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Method for providing content-neutral control over electronic mail message exchange

  • US 20050004988A1
  • Filed: 05/13/2004
  • Published: 01/06/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2003
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A method for providing content-neutral control over email message exchange, comprising:

  • assigning a value assessable on a rejected sending of an email message;

    determining whether the assessable value is available from a potential email sender;

    receiving an email message identifying at least one email recipient and debiting the assessable value from the potential email sender;

    assigning a timer value commencing upon receipt of the email message;

    running the timer value upon the receipt of the email message from the potential email sender; and

    controlling receipt of the email message, comprising one of;

    accepting the email message by the at least one email recipient and refunding the assessable value to the potential email sender;

    rejecting the email message by the at least one email recipient and collecting the assessable value from the potential email sender; and

    upon an expiration of the timer value, expiring the email message and reimbursing the assessable value to the potential email sender;

    wherein the assessable value is provided to the potential email sender as one of a refund, collateral and credit;

    further wherein the assessable value is assigned by the at least one email recipient;

    further wherein the timer value is assigned by the at least one email recipient;

    further wherein the email message is communicated between the potential email sender and the at least one email recipient in accordance with Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3);

    further wherein the Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) includes a command SFPA indicating acceptance of the email message by the at least one email recipient and a command SFPR indicating rejection of the email message by the at least one email recipient.

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