ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 11 -- United States Patent no. 12,548,077, issued on Feb. 10, was assigned to Trading Technologies International Inc. (Chicago).

"User-defined algorithm electronic trading" was invented by Richard Lane (Stamford, Conn.) and Michael Unetich (Chicago).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "Certain embodiments reduce the risks of traditionally programmed algorithms such as syntax errors, unclear logic, and the need for a non-trader programmer to develop the algorithm as specified by a trader by reducing or eliminating the writing of programming code by a user. Certain embodiments provide building block buttons and an algorithm area to define an algorithm. Certain embodiments provide...