New Delhi: Google, an internet search giant has filed a patent application in India for its recently developed social network site based on user preferences and format performance data. The patent was filed to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. The authorities have issued a public notice in its recent journal and have also sought public opinion. Developed by Alexandra Baugher, Google has already registered this invention with the Geneva based World Intellectual Property Organisation (WiPO) in November, 2006.

Google has claimed that a user network site could be formed on the basis of preferences and format performance data, which means a website, could be developed on the basis of some personal information that would be helpful in many ways. As per details available on Internet regarding this method, personal information includes the country or region in which a user is living, age group, education level and gender.

On the other hand, format performance data means further development of site on the basis of different indicators such as how long a particular web page has been viewed by a user, which kind of information is more popular and some similar factors, reports Business Standard.

At WIPO, Google had submitted that the format preference information of its invention comprises information about groups based on their size, layout, shape, color or timing of display.