the four statutory categories of invention (process, machine, or manufacture), they satisfy Step 1 of the Subject Matter Eligibility Test found in MPEP § 2106.
Thus, the examination turns to Step 2A Prong 1.
Step 2A, Prong 1 (whether the claim recites a judicial exception):
Under MPEP §2106.04(a) and the 2019 PEG, claim 1 recites abstract ideas from two enumerated groupings:
(i) certain methods of organizing human activity (commercial/legal interactions; managing relationships/permissions) and
(ii) mental processes (concepts performed in the human mind). Offending clauses and explicit category mapping:
----[Wingdings font/0xE0]Certain methods of organizing human activity (commercial/legal interactions; managing relationships/permissions)
“prior to (a) authorizing a transaction between the first user and the entity or (b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, executing a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity…” (Category: commercial/legal interactions; managing relationships/permissions. Rationale: a policy-based pre-authorization gate conditioning a transaction or access on verified affiliation; i.e., administering entitlements and business relations. MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(II).)
“following the confirmation, executing at least one of: (a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or (b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity…” (Category: commercial/legal interactions; managing relationships/permissions. Rationale: implementing a business/access control outcome—approve a transaction or grant entry. MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(II).)
“affiliating, by the one or more processors, the set of digital tokens with an entity…;” and “providing… one or more of the digital tokens to… users…” (Category: commercial/legal interactions; managing relationships/permissions. Rationale: establishing and distributing membership/credential artifacts that allocate privileges/status to users relative to an entity—organizing users and their entitlements. MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(II).)
--->Mental processes (observations, evaluations, judgments that can be performed in the human mind)
“following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token” (Category: observation/data gathering. Rationale: receiving/reading evidence is information intake that can be done mentally or by consulting a record; MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(III).)
“identifying… the first user as affiliated with the entity” (Category: evaluation/identification. Rationale: recognition based on the received indication is a cognitive judgment; MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(III).)
“wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity” (Category: conclusion/judgment. Rationale: reaching a conclusion about affiliation; MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(III).)
Full clause: “…executing a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token… the confirmation comprising identifying… the first user as affiliated… following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token, wherein the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user’s identity… wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity;” (Category: observation/evaluation/identification/judgment. Rationale: under a broad reading, these are cognitive steps that can be done mentally or with pen-and-paper absent a specifically recited technical verification mechanism. MPEP §2106.04(a)(2)(III); see, e.g., Electric Power Group, 830 F.3d 1350; CyberSource, 654 F.3d 1366; Mortgage Grader, 811 F.3d 1314.)
----[Wingdings font/0xE0]Conclusion for Prong 1: Claim 1 recites abstract ideas in the “certain methods of organizing human activity” and “mental processes” groupings. Claims 12 and 23 recite the same abstract functionality implemented on generic computer components; merely casting the abstract steps as “system” components or “instructions on a medium” does not alter the characterization at Prong 1. See MPEP §2106.04(d); Versata, 793 F.3d 1306. Thus, the examination turns to Step 2A Prong 2.
Step 2A, Prong 2 (whether the claim integrates the exception into a practical application): The claim does not integrate the exceptions into a practical application. See MPEP §§2106.04(d), 2106.05(a)–(h).
No improvement to computer functionality or another technology (MPEP §2106.05(a)). The specification asserts benefits (e.g., reduced redundant storage and improved security via tokens; Spec ¶¶[0011]–[0012]) but claim 1 does not recite any specific technical mechanism effecting such improvements (e.g., a particular consensus protocol, a defined on-chain/off-chain data structure, a specified cryptographic verification flow, or smart-contract operations that alter computer functionality). The steps are results-oriented (“confirming affiliation,” “identifying,” “authorizing,” “granting access”) and do not reflect the kind of computer-centric improvements found eligible in Enfish, McRO, Finjan, or SRI.
No particular machine (MPEP §2106.05(b)). The claim’s “one or more processors,” “one or more memories” (claim 12), and “distributed computer network” are generic. The “blockchain-based” label in the preamble does not impose a particular blockchain architecture or require ledger/consensus operations in the body of the claim. Generic computing and network context are not a “particular machine.”
No transformation (MPEP §2106.05(c)). The steps manipulate and evaluate information (tokens/affiliations/indications) and enact transaction/access decisions; no article is transformed.
Mere instructions to apply the exception (MPEP §2106.05(f)). Recitations such as “by one or more processors,” “on a distributed computer network,” “providing tokens,” and “executing a confirmation” are generic instructions to implement the abstract idea on a computer.
Insignificant extra-solution activity (MPEP §2106.05(g)). Steps such as “generating” tokens, “affiliating” tokens, “providing” tokens, and “following the confirmation… authorizing/granting access” are data gathering or post-solution actions that append/apply the result of the mental/business determination.
Field-of-use (MPEP §2106.05(h)). Limiting the concept to a “distributed computer network” or “blockchain-based” environment merely ties the abstract idea to a technological field without a meaningful limitation.
Dependent claims (2–11, 13–22) add use-case outcomes—e.g., granting physical/virtual access, discounts, digital signatures, regulatory compliance, trading, fractional shares—that further fall within “commercial or legal interactions,” “fundamental economic practices,” or “managing relationships,” and do not add a specific technological mechanism that changes how the computer or network operates.
Accordingly, Step 2A, Prong 2 is not satisfied. Thus, the examination turns to Step 2B.
Step 2B (whether the claim recites “significantly more” than the exception):
Evaluated as an ordered combination, the additional elements do not amount to significantly more than the abstract ideas. The elements are well-understood, routine, and conventional (WURC) at the time of filing. See Berkheimer Memorandum; MPEP §2106.05(d), (f).
Appropriate action required.
Double Patenting
The non-statutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A non-statutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on non-statutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a non-statutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based e-Terminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An e-Terminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about e-Terminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claim[s] 1 – 23 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim[s] 1 - 23 of U.S. Patent No. 12212695 [reference patent]
Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the subject matter of the pending application and the reference patent are the same or similar in scope and subject matter and are not distinct in the following manner:
Providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens by generating a set of digital tokens that are sharable on a distributed computer network. The set of digital tokens are affiliated with an entity or a person. The digital tokens are provided to users of the distributed computer network, where the users include a user, and where the user is provided a token selected from a group of tokens. The user is identified as affiliated with the entity or the person based on a receipt of an indication that the user is linked with the token.
Also, see the table below for a claim-by-claim comparison:
US Pending Application # 18/982670
US PAT # 12212695 (reference patent)
1. A blockchain-based method for providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, the blockchain-based method comprising:
generating, by one or more processors, a set of digital tokens sharable on a distributed computer network;
affiliating, by the one or more processors, the set of digital tokens with an entity comprising a company or a person;
providing, by the one or more processors, one or more of the digital tokens to one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens;
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the first user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or arca controlled by the entity, executing a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token, wherein the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user’s identity, and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, executing at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
1. (Currently amended) A blockchain-based method for providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, the blockchain-based method comprising:
generating, by one or more processors, a set of digital tokens sharable on a distributed computer network;
affiliating, by the one or more processors, the set of digital tokens with an entity, wherein the entity comprises a person or a company, wherein the affiliating establishes and maintains an affiliation of the set of digital tokens as originating with the person or company on the distributed computer network even when ownership of one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens is transferred to one or more users of the distributed computer network;
providing, by the one or more processors, the one or more of the digital tokens to the one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens;
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the first user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, executing a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, executing at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
2. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the entity or the person is a real-world entity or a real-world person.
2. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the entity or the person is a real-world entity or a real-world person.
3. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the entity or the person is a virtual entity or a virtual person.
3. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the entity or the person is a virtual entity or a virtual person.
4. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to
grant access to a physical area or location associated with the entity or the person.
4. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a physical area or location associated with the entity or the person.
5. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a virtual area or a virtual resource associated with the entity or the person.
5. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a virtual area or a virtual resource associated with the entity or the person.
6. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to authorize a discount associated with the entity or the person.
6. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to authorize a discount associated with the entity or the person.
7. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to provide a digital signature for the first user.
7. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to provide a digital signature for the first user.
8. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to provide regulatory compliance through identification of the first user.
8. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to provide regulatory compliance through identification of the first user.
9.The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to be provided to the entity in exchange for a real-world item.
9. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to be provided to the entity in exchange for a real-world item.
10. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured to for electronic trade for one or more other tokens as provided to other users, and wherein a first value of the first token varies with respect to respective values of the one or more other tokens based on a degree of privilege or access to the entity that each token provides.
10. (Previously presented) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token is configured for electronic trading for one or more other tokens as provided to other users, and wherein a first value of the first token varies with respect to respective values of the one or more other tokens based on a degree of privilege or access to the entity that each token provides.
11. The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token defines a fractional share of the entity, and wherein the blockchain-based method further comprises providing the first user with a fractional distribution or privilege proportional to the fractional share of the entity.
11. (Original) The blockchain-based method of claim 1, wherein the first token defines a fractional share of the entity, and wherein the blockchain-based method further comprises providing the first user with a fractional distribution or privilege proportional to the fractional share of the entity.
12. A blockchain-based system configured to provide secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, the blockchain-based system comprising:
one or more processors;
one or more memories;
computing instructions configured to be executed on the one or more processors, the computing instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
generate, by one or more processors, a set of digital tokens sharable on a
distributed computer network;
affiliate, by the one or more processors, the set of digital tokens with an entity comprising a company or a person;
provide, by the one or more processors, one or more of the digital tokens to one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens;
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the first user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, execute a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising
identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as
affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token, wherein the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the user user’s first identity, and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, execute at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
12. (Currently amended) A blockchain-based system configured to provide secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, the blockchain-based system comprising:
one or more processors;
one or more memories;
computing instructions configured to be executed on the one or more processors, the computing instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
generate a set of digital tokens sharable on a distributed computer network,
affiliate the set of digital tokens with an entity, wherein the entity comprises a person or a company, wherein the affiliating establishes and maintains an affiliation of the set of digital tokens as originating with the person or company on the distributed computer network even when ownership of one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens is transferred to one or more users of the distributed computer network,
provide one or more of the digital tokens to one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens, and
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the first entity, execute a conformation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising
identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, execute at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
13. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the entity or the person is a real-world entity or a real-world person.
13. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the entity or the person is a real-world entity or a real-world person.
14. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the entity or the person is a virtual entity or a virtual person.
14. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the entity or the person is a virtual entity or a virtual person.
15. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a physical area or location associated with the entity or the person.
15. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a physical area or location associated with the entity or the person.
16. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a virtual area or a virtual resource associated with the entity or the person.
16. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to grant access to a virtual area or a virtual resource associated with the entity or the person.
17. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to authorize a discount associated with the entity or the person.
17. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to authorize a discount associated with the entity or the person.
18. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to provide a digital signature for the first user.
18. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to provide a digital signature for the first user.
19. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to provide regulatory compliance through identification of the first user.
19. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to provide regulatory compliance through identification of the first user.
20. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to be provided to the entity in exchange for a real-world item.
20. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to be provided to the entity in exchange for a real-world item.
21. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured to for electronic trade for one or more other tokens as provided to other users, and wherein a first value of the first token varies with respect to respective values of the one or more other tokens based on a degree of privilege or access to the entity that each token provides.
21. (Previously presented) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token is configured for electronic trading for one or more other tokens as provided to other users, and wherein a first value of the first token varies with respect to respective values of the one or more other tokens based on a degree of privilege or access to the entity that each token provides.
22. The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token defines a fractional share of the entity, and wherein the computing instructions, when executed by one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to provide the first user with a fractional distribution or privilege proportional to the fractional share of the entity.
22. (Original) The blockchain-based system of claim 12, wherein the first token defines a fractional share of the entity, and wherein the computing instructions, when executed
by one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to provide the first user with a fractional distribution or privilege proportional to the fractional share of the entity.
23. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to:
generate a set of digital tokens sharable on a distributed computer network;
affiliate the set of digital tokens with an entity comprising a company or a person;
provide, by the one or more processors, one or more of the digital tokens to one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens;
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the first user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, execute a confirmation that the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token, wherein the indication comprises an electronic message signed with a cryptographic key of the first user, and wherein ownership of the first token is immutably recorded on the distributed computer network such that the immutability prevents tampering of the first user’s identity, and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, execute at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction
between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
23. (Currently amended) A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for providing secure digital identities and affiliations for users via digital tokens, that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to:
generate a set of digital tokens sharable on a distributed computer network;
affiliate the set of digital tokens with an entity, wherein the entity comprises a person or a company, wherein the affiliating establishes and maintains an affiliation of the set of digital
tokens as originating with the person or company on the distributed computer network even when ownership of one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens is transferred to one or more users of the distributed computer network;
provide one or more of the digital tokens to one or more users of the distributed computer network, the one or more users comprising at least a first user, wherein the first user is provided a first token selected from the one or more of the digital tokens; and
prior to
(a) authorizing a transaction between the user and the entity or
(b) granting access to the first user
for a resource or area controlled by the first entity, execute a conformation that
the first user has affiliation with the entity by virtue of maintaining ownership of the first token by the first user on the distributed computer network, the confirmation comprising identifying, by the one or more processors, the first user as affiliated with the entity following a receipt of an indication that the first user owns the first token and that the entity has the affiliation with the first user by virtue of the first user's ownership of the first token selected as originally provided from one or more of the digital tokens of the set of digital tokens, wherein the identifying confirms that the first user maintains association with the entity; and
following the confirmation, execute at least one of:
(a) authorizing the transaction between the first user and the entity, or
(b) granting access to the first user for a resource or area controlled by the entity, wherein the first user owns and is affiliated with the first token.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim[s] 1 – 23 contain allowable subject matter, but as allowable subject matter has been indicated, applicant's reply must either comply with all formal requirements or specifically traverse each requirement not complied with. See 37 CFR 1.111(b) and MPEP § 707.07(a).
***The examiner notes that a reasons for allowance can be written in the next subsequent office action, once all formal requirements above have been overcome.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DANT SHAIFER - HARRIMAN whose telephone number is (571)272-7910. The examiner can normally be reached M - F: 9am to 5pm.
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/DANT B SHAIFER HARRIMAN/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2434
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