E-couponing

US8239295B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Michael S. Hsu · Lincoln, US
• Michael Murray · Leesburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 2, 2010
• Grant date: Aug 7, 2012
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F17/42
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity.