Electronic discovery process using a blockchain

US10650476B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael Bassler · Erlangen, DE
• Thomas Hampp · Stuttgart, DE
• Philipp Hoffmann · Weil im Schönbuch, DE
• David Lebutsch · Lörrach, DE
• Daniel Pittner · Steinenbronn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 28, 2017
• Grant date: May 12, 2020
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F16/27
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for performing an electronic discovery process using a blockchain. For at least two of phases of the electronic discovery process individual electronic data processing tools are used for executing the respective phase. For each of the phases of the electronic discovery process metadata of the electronic data objects subject to the respective phase of the electronic discovery process and to the electronic data processing tool used for executing the respective phase are stored in the blockchain. Furthermore, audit information about auditable actions carried out during the respective phase by the electronic data processing tool used for executing the respective phase on the electronic data objects is stored in the blockchain. The stored audit information provides an end-to-end audit trail for each of the electronic data objects subject to at least one of the phases of the electronic discovery process.