You can freely build on How a Server Updates Smart Card Apps and Shows Ads
This patent expired in 2023. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
International Business Machines Corp
Patent granted
2018
Expired
2023
Forward citations
1
What this patent covers
This patent details a method for managing applications on a smart card and delivering advertisements. When a user inserts their smart card into a computer, a server first verifies the user with a PIN. The server then reads a unique number from the smart card's processor to identify the specific card and retrieve its profile, which lists the applications stored on it (Claim 1). The server then tells the user's computer to show a page listing these applications and possible actions, like updating them. If the user chooses to modify an application, the server updates its records, the smart card itself changes the application, and the server sends an advertisement to be displayed on the user's computer (Claim 1).
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 9959544 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 smart card application updates that occur without a server authenticating the user via a PIN.
Does not cover systems where the smart card's unique processor number is not used by a server to identify a card profile.
Does not cover application updates that do not result in an advertisement being sent to the user's computer for display.
Does not cover smart card updates where the user's computer does not display a page of applications and permitted actions from the server.
Does not cover smart card systems that lack a server-side user profile or card profile containing physical characteristics and application identities.
Who is building on this today
Companies like Thales, Giesecke+Devrient, and IDEMIA, which are major providers of smart card and secure element technologies, continue to build systems for secure post-issuance management of applications. Mobile network operators also develop similar infrastructure for managing SIM card services and updates. IBM, the original assignee, continues to be active in secure transaction processing and enterprise solutions that could leverage such technologies.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Secure element updates on mobile payment cards
SIM card application management by mobile carriers
Digital TV smart card updates
Access control card configuration
How to cite this patent in your documentation
International Business Machines Corp. US Patent 9959544. Updating an application on a smart card and displaying an advertisement. Granted 2018, expired 2023. 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.