Proofpoint has been granted a patent for a system that prevents duplication of computer source files to destination files. The system includes a user application, an agent application, and an operating system. The agent application registers for notifications of user interface actions, determines if the action is indicative of a file duplication operation, and blocks the action from reaching the application. GlobalData’s report on Proofpoint gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Proofpoint, Network traffic analysis was a key innovation area identified from patents. Proofpoint's grant share as of September 2023 was 52%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Preventing duplication of computer source files during user actions
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11775670B2) describes a system and method for preventing the duplication of computer source files to a destination file. The system includes a computer with a processor and memory, a user application accessed by a user, and an agent application hosted by the computer.
The agent application performs several steps to prevent file duplication. First, it registers with the operating system (OS) of the computer for a notification of input events received from a graphical user interface pointer or a keyboard user interface. It then receives notice from the OS of the input event, which could be a keystroke, keystroke combination, interface pointer controller button push or release, or pointer location.
The agent application determines if the detected input event indicates a user application level data file duplication operation from a source file to a destination file location. If it does, the agent prevents the user application from receiving the input event.
The system also includes additional features. The agent application can detect data file copy and paste actions as part of the duplication operation. It can access source file properties and compare them to blocking criteria to determine if duplication should be prevented.
The method for preventing duplication follows a similar process. The computer hosting the user application registers with the OS for input event notifications and receives notice of the detected input event. The method then determines if the event indicates a data file duplication operation and prevents the user application from receiving the event.
The method can also include additional steps such as accessing source file properties, comparing them to blocking criteria, and informing the user of the prevention. It can estimate a time window for the duplication operation and notify the user if it exceeds a predetermined threshold. It can also compare properties of the source file and destination file location to blocking criteria, such as indicating the destination file location is on a removable memory device or external to the computer.
Overall, this patent describes a system and method for preventing the duplication of computer source files to a destination file by detecting input events and taking appropriate actions to prevent the user application from receiving those events.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
