E-Coupon System and Method
First Claim
1. A coupon redemption management system comprising:
- a global communications network;
at least one server operably connected to the network;
an access portal connected to a server including consumer instructions for consumer coupon account setup and usage and information regarding coupons available from a multitude of coupon sponsors;
an account access device for accessing a consumer'"'"'s coupon account via a server;
an apparatus which accepts consumer account information; and
an open loop system wherein coupons can be redeemed at any retailer having electronic credit/debit acceptance capabilities.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method wherein a consumer registers for an electronic coupon (e-coupon) program and receives an e-coupon card programmed with consumer and corresponding e-coupon account identification information. The consumer selects available coupons from a website which are then loaded into the e-coupon account. Consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) are charged the downloaded value of the coupon plus a fee. The consumer may use the e-coupon card at any retailer that has electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. At a retailer'"'"'s point of sale (POS) terminal, the consumer swipes the card and the cost of items having an e-coupon is adjusted by the corresponding e-coupon value and deducted from the consumer'"'"'s final amount due. The CPG is also charged a redemption fee and the retailer is charged an interchange fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and redeemer profiles can be generated and provided to the CPGs or retailers.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A coupon redemption management system comprising:
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a global communications network; at least one server operably connected to the network; an access portal connected to a server including consumer instructions for consumer coupon account setup and usage and information regarding coupons available from a multitude of coupon sponsors; an account access device for accessing a consumer'"'"'s coupon account via a server; an apparatus which accepts consumer account information; and an open loop system wherein coupons can be redeemed at any retailer having electronic credit/debit acceptance capabilities. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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8. An electronic coupon system comprising:
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an account access device; an access portal including an electronic coupon from a coupon sponsor and having multiple sort options available for at least one of a product, a service, a coupon sponsor, and expiration date and including a product or service description and value; an interface to allow a consumer to select an electronic coupon of interest; a portal to allow a first-time consumer to enter required information; a processor to program the account access device with consumer required information and send the account access device to the consumer; and an open loop system wherein electronic coupons can be redeemed at any retailer having electronic credit/debit acceptance capabilities. - View Dependent Claims (9, 11, 20)
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10. A system comprising:
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a manufacturer'"'"'s coupon device redeemed at a point of sale; an account associated with the device; and a means where coupon values for qualifying, purchased items are removed from the account at a point of redemption and unredeemed, expired coupon values are automatically eliminated from the account and cash reserves from a manufacturer are accessed to cover the coupon values. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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12. An e-coupon system comprising:
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an e-coupon account access device; and an open loop system that enables e-coupons to be redeemed when using the e-coupon account access device at any retailer that has debit/credit acceptance capabilities. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification