Method, article of manufacture, and processing device for providing promotions over a network using an alphanumeric sequence from a product
First Claim
1. ) A method for providing a promotion, comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining a product having an alphanumeric sequence;
(b) entering the alphanumeric sequence supplied with the product into a web page;
(c) validating the alphanumeric sequence;
(d) awarding a promotional value associated with the alphanumeric sequence;
(e) choosing an item for purchase;
(j) redeeming the item based on the promotional value; and
, (k) purchasing the item.
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Accused Products
Abstract
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method, article of manufacture including a computer readable medium, and a system including a processing device provides promotions over the Internet. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first entity (which in one example is an offline brand) distributes a product with an alphanumeric sequence. In an embodiment of the present invention, the alphanumeric sequence is hidden from view until the product is purchased. For example, the alphanumeric sequence is positioned on the inside of packaging. When a user purchases the product, the user can view the alphanumeric sequence. Printed with the alphanumeric sequence is an address on the Internet in an embodiment of the present invention. The user can enter the address into a browser and access the addressed page, which in one embodiment is part of the first entity'"'"'s web page. The user selects a link indicating a desire to redeem a prize using the alphanumeric sequence. The user is directed to a web page that provides a means to enter the alphanumeric sequence, personal information and answers to survey questions. After the alphanumeric sequence is validated, the user is provided with a value. In one embodiment, the value includes a coupon for shopping at an online store. In an embodiment of the present invention, the values are not accumulated or combined.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. ) A method for providing a promotion, comprising the steps of:
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(a) obtaining a product having an alphanumeric sequence;
(b) entering the alphanumeric sequence supplied with the product into a web page;
(c) validating the alphanumeric sequence;
(d) awarding a promotional value associated with the alphanumeric sequence;
(e) choosing an item for purchase;
(j) redeeming the item based on the promotional value; and
,(k) purchasing the item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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12. ) A method for providing a promotion, comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying an alphanumeric sequence to a product by a first retailer;
(b) selling the product by the first retailer to a user;
(c) accessing a web site on a first retailer processing device, by a user processing device;
(d) entering the alphanumeric sequence supplied with the product, by the user, into a web page of the web site;
(e) validating the alphanumeric sequence;
(f) awarding a promotional value;
(g) accessing a web site on a second retailer processing device, by the user processing device;
(h) choosing, by the user, an item for purchase;
(i) redeeming the item for purchase based on the promotional value; and
,(j) purchasing the item by the user.
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25. ) An article of manufacture including a computer readable medium, comprising;
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(a) a first software component for providing a value responsive to receiving an alphanumeric sequence from a first product;
(b) a second software component for directing a user to a web site for purchasing a second product; and
,(c) a third software component for purchasing the second product using the value.
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Specification