Method for electronic distribution and redemption of coupons on the world wide web
US6336098B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0601
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for electronic distribution and redemption of coupons on a computer network. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic coupon in the form of a machine readable computer file; permitting a user of a client machine to receive the computer file via the computer network when the user accesses a selected coupon distribution web site; storing the computer file on the client machine; and authorizing a benefit when the computer file is received by a selected coupon redemption web site via the computer network. The method can further include the steps of transmitting the computer file from the coupon redemption web site to the centralized computer facility; and verifying the authenticity of the computer file prior to authorizing the benefit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.