US6041308A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for motivating submission of conditional purchase offers
Assignee: Priceline com LLC
•
Filing: 1998-12-04
•
Granted: 2000-03-21
•
Expires: 2018-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A system and method are disclosed for encouraging buyers to submit CPOs to a CPO management system for a desired product. The CPO management system processes each received CPO to determine whether one or more sellers are willing to accept a given CPO. The disclosed CPO management system compensates buyers if the buyer's conditional purchase offer is rejected, or expires before an acceptance is received. If a CPO is rejected by the sellers, or has expired before an acceptance is received, the CPO management system evaluates one or more stored compensation offers to determine if the buyer is eligible for rejection compensation. The compensation offers may optionally require that the conditional purchase offer satisfies one or more additional predefined eligibility criteria. If the predefined criteria is met, the rejection compensation is provided to the buyer. The rejection compensation can include, for example, (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against future transactions, thereby encouraging future use.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 T. Scott Case
- 👤 Tracy Hartmann
- 👤 Daniel E. Tedesco
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:06
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/02; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/12; G06Q20/22; G06Q20/24; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/403; G06Q30/0207; G06Q30/06; G07; G07F; G07F9/00; G07F9/02; G07F9/026; G07G; G07G1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 99
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
30 words
The method according to claims 1, 9 or 12, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises providing said conditional purchase offer to a plurality of potential sellers of said product.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
37 words
The method according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises identifying one or more rules from a plurality of potential sellers, each of said rules containing one or more seller-defined restrictions.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
48 words
The method according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said buyer may be compensated with a rejection compensation selected from the group comprising (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against a future sale.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
29 words
The method according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said conditional purchase offer further includes a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds may be paid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 7, further comprising using said payment identifier to pay a penalty if said buyer does not complete said sale.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 7, wherein said funds are paid from a general-purpose account.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
20 words
The method according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said conditional purchase offer is a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises requiring said buyer to submit a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises preventing said buyer from submitting multiple conditional purchase offers.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of using a computer to compensate buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: receiving, using a computer, a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
31 words
The method according to claims 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises providing said conditional purchase offer to a plurality of potential sellers of said product.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
38 words
The method according to claims 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises identifying one or more rules from a plurality of potential sellers, each of said rules containing one or more seller-defined restrictions.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
49 words
The method according to claims 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein said buyer may be compensated with a rejection compensation selected from the group comprising (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against a future sale.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
30 words
The method according to claims 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein said conditional purchase offer further includes a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds may be paid.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 20, further comprising using said payment identifier to pay a penalty if said buyer does not complete said sale.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said funds are paid from a general-purpose account.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
21 words
The method according to claims 13, 14, 15 or 16, wherein said conditional purchase offer is a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises requiring said buyer to submit a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises preventing said buyer from submitting multiple conditional purchase offers.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; prevent said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; prevent said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises requiring said buyer to submit a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises preventing said buyer from submitting multiple conditional purchase offers.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintain the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintain the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
30 words
The system according to claims 26, 27 or 30, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises providing said conditional purchase offer to a plurality of potential sellers of said product.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
37 words
The system according to claims 26, 27 or 30, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises identifying one or more rules from a plurality of potential sellers, each of said rules containing one or more seller-defined restrictions.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
48 words
The system according to claims 26, 27 or 30, wherein said buyer may be compensated with a rejection compensation selected from the group comprising (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against a future sale.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
29 words
The system according to claims 26, 27 or 30, wherein said conditional purchase offer further includes a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds may be paid.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 34, wherein said processor is further configured to use said payment identifier to pay a penalty if said buyer does not complete said sale.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system according to claim 34, wherein said funds are paid from a general-purpose account.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
20 words
The system according to claims 26, 27 or 30, wherein said conditional purchase offer is a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and prevent said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and prevent said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 40, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises requiring said buyer to submit a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 40, wherein preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises preventing said buyer from submitting multiple conditional purchase offers.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintain the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: a memory device; and a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to: receive a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; process said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensate said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintain the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
31 words
The system according to claims 38, 39, 40 or 43, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises providing said conditional purchase offer to a plurality of potential sellers of said product.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
38 words
The system according to claims 38, 39, 40 and 43, wherein processing said conditional purchase offer comprises identifying one or more rules from a plurality of potential sellers, each of said rules containing one or more seller-defined restrictions.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
49 words
The system according to claims 38, 39, 40 or 43, wherein said buyer may be compensated with a rejection compensation selected from the group comprising (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against a future sale.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
30 words
The system according to claims 38, 39, 40 or 43, wherein said conditional purchase offer further includes a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds may be paid.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 47, wherein said processor is further configured to use said payment identifier to pay a penalty if said buyer does not complete said sale.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system according to claim 47, wherein said funds are paid from a general-purpose account.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
21 words
The system according to claims 38, 39, 40 or 43, wherein said conditional purchase offer is a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
74 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
81 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
81 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 52, wherein said means for preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises means for requiring said buyer to submit a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 52, wherein said means for preventing said buyer from identifying said acceptable seller price comprises means for preventing said buyer from submitting multiple conditional purchase offers.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and means for maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and means for maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
35 words
The system according to claims 51, 52, or 55, wherein said means for processing said conditional purchase offer comprises means for providing said conditional purchase offer to a plurality of potential sellers of said product.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
42 words
The system according to claims 51, 52 or 55, wherein said means for processing said conditional purchase offer comprises means for identifying one or more rules from a plurality of potential sellers, each of said rules containing one or more seller-defined restrictions.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
48 words
The system according to claims 51, 52 or 55, wherein said buyer may be compensated with a rejection compensation selected from the group comprising (i) a cash award, (ii) a prize, or (iii) a coupon or credit that may be redeemed for a discount against a future sale.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
29 words
The system according to claims 51, 52 or 55, wherein said conditional purchase offer further includes a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds may be paid.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
20 words
The system according to claims 51, 52 or 55 wherein said conditional purchase offer is a binding conditional purchase offer.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
77 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
77 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
72 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
72 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
79 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and means for preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
79 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and means for preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and means for maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for compensating buyers who make conditional purchase offers, comprising: means for receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; means for processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; means for compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and means for maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
78 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
78 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
83 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
83 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price; and compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if said conditional purchase offer is not accepted by a seller; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; wherein said predefined criteria includes a minimum offer price.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition and a variable condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; and compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and preventing said buyer from identifying an acceptable seller price.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
85 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
85 words
A computer device comprising: a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied therein, said computer readable program means for: receiving a conditional purchase offer from a buyer for a product, said conditional purchase offer containing at least one buyer-defined condition; processing said conditional purchase offer to determine if said conditional purchase offer is accepted by a seller; compensating said buyer if an unaccepted conditional purchase offer meets predefined criteria; and maintaining the anonymity of said seller until said conditional purchase offer is accepted.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3573747A
Cited
US4247759A
Cited
US4449186A
Cited
US4553222A
Cited
US4903201A
Cited
US4677552A
Cited
US4789928A
Cited
US4799156A
Cited
US4751728A
Cited
US4931932A
Cited
US5021953A
Cited
US5168446A
Cited
US5136501A
Cited
US5191523A
Cited
US5404291A
Cited
US5253165A
Cited
US5297031A
Cited
US5262941A
Cited
US5361199A
Cited
US5243515A
Cited
US5191613A
Cited
US5224034A
Cited
US5329589A
Cited
US5426281A
Cited
US5517555A
Cited
US5467269A
Cited
US5283731A
Cited
US5694551A
Cited
US5553131A
Cited
US5500793A
Cited
US5611052A
Cited
US5444630A
Cited
US5420914A
Cited
US5592375A
Cited
US5519769C1
Cited
US5519769A
Cited
US5557518A
Cited
US5557517A
Cited
US5717989A
Cited
US5696965A
Cited
US5570283A
Cited
US5732400A
Cited
US5745882A
Cited
US5845265A
Cited
US5689652A
Cited
US5664115A
Cited
US5826244A
Cited
US5757917A
Cited
US5606602A
Cited
US5832452A
Cited
US5794219A
Cited
US5615269A
Cited
US5758328A
Cited
WO1997034356A1
Cited
US5835896A
Cited
WO1997046961A1
Cited
US5799285A
Cited
US5794207A
Cited
US5797127A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-21 | 2003-09-20 | 2004-03-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-21 | 2007-09-20 | 2008-03-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-21 | 2011-09-20 | 2012-03-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |