logo

For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

James Prescott Hughes

This inventor holds 57 USPTO granted patents and 3 published patent applications, plus 1 CIPO patent and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Data Security Solutions (CPC class G06F). Top assignees: Storage Technology Corporation, Oracle America, Inc., Future Wei Technologies, Inc.. Active years: 1989-2025.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: James Prescott Hughes. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/james-prescott-hughes

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 57 

% Patents Active = 91.2



Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.3

ph-index = 18

Forward Citations = 2,191(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 2,166(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Texarkana, TX (US) (1989)
  • Lino Lakes, MN (US) (1990 - 2007)
  • Minneapolis, MN (US) (2006 - 2008)
  • Herndon, VA (US) (2009 - 2014)
  • Palo Alto, CA (US) (2009 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal19 out of 947 
 
Storage Technology Corporation
 patents
silverMedal17 out of 1,928 
 
Oracle America, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal10 out of 3,059 
 
Future Wei Technologies, Inc.
 patents
4. 9 out of 8,748 
 
Seagate Technology Incorporated
 patents
5. 1 out of 10 
 
Network Systems Corporation
 patents
6. 1 out of 834,513 
Other
 patents

Years Active: 1989-2025

Loading Chart...
Loading Chart...
Loading Chart...
Areas of Expertise:
Encryption
Data Integrity
Object-Based Commands
Secure Information Distribution
Data Repair
Quality of Service
Storage Devices
Snapshot Technology
Access Control
Virtual Tape Library
Error Detection
Clustered File Systems
57 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12235940 - Method and apparatus for secure information distribution (2025-02-25),
2. 12001526 - Method and apparatus for secure information distribution (2024-06-04),
3. 10860696 - Method and apparatus for secure information distribution (2020-12-08),
4. 10380385 - Visual security device (2019-08-13),
5. 10296239 - Object-based commands with quality of service identifiers (2019-05-21),
6. 9864773 - Object-based commands with data integrity identifiers (2018-01-09),
7. 9666228 - Shingled magnetic recording data store (2017-05-30),
8. 9602280 - System and method for content encryption in a key/value store (2017-03-21),
9. 9600555 - Object-based commands and functions (2017-03-21),
10. 9451024 - Self-organizing disk (SoD) (2016-09-20),
11. 9396350 - Object-based commands with access control identifiers (2016-07-19),
12. 9361937 - Shingled magnetic recording data store (2016-06-07),
13. 9335931 - System and method for making snapshots of storage devices (2016-05-10),
14. 9298521 - Command sets and functions (2016-03-29),
15. 9223840 - Fast object fingerprints (2015-12-29),

Title: James Prescott Hughes: Innovator in Secure Information Distribution

Introduction

James Prescott Hughes, based in Palo Alto, CA, is a prominent inventor known for his extensive contributions to the field of secure information distribution. With a remarkable total of 56 patents, Hughes has made significant advancements in technologies aimed at enhancing data security.

Latest Patents

One of Hughes' latest patents, titled "Method and Apparatus for Secure Information Distribution," outlines a sophisticated system for the secure generation and distribution of digital encryption keys. This system goes beyond encryption keys, providing solutions for protecting various types of secure information, including digital, audio, video, and analog data, as well as physical objects. Central to this innovation is the tamper-respondent secure token device, which is designed to either destroy or disable access to the secure information it contains if there are any attempts at unauthorized access. The system features outputs that are secured through various interfaces without relying on electrical connections or electromagnetic radiation, along with secure input methods, such as gesture-based interfaces. It also incorporates protocols for self-destruct commands and the proof of destruction or disablement of the device and its contents.

Career Highlights

Hughes has held significant positions at renowned companies such as Storage Technology Corporation and Oracle America, Inc. During his career, he has focused on revolutionizing how sensitive information is handled and protected, reflecting his commitment to advancing technological solutions in security.

Collaborations

Throughout his professional journey, Hughes has collaborated with talented individuals in the industry, including Charles Allen Milligan and Timothy Richard Feldman. These partnerships highlight Hughes’ ability to work alongside other innovators, leveraging shared expertise to push the boundaries of technology in information security.

Conclusion

James Prescott Hughes stands out as a leading figure in the realm of secure information distribution. His innovative patents and collaborative efforts have significantly impacted the way secure data is generated, distributed, and protected. As technology continues to evolve, Hughes’ contributions will remain vital in ensuring the security of information in our increasingly digital world.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
Loading…