Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
705140150 | Consumer transaction fee | 61 |
20090248526 | METHOD AND PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR SETTLING TRANSACTION - A method and portable apparatus for settling a transaction are provided, in which the portable apparatus may be used as a card substitute payment device for settling a transaction. Information to conduct a settlement may be stored in the portable apparatus. The portable apparatus may be, for example, a portable phone or a PDA. A transaction inquiry machine may read or receive the information from the portable apparatus, similar to that of a card reader reading a magnetic card, and transmit the information to a VAN company server or a card company server, to then request for an approval to settle the transaction. | 10-01-2009 |
20090307070 | GOODS AND SERVICES-BASED TRADE METHOD AND SYSTEM - Trading methods and systems for promoting trade credit transactions between and among Trade Credit Exchanges and other users such as non-commercial consumers are described | 12-10-2009 |
20090319352 | REBATE TRANSACTION INSTRUMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for distributing a transaction instrument is disclosed. The method may include receiving rebate parameters from a merchant; associating the rebate parameters with a transaction instrument; distributing the transaction instrument to a merchant; and activating and/or loading the transaction instrument in response to a request from the merchant thus enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open rebate card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In one example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time that the merchant requests activation. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes. | 12-24-2009 |
20090327059 | DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR METERING IN ADVERTISING SCENARIOS - DRM support for metering in advertising scenarios is provided by an arrangement in which metering requests are included along with usage policies in licenses that grant rights to a presentation that comprises multiple pieces of metered media content that are sourced from different providers. A DRM runtime environment on a computing device such as a PC or mobile device will report metering data to locations specified in the metering requests while also enforcing the policies. The metering requests passed in the license enable each piece of media content in the presentation to be individually metered and the metering data sent to different entities at different locations. The DRM runtime environment on the computing device can prevent third parties from requesting that metering data be sent to other locations. The policies may be configured to block or restrict playback of media content if metering data is not submitted. | 12-31-2009 |
20090327060 | CASH-OUT METHODS AND SYSTEMS YIELDING ENHANCED TIME-DEFERRED VALUE - A method of exchanging assets within a wagering establishment computer-based marketplace layer including the acts of accessing a wagering establishment marketplace layer using a peripheral device, offering a first asset for exchange in the wagering establishment marketplace layer to all participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer. The method also includes the acts of receiving an offer to exchange a second asset for the first asset from an anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, accepting the offer to exchange the second asset for the first asset from the anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, and transferring the first asset in exchange for the second asset. | 12-31-2009 |
20090327061 | SYSTEM FOR MARKETING GOODS AND SERVICES UTILIZING COMPUTERIZED CENTRAL AND REMOTE FACILITIES - A system and means for transacting business utilizing remote and central locations. Each of the locations has an array of electronic communications equipment for communicating information about goods and services comprising audio, video, and data between the central location and a customer at the remote location. | 12-31-2009 |
20100010885 | Methods and Systems for Account Management and Virtual Agent Design and Implementation - Aspects of the present invention comprise systems and methods for design and use of web-based applications for account management. Some embodiments may comprise a virtual agent or avatar as part of an account collection or management web application. Some embodiments may comprise applications, utilities and tools for account-related web resource design. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010886 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING AND ENCOURAGING CHARITABLE GIVING - A system and method for facilitating and encouraging micro-donations is described. A donation facilitator serves as a centralized system for providing promotion, banking, and donation acceptance for non-profit organizations of all sizes. One embodiment accepts donations from donors via mobile devices such as smartphones. The embodiment also allows the donors to submit multimedia files such as pictures along with their donation, which are then combined into a group image that is displayed on a large-format video screen, such as a video screen at a concert or sporting event. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010887 | CONTINGENT FEE ADVERTISEMENT PUBLISHING SERVICE PROVIDER FOR INTERACTIVE TV MEDIA SYSTEM AND METHOD - A purchase-transaction-settled online consumer referral and reward system and method using real-time specific merchant sales information is provided for the advertising publishing industry. The system provides a pay per transaction platform that allows advertising publishers to monetize interactive and/or broadcast media advertising by tracking and linking ad acceptance events to consummated consumer purchases. | 01-14-2010 |
20100076829 | Dynamically and Predictively Updating Mobile Devices as Mobile Users Pass Through Projected Locations - This description provides tools and techniques for dynamically and predictively updating mobile devices as mobile users pass through projected locations. These tools may provide methods that include defining thresholds applicable to at least portions of travel itineraries on which mobile users are traveling. The methods may also identify advertisements to send to mobile devices associated with the mobile users, upon meeting the threshold. The methods may also send the selected advertisements, as associated with corresponding advertisers, to the mobile devices. | 03-25-2010 |
20100094694 | Rewards Program For Real Estate Sales and Other Uses - A consumer-to-consumer rewards program that consumers can utilize to incentivize consumer sale or lease of goods to other consumers, such as real estate. Also disclosed herein is a universal rewards card in which a consumer can earn and spend points at any preferred retailer. | 04-15-2010 |
20100106577 | System and Methods for Delivering Targeted Marketing Offers to Consumers Via an Online Portal - A system and methods for delivering targeted marketing offers to consumers during a session with an online (web-based) Internet portal, particularly suitable for online banking portals of financial institutions. An offer management system receives information corresponding to an advertising campaign of an advertiser corresponding to terms of a targeted marketing offer to be provided to a consumer accessing the online portal, and provides advertising campaign data corresponding to the targeted marketing offer and to an offer-triggering event to an offer placement system. An offer placement system receives the advertising campaign data, determines the occurrence of the offer-triggering event by a consumer during an online session with the online portal, and delivers information corresponding to the targeted marketing offer to the consumer. In response to the offer-triggering event, such as display of a list of transactions, the predetermined targeted marketing offer is delivered to the consumer during the online session. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106578 | SHAREHOLDER REWARD SYSTEM - A system for providing an offer from multiple sources to a user promoting a reward upon satisfying conditions of the offer. The system electronically receives data indicating that a user has selected an offer to receive a reward from an issuer of stock or an intermediary based on stock ownership. Upon identifying the conditions of the offer, the system determines whether the conditions of the offer are satisfied using stock ownership and/or purchase data associated with the user stored in a shareholder database that aggregates ownership information from multiple sources. The stock purchase data stored in the shareholder database represents stock ownership records that are based on multiple sources including among others: purchases made by the user via one or more investment accounts, gifts or grants of stock or convertible instruments, and stock purchased by the user directly from an issuer of stock or on the open-market through the system. When the conditions of the offer are satisfied based on the stock purchase data stored in the shareholder database, the system determines the reward associated with the offer and delivers the reward to the user. | 04-29-2010 |
20100153198 | System and Method for Providing Incentives to Purchasers - An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration. A manufacturer, such as an automobile manufacturer, can offer incentives direct to its consumers and enter into an electronic dialogue with its customers to help drive profits and sales in the most efficient manner. For instance, where certain models of vehicles are in over-supply in a certain geographic region a manufacturer may in real-time tailor its incentive offerings to help account for seasonal or other demand events. Further, the manufacturer can in real-time see the response to its incentives offerings and make appropriate changes to insure the desired result of its marketing efforts is obtained. A graphical user interface enables the remote user to search products or services of interest and to selectively build desired incentives and submit same for acceptance. | 06-17-2010 |
20100198669 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING TRANSACTIONS WITH OLIGOPOLISTIC ENTITIES - A method for conducting a business transaction using a payment processing network is disclosed. The method includes sending an authorization request message including an authorization request to an issuer, where the authorization request message originates from a business consumer purchasing goods or services from an oligopolistic business entity. The issuer sends an authorization response message indicating that the authorization request is approved or not approved. Economic incentives associated with the business transaction is provided to the oligopolistic business entity or the business consumer for conducting the business transaction, wherein the incentive would not be available in a transaction between a non-oligopolistic business entity and the business consumer. A method for encouraging use of electronic payment methods is also disclosed, wherein an oligopolistic entity and a group of business consumers in an industry vertical are identified based on sales information, and an economic incentive is provided to the oligopolistic business entity after it agrees to accept electronic payment transactions for conducting business with the group of business consumers. | 08-05-2010 |
20100205050 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCEPTING CLOSED LOOP CARDS AND CODES AT A MERCHANT POINT OF SALE - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for redeeming a closed loop card/code funded with an amount of money. The system receives from a merchant point of sale an indication of use of a closed loop card/code not issued by the merchant and presented by a consumer, queries and receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card/code, presents the consumer with an offer to buy the closed loop card/code at a discount price, and upon accepting the offer, closes out the closed loop card/code and pays the discount price to the consumer. Paying the discount price can include applying the discount price to a purchase by the consumer at the merchant. The merchant can provide cash back to the consumer for excess value of the discount price over the consumer's purchase. Merchants can apply more than the discount price. | 08-12-2010 |
20100274649 | CREDIT CARD PROVIDING ENHANCED BENEFITS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING SAME - A credit card that enables card-holders to pay for premiums on the insurance product using the credit card, while avoiding the need to pay deductibles on the insurance product (which may be used to cover auto, home, liability or health). Entities such as those underwriting the insurance product, self-insuring credit card issuers, or third-party financial institutions, may pay the deductibles. A method for using the credit card also forms a part of the invention. A website may be provided to enable card-holders to select among various insurance products, and to facilitate credit card payments by the card-holders. Computers may be used by the various involved parties to compute break-even profit points, deductibles, lowered credit card interchange fees, etc. | 10-28-2010 |
20100332303 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REWARDING CUSTOMER LOYALTY - Systems and methods allow for rewarding customer loyalty, such as rewarding members of a fitness club for longevity of membership to the fitness club. A method of an embodiment includes storing information about a customer who is scheduled to be charged payment amounts that are specified by a payment plan. The method further includes receiving, by a server computer over a network from a client computer, a request to enroll the customer in a payment reducing plan. Also, the method further includes automatically reducing, by the server computer, the payment amounts charged to the customer over time in accordance with a payment reduction schedule for the payment reducing plan while the customer remains enrolled in the payment reducing plan. | 12-30-2010 |
20110015978 | COUPON DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are provided for dispensing coupons in response to a purchase request for a requested good or service received from a consumer. A processing system executes a coupon dispensing application to manage the dispensing of coupons. The coupon dispensing application communicates with a coupon management system to identify available coupons for the requested good or service in response to the purchase request. The coupon dispensing application may also communicate with a benefit provider system to determine a benefit amount provided to the consumer for the requested good or service. The coupon dispensing application determines a payment amount for the requested good or service based on an available coupon, a determined benefit amount, and/or a purchase amount for the requested good or service. | 01-20-2011 |
20110029363 | Electronic coupon creation deployment, transference, validation management, clearance, redemption and reporting system and interactive participation of individuals and groups within the system - This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion. | 02-03-2011 |
20110054988 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE THROUGH PROVIDING CROSS-BENEFITS DURING A TRANSACTION - Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer. | 03-03-2011 |
20110066482 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDEEMING AND ISSUING CONSUMER INCENTIVES VIA A COMPUTER NETWORK - A discounted coupon card for use by a consumer and methods for using the same are disclosed and described herein. The card comprises two sides and is about the size of a standard credit card. One side of the card includes a sponsoring theme or advertising. The opposite side of the card includes a magnetic strip that includes electro-magnetic data corresponding to the merchants and the purchase incentives and indicia identifying the merchants and purchase incentives or discounts. The magnetic strip is adapted to be read by a magnetic strip reader and the data on the strip can be transmitted to a computer network to provide instant and future discounts for advertised goods or services from a plurality of businesses. | 03-17-2011 |
20110093319 | System And Method For Facilitating The Home Viewing of First-Run Movies - The home viewing of movies currently being shown in one or more theaters is facilitated. Facilitating home viewing of first-run, feature length movies may increase the amount of money earned during the theatre run of the movies. For example, this may enable users that would not be able to view movies in the theatre, and/or that would not be willing to view at least some of the movies in the theatre, to purchase the ability to view the movies. | 04-21-2011 |
20110112896 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINING PARTICIPANTS WITH VENDORS AND OTHER PRODUCT/SERVICE PROVIDERS - A method for forming linking customers with product and or service providing entities comprising: establishing a coordinator; posting by at last one of an event host or a sponsor at least one of descriptors of an event to be staged by the event host or offerings by the sponsor; and fitting the event host with one or more sponsors. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125561 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ELECTRONICALLY VERIFYING REQUIRED PROOF-OF-PERFORMANCE TO SECURE PROMOTIONAL REWARDS - A proof-of-performance verification system may include a receipt processing facility that receives a receipt image, wherein the receipt processing facility optionally enhances the receipt, converts the receipt image to text, and matches the text to a product or service description in accordance with a terminology database, a proof processor that electronically matches a user-selected reward offer against the product or service description to facilitate offer redemption, and at least one of a payment facility that distributes the offer redemption funds and a rewards facility that communicates incentive rewards to a central location. Related user interfaces, applications, and computer program products are disclosed. | 05-26-2011 |
20110202399 | ONLINE COUPON DISTRIBUTION METHOD - An online coupon distribution method includes creating, at a coupon distribution server and for a sold goods coupon, a pair of a code number and an authentication key which are stored in a coupon database. The code number is sent to a wireless communication terminal and the authentication key is sent to the wireless communication terminal using a callback short message service (SMS). When the sold goods store coupon is used at a goods store terminal, the code number is sent from the goods store terminal to the coupon distribution server. The coupon distribution server receives the authentication key sent from the wireless communication terminal through a callback SMS, and compares the received code number and authentication key with the code number and authentication key stored in the coupon database. The coupon distribution server sends an authentication result to the goods store terminal where the goods store coupon is used. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208571 | Beverage Advertising Models - A method for implementing an advertising campaign to sell alcoholic beverages can include receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user for a tracking code associated with a purchase of an alcoholic beverage. The method an also include generating the tracking code, and sending, by the computing device, the tracking code to the user. The method can further include receiving confirmation of the purchase of the alcoholic beverage, and providing an incentive to the user for the purchase. | 08-25-2011 |
20110313831 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC COUPON SERVICE USING COMMUNICATION NETWORK, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM FOR STORING PROGRAM FOR EXECUTING THE METHOD - The present invention provides a method for providing an electronic coupon service using a communication network, including: requesting a purchase for the electronic coupon product registered in an electronic coupon service-providing server via a purchaser terminal; enabling the electronic coupon service-providing server to generate first contract information containing a purchaser and a first contract number, using the electronic coupon service provider as a seller; and enabling the electronic coupon service-providing server to generate second contract information containing a second contract number, using the place at which the electronic coupon is used as a seller, and using the electronic coupon service provider as a purchaser, wherein said second contract information contains said first contract number. | 12-22-2011 |
20120022929 | ELECTRONIC COUPON SYSTEM - Internet, web-based platform that offers low cost advertising venue for companies and a convenient shopping venue for customers. The system includes storage capacity to store information on purchased and redeemed coupons, and includes logic to analyze the effectiveness of a marketing campaign based on statistical analysis of redeemed coupons relative to purchased coupons. One embodiment includes a system capable of automatically comparing and analyzing the customers' stored preferences with posted coupons, and automatically sending a listing of coupons that match the customer's preference by email, text message, or by any commercially available communication mode. Another embodiment includes a coupon sales revenue sharing function between the web site and the matched coupon company that credits both the web site's account and the company's account for each coupon sold, where the company's shared revenue portion can be limited. | 01-26-2012 |
20120078695 | Universal Bonus/Rewards Card - A universal rewards system for consolidating reward and bonus programs across a series of programs in which a consumer participates. The system includes at least one computer having a computer-readable medium with program instructions stored thereon to cause the processor to receive data streams regarding participating merchants, determine and/or identify qualified transactions, identify appropriate rewards/bonuses, and identify participating consumers, generate data regarding the qualified transactions and the appropriate rewards/bonuses, and transmit information regarding the qualified transactions and issuance of the appropriate rewards/bonuses. The system also includes an identification device for distribution to the participating consumers. The identification device is a single device, eliminating the need for the consumer to carry a multitude of identification devices, that includes identifying information unique to the participating consumer, is configured for universal acceptance by each of the participating merchants and, wherein at least some of the participating merchants offer diverse goods and/or services. | 03-29-2012 |
20120084127 | TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING PROFIT-SHARING INCENTIVES WITHIN SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES - A system and method for conducting revenue-generating transactions by creation and dissemination of a pooled profit-sharing incentive among users of a social network or other online community. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084128 | System and Method For Providing Incentives to Purchasers - An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration. | 04-05-2012 |
20120158475 | LOCATION BASED DISCOUNTS - The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card. | 06-21-2012 |
20120209673 | System and Method for Merchant's Benefit-focused Electronic Coupon Distribution Business - The present invention relates to a system and method for merchant's benefit-focused electronic coupon distribution business. The invention provides an online platform connecting merchants to targeted consumers without sales people. The online platform provides merchants with profile pages where the merchants can manage and sell coupon offerings. Consumers can search and purchase one-time use coupons based on the coupon offerings. Each one-time use coupon carries unique identification number and code, and the coupon is tracked to provide information back to registered merchants. This invention minimizes the risk and marketing promotion cost by shifting the burden of marketing cost to the consumers' side. Instead of paving for marketing costs upfront, merchants receive micropayments from consumers through coupon offerings and selling one-time use coupons. This invention creates a get-paid-to-participate-marketing for merchants, and ways to access more discounts from more local businesses for consumers. | 08-16-2012 |
20120226533 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR REMUNERATING ENDORSERS OF A PRODUCT AND DEMOCRATIZING PRODUCT SALES - A method and system are disclosed for remunerating endorsers of a digital artistic product online, and of tangible products sent to purchasers, such as a video, image, or music production. An endorser of a product is compensated for recommending the product which the endorser has purchased to other users. A portion of the revenue generated either on the digital music product, or the on other products, resulting from the recommendation of the endorsers is paid to the endorser. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232972 | RETAILING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A method of conducting retailing promotions uses a computerized retailing promotion system communicating with client devices operated by a plurality of consumers and merchants over a communications network. The method includes the steps of: (a) selling vouchers to consumers operating client devices using the computerized retailing promotion system, each voucher including a deal at one of a plurality of sequential levels that can be redeemed by a consumer at a merchant for a specified product or service, wherein a consumer is entitled to purchase a voucher having a deal at a higher level only if the consumer has purchased a voucher having a deal at an immediately lower level; and (b) for each consumer redemption of a voucher at a merchant: (i) receiving notification at the computerized retailing promotion system from the merchant when the consumer redeems the voucher; (ii) making a payment to the merchant using the computerized retailing promotion system; (iii) unlocking a deal at the next sequential level, if available, and enabling the consumer to purchase a voucher for that deal; and (iv) repeating steps (i) to (iii) until deals at all levels of a promotion have been sold to the consumer. | 09-13-2012 |
20120271690 | Redeeming Affinity Rewards as Contributions - Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as contributions are disclosed. In an aspect, “points” or “miles” created through various existing affinity programs prevalent in the credit card and airline industries can be redeemed as (nonprofit) donations. Typically, such reward, award or bonus “points” or “miles” have been redeemed for free or discounted rewards such as airline tickets, hotel room stays, restaurant vouchers or other goods and services. However, millions of vested affinity points or miles are left unused (i.e., unredeemed). The present invention allows a consumer who holds such points or miles to link to a nonprofit organization allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such organizations. | 10-25-2012 |
20120303428 | Tradesmans purchase system - A Tradesman's Purchase system is operated by a bank or credit issuing authority that issues a Tradesman's purchasing credit unique ID# to qualifying tradesman selected from the group consisting of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, mechanics, repair shop professionals, contractors, or related construction or trade companies and professions upon payment of an initiation fee and payment of periodic maintenance fees. The unique ID# provides pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses. The unique ID# is linked to the tradesman's name, business, professional status, license number and biometric data including palm print, finger print, iris print and voice print. Professional purchases by the tradesman are tracked by the system, analyzed and reported to sponsoring manufacturers of goods, jobbers or wholesalers for a fee. The purchasing information can be used for marketing purposes and generation of special discounts on future purchases by the tradesmen. | 11-29-2012 |
20130030891 | VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A value management system which facilitates substantially real-time exchange of loyalty value during transactions. The value management system includes an exchange computer for acting as an intermediary between a loyalty member computer and a loyalty system on behalf of a loyalty member. The exchange computer is for storing login information of the loyalty member, for accessing a loyalty account of the loyalty member within the loyalty system using the login information, for determining a loyalty value associated with the loyalty account, for performing a transaction with the loyalty member involving a change in the loyalty value in exchange for other value, and for charging a fee from the loyalty member in return for the transaction. | 01-31-2013 |
20130151321 | CUSTOMER INCENTIVE REWARD CARD MATCHING METHOD - A customer incentive reward card matching method that allows a merchant or affiliation of merchants to create incentive, retention,, and marketing methods for a customer by providing the customer with a reward card that has a matching value to the customer's initial purchase price. The reward card is designed to incentivize the customer to return to the merchant for future business and also generate profits for the merchant by charging premium prices for products and services, requiring minimum price purchases, charging a small administrative fee, and other prerequisites. The customer incentive reward card matching method further utilizes a point of sale device connected to a remote computer to download, view, analyze, edit, and process customer transaction history data. | 06-13-2013 |
20130204684 | Content Sharing System and Content Sharing Method - A content sharing system and a content sharing method of sharing contents following a free will of a user through belonging to a plurality of groups are disclosed. Identification information on each of one or more groups to which respective users belong is stored while associating it with identification information on the users. A download history of a content via user terminals by respective users is stored while associating it with the identification information on the users. A group or groups to which a user accessing via a user terminal belongs is/are determined. Whether a content already primarily downloaded by another user belonging to the determined group(s) exists is determined based on the download history and identification information. If the content already primarily downloaded by the another user exists, secondary download to the user terminal accessing the above-mentioned content is permitted. | 08-08-2013 |
20130275192 | Social Network Driven Real-Time Multi-Player, Multi-Merchant, Multi-Bucket Discounting Social Commerce System With Value Tracking, Multi-Layer Commission Forwarding and Discount Processing Systems and Related Methods - Methods for a buyer to receive a discount from a merchant or another member in a multi-merchant, multi-payer internet commerce platform in a social network. The methods relate to deals which include loyalty-based discounts, prepaid discounts and/or coupon discounts. A buyer may wish a deal form a selected merchant at a selected discount. Upon acceptance by the merchant, the deal is published and available to all members. Existing members may sponsor friends or businesses to become members of the internet commerce platform. New businesses listed on the internet commerce platform are subject to verification by current members entering business telephone numbers and determining if the entered numbers match. Further verification may include an interactive voice response test performed on the business manager's mobile telephone number. | 10-17-2013 |
20130311256 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MARKETING AND INCENTIVES FOR CUSTOMERS AND/OR BUSINESSES - A platform connects customers and businesses for purchasing goods and/or services at a first price, which is less than a second price offered to the general public. Offers are made to customers through the platform under a first payment option or a second payment option. The first payment option is a pay now option where a customer pays for the voucher before receiving it, and the business pays financial consideration to the platform for the opportunity to provide the vouchers. The second payment option is a pay later option where the business pays no financial consideration to the platform for its offers. Customers pay a periodic subscription and receive the vouchers without payment. Payment for the vouchers occurs directly with the business at the time of redemption. Businesses may also be paid commissions for attracting customers to use the platform. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311257 | PRODUCT TRIAL USE TRANSACTION - For product trial use transactions, a distribution module receives a single specified subscription fee from a subscriber and receives a selection of a first product from a plurality of products. Purchase prices of the plurality of products are not uniform. The distribution module further provides the first product to the subscriber in response to receiving the single specified subscription fee and the selection of the first product. In addition, the detection module detects a return of the first product by a specified trial end date. A transaction module automatically transacts a sale of the first product to the subscriber after the specified trial end date if the first product is not received back from the subscriber by the specified trial end date. | 11-21-2013 |
20130325571 | System and method for providing travel directions - A computer-implemented method for providing travel directions includes receiving a request for a travel route from a first location to a second location; determining the travel route; providing, based on the travel route, a suggested transaction and directions for a first portion of the travel route; and receiving a notification that the suggested transaction has occurred. A computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that perform the method is also provided. In response to a notification that the suggested transaction has occurred, directions for a second portion of the travel route may be provided. | 12-05-2013 |
20140006122 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DISCOUNT VOUCHERS | 01-02-2014 |
20140046741 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING CREATION AND PROMOTION OF CREATIVE WORKS - A method and system for facilitating the creation and promotion of creative works involves displaying or providing information about one or more undeveloped creative works, and receiving and processing requests for purchases of benefits relating to selected ones of the undeveloped creative works. Patron information is stored in a manner associated it with work under development selected by the user. Monetary amounts received from patrons relating to the undeveloped works are aggregated and, at a certain point, made available to the producer of the work to be developed. Patrons may be notified concerning availability of the selected and previously purchased benefits relating to the patron's sponsorship of the particular work. The benefit may be redeemed or obtained in a variety of different manners, depending upon the nature of the benefit. | 02-13-2014 |
20140081722 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COUPON OPTION PURCHASE AND USE - A system and method for internet-enabled retailing and redemption of coupon options; retailer-sold, consumer purchasable discounts for goods or products. The system may include a coupon option server receiving coupon option information including a purchase price, discount, and the underlying good. The coupon option is displayed on a coupon option website where it may be searched, reviewed, purchased by and delivered to a consumer. The consumer may then present the coupon option at a retail point of sale for redemption. A retailer site may also be equipped with a wireless broadcast device to broadcast coupon options to consumer smartphones for purchase by the consumers. | 03-20-2014 |
20140207546 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MERCHANT MANAGED MARKETING DISTRIBUTION - A system and related method are disclosed for a platform that allows merchants to register, and enter their data, at which point the system generates sales, vouchers, or similar items automatically or using merchant input. Publication, by web or mobile app, can be controlled with parameters including geographic limitations, and published by divisions and employees under security authorizations. According to some embodiments, customers may pay a deposit for a redeemable version, refundable upon redemption. | 07-24-2014 |
20140249899 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF APPLYING REWARDS TO FEES IN QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS - A system, computer program product and a method of applying rewards to fees in qualifying accounts of a financial institution are provided. The system, computer program product and method ensure that one or more reward accounts of a single account holder or “household” of account holders at the financial institution are qualified to receive a reward, are entitled to receive income other than the reward amount, that the account holder of the account is enrolled to receive one or more service for a service fees from the financial institution and that the fees are entitled to be automatically offset against income earned by the reward accounts during the predetermined cycle. If so, the system, computer program product and method deduct the fees from the sum of earned reward amount and the income other than the reward amount. In cases where the sum of the earned reward amount and the income from other than the reward amount is less than the service fee, a credit is automatically applied to the account holder that is up to or equal to the difference as a further reward to the account holder for having the reward account. | 09-04-2014 |
20140278858 | METHOD FOR GENERATING, DISTRIBUTING, and REDEEMING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - A method is provided for offering and distributing digital coupons from promoters to users via a network. The method includes the steps of receiving the digital coupons, storing them on a central computer, and associating them with a product identifier. The user selects a selected product identifier, and the digital coupons associated with the selected product identifier are then transmitted to the user, who can then select a selected digital coupon, for use. The promoter pays a fee for the placement of and/or use of each of the digital coupons. | 09-18-2014 |
20140324557 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING A CUSTOM TRACK - A method and system for creating and editing video and/or audio tracks is described. The method includes providing at least one artist, venue, and track available for selection and providing at least one clip associated with the at least one artist, venue, and track. The method also includes allowing a user to create a custom track from the at least one clip. The system includes a plurality of video cameras for recording a live performance at a plurality of positions. The system also includes at least one server for storing a plurality of video clips created from the plurality of video cameras and an application stored on the at least one server for allowing a user to access the plurality of video clips via the Internet. | 10-30-2014 |
20140344036 | SOCIAL NETWORK BASED ON GPS AND OTHER NETWORK CONNECTIONS - The invention is system and method for extending social networking features to a map based system Social Navigation. It is called MySocialGPS where one can use Active Maps to locate friends, locate social activities, and send Active Messages, Plan Social Activities and Socialize. In addition to regular social networking features, a Beacon ID is generated by the system to enable social mapping on the Social GPS “SGPS” of Friends, Businesses, Places, Events and Deals. The Beacon ID enables enhanced GPS functionality enabling a Friend location to become a destination. The proposed system will have coupons and deals from merchant partners. The system provides a portal for merchants to upload their deals and coupons. MySocialGPS has a deals-events search engine, which connects to the other websites, retrieves and consolidates Featured Places, Events and Deals then displays them on the Social GPS Map for its users. Friends, Featured Places, Deals and Events are location specific and their display depends on current or selected location or Time Period of the user. | 11-20-2014 |
20150039408 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANONYMOUS COUPON REDEMPTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for a service provider to facilitate the sale and purchase of discount coupons applicable to products buyers are interested in purchasing. A buyer may transmit information on a product to the service provider. The service provider may search a repository of coupons to find coupons applicable to the product. The coupons are available to purchase from account holders of the service provider. The service provider may transmit information on the coupons to the buyer. The buyer may select a coupon to purchase and may transmit the selection to the service provider. The service provider may purchase the coupon. If the coupon is used to purchase the product, the service provider may apply the coupon to the product, charge the buyer for the coupon and the product, credit the coupon seller's account for the sale of the coupon, and pay a merchant for the product. | 02-05-2015 |
20150112777 | MARKETPLACE SYSTEM - A method includes receiving a request for a pass of a type of pass from a first customer. The method includes, based on an availability of a pass of the requested type, enabling the first customer to purchase the pass of the requested type either (i) from a set of available passes of the requested type or (ii) from a second customer. The method includes enabling a mobile device associated with the first customer to be used to present the purchased pass. | 04-23-2015 |
20150302452 | Content Subscription Rewards System - A content subscription rewards system includes a qualified subscriber computer, an Internet connected media device and a rewards database in communication with a software application via a network that allows a qualified subscriber to access publisher content and a rewards database, wherein said publisher content is provided without any advertisements. | 10-22-2015 |
20160063531 | Providing prepaid subscribers with pre-disclosed discounted rates for a variety of service providers - A system and method for providing a prepaid subscription to discounted rates on select contracted service providers. The method comprises subscribing of the new website visitor to a prepaid contracted service membership; accessing to various contracted service providers and their contact information near current location; accessing to reviews and current customer ratings of contracted service providers; contacting and visiting contracted service providers; confirming validity of subscriber membership and receiving of discounted rates on applicable services. | 03-03-2016 |
20160078542 | Forum for Purchasing Crowd Funded Goods and Services Using Dividend Credits - In some embodiments of the invention, a method providing a private marketplace among early stage companies and investors in which dividend credits on investments are applicable to products or services offered for sale may register a plurality of companies with an equity crowd funding system. The method may also register an investor with the equity crowd funding system. The method further receives, from an investor, payment for investing in a given company in the plurality of companies. Then, the method receives, from the company, a dividend credit on the payment for the investor. The method applies the dividend credit to an account of the investor and displays to the investor offers to purchase goods or services from companies within the plurality of companies. The dividend credit is applicable to purchase prices of the goods or services. | 03-17-2016 |
20160092900 | SYSTEM FOR ARRANGING PRODUCT TRIAL PRESENTATION WITH RETAILER FOR SUBSEQUENT ONLINE PURCHASE - A sales promotion system supporting a plurality of buyer and a plurality of sellers, wherein the sellers are online sellers or brick and mortar sellers, and some sellers can charge a fee for letting a potential buyer try a product before purchasing it online at a different seller. The sales promotion system makes an arrangement for a trial by potential buyers at some seller's premises, and subsequently helps the seller charge a fee for the trial, while the actual purchase is conducted with a different online seller. | 03-31-2016 |
20160125442 | USER SCORES BASED ON BULK RECORD UPDATES - User scores based on bulk record updates is described. A system receives record updates submitted by a user. The system subtracts a penalty debit from a user score, which corresponds to the user, for each record which corresponds to at least one of the record updates and which is removed from purchasing availability. The system adds a full credit to the user score for each record which corresponds to at least one of the record updates and which is purchased. The system adds a partial credit to the user score for each record which corresponds to at least one of the record updates and which is yet to be purchased and which is yet to be removed from purchasing availability, wherein the partial credit is a positive value that is less than the full credit. The system enables the user to access records, based on the user score. | 05-05-2016 |
20160148240 | System and Method that Rewards Vendors for Offering Nonpublished Coupons - A system and method that rewards vendors for offering nonpublished coupons. The vendor can market and distribute a unique coupon through a gateway for substantially free and is subsequently rewarded when a consumer performs a transaction involving the unique coupon. The unique coupon must be unique, in that it offers exclusivity to the vendor and a time limitation for use of the coupon. Also, the coupon is sold to a consumer for a predetermined coupon fee, rather than given to the consumer gratuitously. To access the coupon, the consumer either searches for the coupon on the internet, or receives a text alert upon approaching a predetermined range of the vendor. The consumer purchases the coupon for a coupon fee, and utilizes the coupon in a transaction with the vendor identified on the coupon. After the coupon has been used, the vendor receives part of the coupon fee. | 05-26-2016 |