Automatically enabling the forwarding of instant messages

US8577978B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bright Sun Technologies · US

Inventor

• Barry Appelman · McLean, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 5, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

In some examples, an instant message addressed to an intended instant messaging recipient may be forwarded to the recipient's mobile telephone when the recipient's mobile telephone number is known to the instant message sender. In one example, an instant message is forwarded to the intended recipient's mobile telephone number when the instant message sender's contact information for the intended recipient includes an instant message address (e.g., a screen name or other type of instant message identifier) and a mobile telephone number, without dependence upon the intended recipient's presence on the instant message (IM) system or through actual login or registration with an IM forwarding service. In another example, an instant message addressed to an intended instant messaging recipient is forwarded to the recipient's mobile telephone when the recipient is known to the instant message sender.