You can freely build on How Software Services Pass Messages Across Different Network Zones

What this patent covers

This patent describes a way to send data notifications between two separate zones in a distributed computer network. Normally, a notification service only talks to devices within its own zone. This method allows a first notification service to register itself with a second notification service, essentially creating a bridge. When an emitter sends a message to the first service, it automatically forwards that message to the second service, which then delivers it to the final receiver. It acts like a relay, ensuring information can travel across boundaries that were previously isolated.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 6073184 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover direct communication between an emitter and a receiver that bypasses the notification services.

• Does not cover systems where a single central server handles all notifications for the entire network.

• Does not cover hardware-level signal routing or physical network cabling protocols.

• Does not cover peer-to-peer messaging that lacks a formal registration or enrollment step between services.

Who is building on this today

Large telecommunications infrastructure providers like Nokia (which acquired Alcatel-Lucent) and major cloud platform providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure utilize similar patterns for event-driven messaging across distributed regions.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Alcatel SA. US Patent 6073184. Method of transmitting a notification to a receiver from plural notification services in a distributed application network, and a network for implementing the method. Granted 2000, expired 2018. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.