Methods for e-coupon extension
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- maintaining an e-coupon database that comprises an e-coupon identifier, an e-coupon expiration condition, and a post-expiration instruction;
receiving a request to redeem the e-coupon associated with the e-coupon identifier when the e-coupon is expired; and
executing the post-expiration instruction associated with the e-coupon identifier.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for redeeming e-coupons beyond their expiration. The method comprises: maintaining an e-coupon database that comprises an e-coupon identifier, an e-coupon expiration condition such as an expiration date, and a post-expiration instruction; receiving a request to redeem the e-coupon associated with the e-coupon identifier when the e-coupon is expired; and executing the post-expiration instruction associated with the e-coupon identifier. Preferably, the request to redeem an e-coupon is received from a consumer using a graphical user interface. A preferred post-expiration instruction is selected from the group consisting of rejecting the e-coupon, fully redeeming the e-coupon, partially redeeming the e-coupon, issuing an alternative e-coupon for the same product or a substitute product, and combinations thereof.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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maintaining an e-coupon database that comprises an e-coupon identifier, an e-coupon expiration condition, and a post-expiration instruction;
receiving a request to redeem the e-coupon associated with the e-coupon identifier when the e-coupon is expired; and
executing the post-expiration instruction associated with the e-coupon identifier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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12. An e-coupon server, comprising:
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maintaining means for maintaining an e-coupon database, wherein the e-coupon database comprises an e-coupon identifier, an e-coupon expiration condition, and a post-expiration instruction;
receiving means for receiving a request to redeem the e-coupon associated with the e-coupon identifier; and
executing means for executing the post-expiration instruction associated with the e-coupon identifier.
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23. A system comprising:
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a memory device having a database therein for maintaining information relating to a plurality of e-coupons, the information comprising an expiration condition and post-expiration instructions;
a processor in communication with the memory device, the processor configured to;
receive a consumer request to redeem one or more of the plurality of e-coupons that are shown by the database to be expired;
execute post-expiration instructions associated with the one or more expired e-coupons.
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28. A computer program product including instructions embodied on a computer readable medium, the instructions comprising:
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maintaining instructions for maintaining an e-coupon database that comprises an e-coupon identifier, an e-coupon expiration condition, and a post-expiration instruction;
receiving instructions for receiving a request to redeem the e-coupon associated with the e-coupon identifier when the e-coupon is expired; and
executing instructions for executing the post-expiration instruction associated with the e-coupon identifier.
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Specification