US6370514B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for marketing and redeeming vouchers for use in online purchases
Assignee: INTERNET CERTIFICATE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
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Filing: 1999-08-02
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Granted: 2002-04-09
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Expires: 2019-08-02
Abstract
Abstract A method for marketing and redeeming vouchers (meaning gift certificates or coupons) for use in online purchases is disclosed. The method includes the use of a centralized voucher server for processing transactions. A purchaser may buy a gift certificate through a number of routes such as a brick and mortar store, via the telephone, or via an online connection. The gift certificate can be delivered to a recipient by regular mail, email, telephone or the like. The purchaser can select one or more merchants by type or category of goods sold at which the gift certificate will apply. Merchants may offer coupons through a number of venues for redemption via the voucher server.
Inventors
- 👤 Marc A. Messner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/02; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/12; G06Q20/22; G06Q20/24; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/342; G06Q30/0207; G06Q30/0225; G06Q30/0239
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for marketing and redeeming vouchers for redemption by customers purchasing goods/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. providing a voucher server having installed thereon software for tracking purchases using vouchers and for accounting for balances of multiple voucher accounts; b. linking merchant web sites to the voucher server and to customer's electronic apparatuses server via the computer network; c. installing software on the merchant web sites, the software directing customers to the voucher server for processing purchase transactions and accounting for redemption of vouchers; d. accounting to merchants for transactions using vouchers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for marketing and redeeming vouchers for redemption by customers purchasing goods/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. providing a voucher server having installed thereon software for tracking purchases using vouchers and for accounting for balances of multiple voucher accounts; b. linking merchant web sites to the voucher server and to customer's electronic apparatuses server via the computer network; c. installing software on the merchant web sites, the software directing customers to the voucher server for processing purchase transactions and accounting for redemption of vouchers; d. accounting to merchants for transactions using vouchers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The voucher method of claim 1 where each voucher has an account number to facilitate tracking purchases related thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The voucher method of claim 2 where each voucher has a password, provided to the purchaser via secure means for ensuring the security of transactions performed with the voucher.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The voucher method of claim 3 where the voucher server separately accounts for gift certificates and coupons and provides a regular accounting and to each merchant of the value of both type of voucher redeemed on the system and automated transfers of monetary value pursuant to gift certificate purchases.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
207 words
A method for marketing and redeeming gift certificates for redemption by recipients purchasing good/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. collecting information from a purchaser relevant to the purchase of the gift certificate including: i. the purchaser's personal information, ii. the monetary amount of the gift certificate, iii. the recipient's personal information, iv. the delivery method, v. merchant(s) at which the certificate is to apply, and vi. Personal information regarding the recipient; b. receiving and verifying a payment from the purchaser; c. storing the collected information on a voucher server in communication with the computer network; d. delivering a notice of the gift certificate to the recipient, the notice including a gift certificate account number, the monetary amount, and any other information necessary to redeem the gift certificate; e. linking the recipient's electronic apparatus to a merchant site for transmission of information regarding the goods and services to be purchased; f. collecting redemption information from the recipient; g. approving the purchase by verifying at least the account number and monetary amount; h. notifying the merchant and the recipient of the approval of the purchase; i. paying the merchant; and j. reducing the gift certificate account to adjust for the purchase made.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
207 words
A method for marketing and redeeming gift certificates for redemption by recipients purchasing good/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. collecting information from a purchaser relevant to the purchase of the gift certificate including: i. the purchaser's personal information, ii. the monetary amount of the gift certificate, iii. the recipient's personal information, iv. the delivery method, v. merchant(s) at which the certificate is to apply, and vi. Personal information regarding the recipient; b. receiving and verifying a payment from the purchaser; c. storing the collected information on a voucher server in communication with the computer network; d. delivering a notice of the gift certificate to the recipient, the notice including a gift certificate account number, the monetary amount, and any other information necessary to redeem the gift certificate; e. linking the recipient's electronic apparatus to a merchant site for transmission of information regarding the goods and services to be purchased; f. collecting redemption information from the recipient; g. approving the purchase by verifying at least the account number and monetary amount; h. notifying the merchant and the recipient of the approval of the purchase; i. paying the merchant; and j. reducing the gift certificate account to adjust for the purchase made.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The gift certificate method of claim 5 , where, if the amount of goods and services to be purchased are greater in value than a remaining balance on a gift certificate account, an alternative payment method requested from the recipient to pay the excess above the remaining balance.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gift certificate method of claim 6 , where the gift certificate is purchased on a computer network.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The gift certificate method of claim 6 , where gift certificate is purchased in a brick and mortar store.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 , where the gift certificate is purchased via the telephone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The gift certificate method of claim 6 where the notification provided to the recipient provides a means for identifying goods/services suggested by the purchaser.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The gift certificate method of claim 6 where the notification provided to the recipient provides a link to a specific web page displaying the goods/services the purchaser intends for the recipient to buy with the certificate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gift certificate method of claim 6 where a recipient may choose to apply less than the remaining balance to his purchase and to select another payment method for the excess.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
84 words
A coupon method for distributing coupons to customers for redemption on-line in purchasing good/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. linking the electronic apparatus to a merchant site for transmission of information regarding the goods and services to be purchased; b. collecting coupon redemption information from the customer; c. approving the purchase by verifying at least the coupon account number and approving a payment method; d. notifying the merchant and the recipient of the approval of the purchase.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
84 words
A coupon method for distributing coupons to customers for redemption on-line in purchasing good/services on a common computer network using electronic apparatuses, the method comprising: a. linking the electronic apparatus to a merchant site for transmission of information regarding the goods and services to be purchased; b. collecting coupon redemption information from the customer; c. approving the purchase by verifying at least the coupon account number and approving a payment method; d. notifying the merchant and the recipient of the approval of the purchase.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The coupon method of claim 13 where the purchase pays at least a portion of the purchase price using a gift certificate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6 where the purchaser has the option of limiting redemption of the gift certificate to one or more specified merchant(s).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 where the purchaser has the option of limiting redemption of the gift certificate to one or more classes of specified merchant(s).
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-04-08 | 2005-10-08 | 2006-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-04-08 | 2009-10-08 | 2010-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-04-08 | 2013-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |