Digital asset intermediary electronic settlement platform

US20160292680A1: Digital Asset Holdings

A digital asset settlement method includes receiving from a first user an authorization for a conditional transaction involving a digital right, which has been digitized on a distributed ledger, matching the authorization for transaction from the first user with an authorization for transaction from at least one other user, settling the transaction between at least the first and other users if the conditional is met, and memorializing the settled transaction on the distributed ledger.

Cryptographic Security for Electronic Transactions

US20160203477: Modernity Financial Holdings Ltd

Various embodiments include a wallet service that processes a cryptocurrency deposit into a cryptocurrency wallet account maintained in a wallet service system. The wallet service can receive an authentication parameter to authenticate the cryptocurrency deposit and record a transfer of a cryptocurrency amount from a first cryptocurrency address to a second cryptocurrency address. In response to and substantially immediately after authenticating the authentication parameter, the wallet service can exchange the cryptocurrency amount associated with the cryptocurrency deposit for fiat currency proceeds and deposit the fiat currency proceeds into a fiat reserve account. The wallet service can then associate exchangeable credit equal to the fiat currency proceeds to the cryptocurrency wallet account. In response to receiving a user-initiated request to spend a target portion of the exchangeable credit, the cryptocurrency wallet service can exchange, from the fiat reserve account, for cryptocurrency proceeds equal to the target portion.

System and method for user authentication using crypto-currency transactions as access tokens

US20160162897: Filing Cabinet LLC

A method for crypto-currency transaction authentication includes receiving, by a computing device, from a data storage device associated with a first entity, an authentication information demonstrating possession of a private key, retrieving, by the computing device, from an audit chain, at least one crypto-currency transaction to an address associated with a public key corresponding to the private key, and authenticating, by the computing device, based on the retrieved crypto-currency transaction, the first entity.

Send bitcoin to email address

US20150262140: Coinbase, Inc.

A system and method for transaction bitcoin is described. Bitcoin can be sent to an email address. No miner's fee is paid by a host computer system. Hot wallet functionality is provided that transfers values of some Bitcoin addresses to a vault for purposes of security. A private key of a Bitcoin address of the vault is split and distributed to keep the vault secure. Instant exchange allows for merchants and customers to lock in a local currency price. A vault has multiple email addresses to authorize a transfer of bitcoin out of the vault. User can opt to have private keys stored in locations that are under their control. A tip button rewards content creators for their efforts. A bitcoin exchange allows for users to set prices that they are willing to sell or buy bitcoin and execute such trades.

Digital money choice and eWallet selection

US20160162882: Guy LaMonte McClung, III

Methods and systems for facilitating a choice by a consumer of one of a plurality of eWallets from an eWallet entity or from an eWallet provider and/or choice of a particular digital money from a plurality of virtual currency providers, with or without choice of taxing or fee country or jurisdiction for doing the transaction, with or without choice of a shipment entity for the shipment of good(s); and, in certain aspects, each eWallet provider and/or digital money provider able to access a master account of a consumer and/or digital money account(s) of the consumer; and in certain such methods, multiple entities bidding regarding price and/or incentive(s) in order to influence the consumer to choose a particular eWallet and/or a particular digital money to effect a transaction, e.g., a sales or rental transaction or a transaction for services; and such methods in which a consumer's multi-card is used. Methods and systems for funding an account, in one aspect, a pension account, insurance account, or college fund; and computer applications for effecting such funding; in certain aspects using an electronic wallet and/or a chosen digital money. Methods and systems for providing a GIFTSURANCE (trademark) insurance policy to a person or persons; and, in certain aspects, a computer application for funding such a GIFTSURANCE (trademark) policy.

Digital currency mining circuitry having shared processing logic

US20160125040: 21 Inc.

An integrated circuit may be provided with cryptocurrency mining capabilities. The integrated circuit may include control circuitry and a number of processing cores that complete a Secure Hash Algorithm 256 (SHA-256) function in parallel. Logic circuitry may be shared between multiple processing cores. Each processing core may perform sequential rounds of cryptographic hashing operations based on a hash input and message word inputs. The control circuitry may control the processing cores to complete the SHA-256 function over different search spaces. The shared logic circuitry may perform a subset of the sequential rounds for multiple processing cores. If desired, the shared logic circuitry may generate message word inputs for some of the sequential rounds across multiple processing cores. By sharing logic circuitry across cores, chip area consumption and power efficiency may be improved relative to scenarios where the cores are formed using only dedicated logic.

System and method for analyzing transactions in a distributed ledger

US9298806:  Coinlab, Inc.

A system and method configured for analyzing transactions in a distributed ledger. The system may identify transactions where addresses and/or groupings of addresses are co-spent together and determine whether the addresses and/or groupings of addresses should be associated with each other. Addresses may be associated with each other in a grouping of addresses and/or potential grouping of addresses because they likely belong to the same entity. The system may identify different strengths and/or confidence levels of groupings of addresses and/or potential groupings of addresses. Strong groupings, relatively strong potential groupings, and/or other groupings of addresses, potential groupings of addresses, and/or groups may be grouped, associated, analyzed, and/or presented together. As such, the system may provide a comprehensive analysis of addresses associated with a given entity.

System and Method for Converting Cryptocurrency to Virtual Assets Whose Value is Substantiated by a Reserve of Assets

US20150332256: Bitreserve Ltd.

A computer-based system converts cryptocurrency into a virtual asset. The system includes a user account database server configured to store data of a plurality of user accounts. The stored data pertains to each user account and indicates an accounting of obligations of the system to the user. The system also includes a cryptocurrency account server configured to receive, from a networked device of a user, a transfer of crypto currency, from an external cryptocurrency account. In response to receipt of such a transfer, the cryptocurrency account server is configured to update the data pertaining to the obligations of the system to the user. The system also includes a user interface server configured to receive a request from the user for conversion of cryptocurrency to an asset. In response to receipt of the request, the system updates the data pertaining to the user account of the user.

Out-of-Band Validation of Domain Name System Records

20160191243: William Manning

An out-of-band Domain Name System (DNS) security technique uses a cryptographic blockchain for securing and validating DNS data in a chain of custody that exists outside the DNS namespace, allowing validated access to cached DNS information without requiring real-time access to root servers.

Network System and Method for Transferring Cryptocurrencies Between a User Account and a Receiving Account

20160180338: International Business Machines Corporation

A user computing device generates a token while the user computing device is in an offline mode and not connected to an external network. The token includes information of an amount of cryptocurrency to be transferred from a user account to a receiving account and information of a first password for enabling the transfer. The token is signed by the user computing device with a private key while in the offline mode and the signed token is stored by the user computing device on a portable device. A receiving device receiving the signed token from the portable user storage device, authenticates a user corresponding to the user account based on the signed token, receives a second password, compares the first and second passwords for enabling the transfer, and transfers the amount of cryptocurrency from the user account to the receiving account based on the information included in the token.

Enabling a User to Transact Using Cryptocurrency

US20150324764: Gert-Jan Van ooyen

A system and method of enabling a user to transact using cryptocurrency of a value defined in relation to a different medium of exchange or financial instrument is provided. In the method, a request to create a voucher having a face value remaining defined in relation to the medium of exchange or financial instrument is received. A voucher having key data being associated with a voucher cryptocurrency address holding a token amount of cryptocurrency included therein is generated. A transaction ledger is monitored to determine whether a redeeming transaction against the voucher address has occurred against a destination cryptocurrency address. Responsive to a redeeming transaction against the voucher address occurring, an additional amount of cryptocurrency is transferred to the destination address. The additional amount of cryptocurrency being calculated such that the sum of the token and additional amounts substantially matches a cryptocurrency equivalent of the face value of the voucher.

Systems and methods for executing cryptographically secure transactions using voice and natural language processing

US20150278820: Mark Stephen Meadows

A method for executing cryptographically secure transactions using voice and natural language processing is provided. The method comprises executing on a processor the steps of receiving an electronic communication in a computer terminal with a memory module, an authentication module, a parsing module, a digital-to-analog converter, a voice interface module and a ledger module, the electronic communication is a verbal request by a user initiating a cryptographically secure transaction for a commodity of exchange in the form of an audio frequency signal; transforming the audio frequency signal into a digital signal; authenticating the user using the authentication module; parsing the digital signal using the parsing module to identify an intent of the verbal request by the user; determining the intent of the verbal request matches an intent of the computer terminal; and transmitting the commodity of exchange upon confirmation of the intent of the verbal request matching the intent of the computer terminal.

Digital currency enabled vending machine

US20160086418: Christopher M. Smolen, Stuart Card

A vending machine is described that uses digital currency transactions to enable a user to purchase items from their portable computing device. Using a control system in communication with various components of the vending machine and an internet connection for communicating with a remote digital currency system, such as a bitcoin network, a digital currency processing system executes digital currency transactions and stores the resulting digital currency in a transaction storage repository. The control system initiates dispensing of purchased items based on communication from the digital currency processing system.

Method for creating, issuing and redeeming payment assured contracts based on mathemematically and objectively verifiable criteria

US20150206106: Yaron Edan Yago

A business method and a system are disclosed comprising a software/computer/firmware module that creates contract/credit certificates with verifiable and objective terms based on a trade request between two or more parties. The module of the present invention also monitors crypto-digital instrument networks, including crypto-digital financial networks, to verify performance of the expected terms and notifies a credit issuing party as to the status (complete/not complete) of the relevant contract/credit certificate. The module, by use of encryption techniques or cryptography, ensures that the credit issued is only issued once while verifying credit-certificates. The disclosed business method and system allows for credit issuing bodies to provide payment guarantees that may be claimed only upon meeting objectively and/or mathematically verifiable terms on crypto-digital instrument networks. Lastly, the invention provides a business method for using crypto-digital instrument networks to issue digital credit certificates that cannot be double-spent.

Healthcare transaction validation via blockchain proof-of-work, systems and methods

US20150332283: Nant Holdings IP LLC

Healthcare transaction validation systems and methods are presented. Healthcare transactions associated with a stakeholder are compiled into a chain of healthcare transaction blocks. The chain can be considered a chronicle of person's healthcare path through life. When a transaction is conducted, the corresponding healthcare parameters (e.g., inputs, outputs, clinical evidence, outcomes, etc.) are sent to one or more validation devices. The devices establish a validity of the transaction and generate a new block via a proof-of-work principle. Once the new block has been calculated it can be appended to the stakeholder's health care blockchain.

System and method for executing financial transactions

US20150356555: Antti Pennanen

A system for implementing at least one cryptocurrency transaction at a point-of-sale by using a mobile terminal is provided. The system is operable to provide authentication for implementing the one or more cryptocurrency transactions, wherein the system is operable to send at least one authentication request for the at least one cryptocurrency transaction from a payment terminal to a payment service hosted via one or more virtual computing machines, wherein the payment service is operable to provide a request for a PIN code at the mobile terminal; to send the PIN code from the mobile terminal via a secure channel to open a vault in the one or more virtual machines, wherein the vault contains one or more private keys (PKI) which are useable for authenticating the at least one cryptocurrency transaction; and to confirm execution of the at least one cryptocurrency transaction to at least the payment terminal.

System and method for distributing, receiving, and using funds or credits and apparatus thereof

US20160012465: Sharp Intellectual Asset Holdings, LLC

A system for performing various methods of sending, receiving, distributing, and utilizing funds and/or credits is disclosed. In many embodiments, various communications platforms and/or protocols may be employed. Methods of sending funds or credits may be practiced in different environments, including physical and electronic environments. According to some preferred embodiments, users may perform a variety of transactions including various gifting functions, re-gifting functions, and social interactions simply, through various types of electronic communications, including, but not limited to electronic messaging.

System and method for creating a multi-branched blockchain with configurable protocol rules

US20160028552: Nikolaos Spanos

The present invention generally relates to blockchain technology. Specifically, this invention relates to creating a blockchain called a slidechain that allows for multiple valid branches or forks to propagate simultaneously with a customized set of protocol rules embedded in and applied to each fork chain that branches from another chain. The invention generally provides a computer-implemented method for accessing, developing and maintaining a decentralized database through a peer-to-peer network, to preserve the original state of data inputs while adapting to changing circumstances, user preferences, and emerging technological capabilities.

Blockchain Rights Management Method and Apparatus

CN105488431A: 布比（北京）网络技术有限公司

The present invention discloses a system block chain Access Control Method and apparatus can be realized after the user login is successful, according to the user's information to generate user-tree root privileges, permissions tree to user roles, permissions, and block chain the layers for the child node; when the user operates the block chain, notification control module corresponding to the user's permission to traverse the tree traversal based on the results of the control module determines whether the user has the legal authority to block the chain operation, if the allowed to operate, without the prohibited operation. According to the present invention permissions tree for flexible access control rights management, because the authority has a tree-rise, quickly update the characteristics, can reduce the consumption of resources authority, taking into account the guaranteed rights management efficiency.

Systems and Methods for Managing Real Estate Titles and Permissions

US20160035054: GeoFrenzy, Inc.

Methods and systems for managing real estate titles and permissions include using a key to identify titles and/or permissions. The key is preferably operable to control operations of electronic devices within geographic boundaries, with the geographic boundaries preferably being defined by a geofence and/or IP-based addressing. In certain embodiments, a system is linked to real property records to assign the key to the owner of record. Like other property rights, this virtual right-to-control electronic devices while located in a certain space may be sold outright, leased, rented, partitioned or otherwise conveyed to others.

Systems, devices, and methods for detecting double signing in a one-time use signature scheme

US20160080156: VeriSign Inc.

Embodiments relate to systems, devices, and computer-implemented methods for detecting double signing in one-time use signature schemes by receiving a first message, where the first message includes a signature generated using a one-time use private key of a one-time use public/private key pair, determining a one-time use public key of the public/private key pair based on the first message, adding the one-time use public key to a list of public keys, receiving a second message, where the second message includes a signature generated using the one-time use private key of the one-time use public/private key pair, determining the one-time use public key of the public/private key pair based on the second message, determining that the one-time use public/private key pair was used more than once based on the list of public keys; and generating an alert based on determining that the one-time use public/private key pair was used more than once.

Tip Button

US20150262138: Coinbase, Inc.

A system and method for transaction bitcoin is described. Bitcoin can be sent to an email address. No miner's fee is paid by a host computer system. Hot wallet functionality is provided that transfers values of some Bitcoin addresses to a vault for purposes of security. A private key of a Bitcoin address of the vault is split and distributed to keep the vault secure. Instant exchange allows for merchants and customers to lock in a local currency price. A vault has multiple email addresses to authorize a transfer of bitcoin out of the vault. User can opt to have private keys stored in locations that are under their control. A tip button rewards content creators for their efforts. A bitcoin exchange allows for users to set prices that they are willing to sell or buy bitcoin and execute such trades.

Off-block chain transactions in combination with on-block chain transactions

US20150262137: Coinbase, Inc.

A system and method for transaction bitcoin is described. Bitcoin can be sent to an email address. No miner's fee is paid by a host computer system. Hot wallet functionality is provided that transfers values of some Bitcoin addresses to a vault for purposes of security. A private key of a Bitcoin address of the vault is split and distributed to keep the vault secure. Instant exchange allows for merchants and customers to lock in a local currency price. A vault has multiple email addresses to authorize a transfer of bitcoin out of the vault. User can opt to have private keys stored in locations that are under their control. A tip button rewards content creators for their efforts. A bitcoin exchange allows for users to set prices that they are willing to sell or buy bitcoin and execute such trades.

BofA Blockchain Patent Applications

Bank of America's blockchain patent filings demonstrate bankers' changing views of the technology over the last few years. BofA is applying for twenty (20) blockchain-related patents this year. Blockchain has been regarded by some as the most significant technological advancement in finance since double-entry accounting.

"'We want to patent so […] we don't have to worry about getting sued because we have the IP,' is one way to justify BofA's patent strategy," said Brian Knight, Associate Director of the Milken Institute's Center for Financial Markets. FinTech observers note that BofA’s approach is a practical one.

Securing patent protection for software and business methods can be a difficult path to navigate. A qualified and experienced FinTech patent attorney can help chart a course to improve your chances of success.

System and Method for Electronic Currency Mining

PCT/CA2015/050875:  Pirooz, Robert Parviz

A method of distributed mining of an electronic currency is disclosed, including: providing a link to a user member of an organization; receiving a request from the user activating the link, and an agreement from the user to terms of a predetermined electronic currency distribution agreement to mine electronic currency for the organization; receiving a request from the user for an electronic currency mining application; providing the electronic currency mining application to the user; executing the electronic mining application on a user device to mine an electronic currency; receiving mining tracking data from the user; receiving mined electronic currency from an electronic currency server; and distributing a portion of the received electronic currency to the organization according to the predetermined electronic currency distribution agreement.

Method for Creating, Issuing and Redeeming Payment Assured Contracts [...]

US20150206106: Yaron Edan Yago

A business method and a system are disclosed comprising a software/computer/firmware module that creates contract/credit certificates with verifiable and objective terms based on a trade request between two or more parties. The module of the present invention also monitors crypto-digital instrument networks, including crypto-digital financial networks, to verify performance of the expected terms and notifies a credit issuing party as to the status (complete/not complete) of the relevant contract/credit certificate. The module, by use of encryption techniques or cryptography, ensures that the credit issued is only issued once while verifying credit-certificates. The disclosed business method and system allows for credit issuing bodies to provide payment guarantees that may be claimed only upon meeting objectively and/or mathematically verifiable terms on crypto-digital instrument networks. Lastly, the invention provides a business method for using crypto-digital instrument networks to issue digital credit certificates that cannot be double-spent.

Systems and Methods for Providing Multi-Currency Platforms [...]

US2015/0170112: DeCastro, Erly Dalvo

The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for conducting financial transactions, digital asset exchanges, and multi-currency interoperability on a private network of member subscribers in communication with other commercial banking and finance networks and services, where the system includes a specially adapted currency storage and conversion card apparatus, the card further comprising means for executing said transactions and exchanges using one or two or more currencies, where at least one of said currencies in preferred embodiments is a virtual digital currency hosted on said private network and combining features of both decentralized and centrally-regulated cryptocurrency systems; as well as a host of hardware and software means for integrating all of the above advantageously in various contingencies and circumstances.

System and Method for Block-Chain Verification of Goods

US2016/0098730: The Filing Cabinet, LLC

A method for block-chain verification of goods includes obtaining, by a first computing device, a first address. The method includes exporting, by the first computing device, the first address to a first code affixed to a first product. The method includes filing, by the first computing device, a first crypto-currency transaction to the first address, at a transaction register. The method includes receiving, by a second computing device, from a code scanner, the first address, scanned from the first code affixed to the first product. The method includes verifying, by the second computing device, the first crypto-currency transaction at the transaction register, using the first address. The method includes identifying, by the second computing device, based on the verification, that the first product is authentic.

Virtual Currency Bank

US2016/0140653: McKenzie, Ryan

Described herein are embodiments of a virtual currency bank that includes a sealed container that includes an exterior surface and defines an interior, a QR code, located on the exterior associated with a public key that is tied to a virtual currency account, in that the QR code may be scanned to access the public key in order to add funds to the virtual currency account, and a private key, located in the interior of the sealed container and associated with the public key, in that the private key must be accessed and read to remove or spend funds from the virtual currency account. The sealed container is sealed in a manner so that the private key cannot be accessed without breaking the seal or the container in a manner that cannot be obscured or undone

Isolated Payment System

US9,324,062: International Business Machines Corporation

A payment company separate from a retailer runs a payment application having credentials on a server computer. There are wireless personal portable interfaces belonging to the payment company but located in real and virtual retail, showrooms. The retailer agrees to the credentials of the payment company, which include prespecified real and virtual currencies for remittance. Credentials also include rules regarding limitations on acceptance of remittance in virtual currencies. A customer having a personal portable device enters a showroom and selects merchandise to purchase. She selects a payment company who remits payment to the retailer according to the credentials.

Enhanced Automated Anti-Fraud and Anti-Money-Laundering Payment System

US2016/0071108: IDM Global, Inc.

A computerized anti-money-laundering and anti-fraud transaction analysis system may include a computerized cryptocurrency analysis tool system operatively coupled over a computerized network to a cryptocurrency exchange, a cryptocurrency exchange ledger and/or a know-your-customer facility. The computerized cryptocurrency analysis tool may include an automated payment cluster analysis routine for analyzing transaction data for a plurality of proposed cryptocurrency transactions. The transaction data for the plurality of proposed cryptocurrency transactions may be obtained from the cryptocurrency exchange, cryptocurrency ledger and/or the know-your-customer facility. The automated payment cluster analysis routine automatically identifies a cluster of related transactions in the plurality of proposed cryptocurrency transactions based upon an analysis of a plurality of transaction data items associated with each of the proposed cryptocurrency transactions. The computerized cryptocurrency analysis tool may also include automated summary routine for flagging a first transaction in the identified cluster as potentially associated with at fraud and/or money-laundering.

Modular Device Payment System

US2016/0148196: PayPal, Inc.

A modular device payment module includes a chassis. A modular device connector is located on the chassis. A payment module database in the chassis stores funding source information and security information. A payment module engine in the chassis determines that the modular device connector has been connected to a modular device frame of a modular device, and retrieves modular device identifying information from the modular device. The payment module then determines that the modular device identifying information matches an authorized modular device identified by the security information in the payment module database and, in response, enables the transmission of at least some of the funding source information from the payment module database to conduct a payment transaction.

Hot Wallet for Holding Bitcoin

US2015/0262176: Coinbase, Inc.

A system and method for transaction bitcoin is described. Bitcoin can be sent to an email address. No miner’s fee is paid by a host computer system. Hot wallet functionality is provided that transfers values of some Bitcoin addresses to a vault for purposes of security. A private key of a Bitcoin address of the vault is split and distributed to keep the vault secure. Instant exchange allows for merchants and customers to lock in a local currency price. A vault has multiple email addresses to authorize a transfer of bitcoin out of the vault. User can opt to have private keys stored in locations that are under their control. A tip button rewards content creators for their efforts. A bitcoin exchange allows for users to set prices that they are willing to sell or buy bitcoin and execute such trades.