Method and apparatus for ordering goods, services and content over an internetwork using a virtual payment account
US9864990B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/03
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A virtual payment system for paying for goods, services and content ordered over an internetwork is disclosed. The virtual payment system includes a commerce gateway. Buyers and sellers becomes registered participants by applying for virtual payment buyer and seller accounts. Once an account is established with the commerce gateway, a digital certificate is stored on the registered participant's computer. A buyer can then order a product, i.e., goods, services or content from a seller and charge it to the virtual payment account. When the product is shipped, the seller notifies the commerce gateway, which applies the charges to the buyer's virtual payment account. The buyer can settle the charges using a prepaid account, a credit account, or by using reward points earned through use of the virtual payment account. A buyer may create sub-accounts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.