Redeeming affinity rewards as political contributions
US8239258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0236
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as political 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 political 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 political campaign, political party or political action committee allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such political campaigns, political parties or political action committees.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.