Online dispute resolution method and system
First Claim
1. A method of providing integrated dispute resolution services over a computer network for resolving a dispute between a first party and a second party, comprising:
- distributing a Web site over the computer network;
negotiating a first solution using the Web site;
mediating a second solution using the Web site; and
arbitrating a third solution using the Web site.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for performing online dispute resolution (“ODR”) via a central ODR Web site. Two ODR processes are disclosed. First, a NEGO-MED-ARB System provides an integrated negotiation, mediation and arbitration dispute resolution solution to customers and merchants conducted online. The NEGO-MED-ARB System enables an authorized merchant to link its e-commerce Web site to the dispute resolution services centralized on the ODR Web site. The link is performed by a distinctive, recognizable Trust Mark displayed on the e-commerce Web site and identifying the ODR services; a consumer browsing the e-commerce Web site hyperlinks to the ODR Web site by clicking on the Trust Mark. The ODR Web site then provides an online framework for the parties to exchange information and proposed solutions for resolving their dispute. Qualified mediators/arbitrators are appointed to resolve disputes online which the parties are unable to settle by themselves. Second, a Negotiation/Mediation/Arbitration System provides ODR services to any parties who agree to use it. A contract clause providing for such an agreement is made available on the ODR Web site for parties to insert in their contracts. The parties may agree to use one or more ODR services, including negotiation, mediation or arbitration; the mediation and arbitration is performed online by qualified mediators and arbitrators.
52 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method of providing integrated dispute resolution services over a computer network for resolving a dispute between a first party and a second party, comprising:
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distributing a Web site over the computer network;
negotiating a first solution using the Web site;
mediating a second solution using the Web site; and
arbitrating a third solution using the Web site. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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26. A computer system for providing integrated dispute resolution services over a computer network for resolving a dispute between a first party and a second party, comprising:
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at least one server computer connected to the computer network; and
a computer program executed by the server computer, wherein the computer program further comprises computer instructions for;
distributing a Web site over the computer network;
negotiating a first solution using the Web site;
mediating a second solution using the Web site; and
arbitrating a third solution using the Web site.
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41. A method of providing integrated dispute resolution services over a computer network for resolving a dispute between a first party and a second party, comprising:
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distributing a Web site over the computer network;
negotiating a first solution using the Web site;
mediating a second solution using the Web site;
arbitrating a third solution using the Web site;
wherein negotiating the first solution includes;
receiving application information from the first party, including one or more proposed solutions to the dispute;
providing the application information to the second party;
receiving an agreement from the second party to one of the first party proposed solutions; and
establishing a first solution based on the second party agreement;
if the first solution is not accepted by the parties, then;
receiving response information from the second party in response to the application information, including one or more proposed solutions to the dispute;
providing the second party response information to the first party;
receiving an agreement from the first party to one of the second party proposed solutions; and
establishing the first solution based on the first party agreement;
wherein mediating the second solution includes;
appointing a mediator to mediate the dispute;
providing information relating to the dispute to the mediator;
receiving one or more solutions to the dispute proposed by the mediator;
providing the proposed mediator solutions to the parties;
receiving a response from each party, including a proposed mediator solution acceptable to each party;
determining whether the parties agreed on the acceptable proposed mediator solution; and
establishing a second solution based on the acceptable proposed mediator solution; and
wherein arbitrating the third solution includes;
providing information relating to the dispute to the mediator;
receiving a proposed final solution determined by the mediator;
establishing the third solution based on the proposed final solution.
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42. A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave for providing integrated dispute resolution services over a computer network for resolving a dispute between a first party and a second party, the signal comprising data generated by:
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distributing a Web site over the computer network to the first party and the second party;
negotiating a first solution using the Web site;
mediating a second solution using the Web site; and
arbitrating a third solution using the Web site.
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Specification