Method and system for sharing brand information

• US 20100185520A1
• Filed: 07/27/2009
• Published: 07/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SINOEAST CONCEPT LIMITED (Tencent Holdings Limited)
• Original Assignee: SINOEAST CONCEPT LIMITED (Tencent Holdings Limited)
• Inventors: Gottfried, Linda
• Granted Patent: US 8,725,803 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.730
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/01 Social networking

Abstract

An interactive, computer network based system presents consumers with multimedia brand information via a browser-based interface called the GraffitiWall®. Consumers can use the GraffitiWall® to modify and display a sponsor'"'"'s brand information in any way desired, including use of avatars. Consumer modifications are immediately communicated to the other member consumers and the advertiser/sponsor. Consumers can rate the GraffitiWall®, or portions thereof, and email the GraffitiWall®. An archive of GraffitiWalls™ is maintained by the system. Consumers participate in online focus groups, one-to-one interviews and discussions, as well as games and promotions pertaining to the brand. Interaction with consumers through focus groups, one-to-one interviews, discussions, games and promotions allows the hosting company to reinforce brand equities; speak directly to their target audience; test new and updated products and services; and encourage participation to a brand via purchases and signups by rewarding the participant with coupons, samples, gift certificates, and the like. An ongoing dialogue between business and consumer, as well as consumer-to-consumer, nurtures customer participation, loyalty and satisfaction, and builds a community housed within the company'"'"'s brand.

Claims

1. A networked interactive system for display of product information to a plurality of consumers, comprising:

a. a multimedia forum for enabling said consumers to communicate in a plurality of modes with at least one sponsor associated with a brand that is related to said product information; and

b. a multimedia interface for enabling said consumers to modify and view said product information through use of a plurality of graphic tools;

wherein said consumer can modify said product information using graphic tools, and said product information and said multimedia interface can be updated based upon said consumers'"'"' modifications and communicated to said sponsor.

3. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said product information is associated with a brand message, a brand identity, or a brand characteristic that links said brand with a good or service.

5. A system as recited by claim 1, further comprising an avatar kit having an array of avatar multimedia elements comprising an avatar body pallet, an avatar hair style palette, and an avatar facial expression pallet, wherein said sponsor can create customized branded avatars that act as interactive buddies having predetermined personalities.

10. A system as recited by claim 5, wherein said sponsor can create an avatar associated with said product information of said brand to form a branded avatar, wherein said branded avatar can be selected by said consumer and interact with a plurality of avatars throughout said system.

18. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said sponsor can customize a brand environment, wherein said brand environment provides a brand forum wherein said sponsor and said consumer can chat and interact with each other.

19. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said consumer can customize a brand environment, and said brand environment provides a brand forum wherein said sponsor and said consumer can chat and interact with each other.

28. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said consumers and said sponsor create their own avatars, wherein said avatars can communicate with each other through an avatar chat communication interface comprising textual, visual, and audio emoticons to reflect a plurality of emotions.

30. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said consumers and said sponsor create their own avatars, and said avatars can select a plurality of function multimedia elements adapted to interact with said avatars via said multimedia interface of said system.

42. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said sponsor provides a wall contest, wherein said wall contest engages consumers and provides consumer information to said sponsor.

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