System and method for facilitating mobile commerce

US7979316B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sohail Coelho · New York, US
• Luke Gebb · New York, US
• James Hedleston · New York, US
• Paul J. Sacchetti · Warrington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2007
• Grant date: Jul 12, 2011
• Expiry date: May 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/08
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for facilitating the purchase of goods and/or services between the holder of a wireless communications device and a commerce system is disclosed. The system enables consumers who wish to participate in promotional sales offers to register with a mobile commerce system. Consumers may further define the types of items that they are interested in purchasing. Prior to the start of a promotion, the system sends a text message alert to registered consumers, giving them an opportunity to opt-in via text message from a wireless communications device. When the promotion is activated, the opted-in consumers are alerted via text message and are given an opportunity to send a text message back to the system indicative of a desire to purchase the promotional item. If defined conditions are met, the consumer's financial account is debited in the amount of the purchase and the consumer is instructed as to how to acquire their purchase.