ELECTRONIC BOND AND GUARANTY PROCESS AND BUSINESS METHOD
First Claim
1. A method for providing security in an on-line transaction, comprising:
- conducting the on-line transaction through a computer of a client-server environment; and
providing a seal via the client-server environment that is viewable on a display, the seal providing an indication of verification of at least one of identity and trustworthiness of the on-line transaction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a method by which suretyship bonds and guaranties can be purchased and deployed over the Internet in real time, providing automatic application evaluation and policy binding. The principal'"'"'s credit card information is used in a repeating cycle of pre-authorized charges so that the card account serves as effective collateral. A bond seal image, safeguarded against piracy, appears in Web pages indicating the existence of bond coverage. A dynamically updated gauge displays the margin of coverage available under the bond at any given moment. Means of integrating the information technology of auction site and surety company are also disclosed. The invention makes possible an unprecedented level of security in user-to-user auction environments and eliminates the need for online escrow services. Means of accepting bidder deposit accounts is also disclosed, enabling automatic, electronic payment the moment an Internet auction closes and eliminating the need for online payment services.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for providing security in an on-line transaction, comprising:
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conducting the on-line transaction through a computer of a client-server environment; and providing a seal via the client-server environment that is viewable on a display, the seal providing an indication of verification of at least one of identity and trustworthiness of the on-line transaction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of conducting an on-line transaction, comprising:
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using a computer of a client-server environment capable of connecting to a transaction site to perform the on-line transaction; generating a unique identifier related to the on-line transaction that is provided for display; and enabling completion of the on-line transaction after authenticity of the unique identifier is confirmed. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for providing security in an on-line transaction, comprising:
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enabling a user to conduct the on-line transaction via a computer of a client-server environment; displaying a seal, via the client-server environment, to the user engaged in the on-line transaction; and providing a certification status and validity period of the seal to the user. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for preventing piracy of an online image, comprising:
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generating a first image for display at a specified image address, the first image displaying a first expiration date; generating a second image that is different than the first image, the second image displaying a second expiration date; and replacing the first image with the second image, so that the second image displays the second expiration date at the specified image address.
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19. An apparatus for conducting an on-line transaction, comprising:
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a client-server environment that enables an on-line transaction to be performed; and a computer that generates a unique identifier, related to the on-line transaction, that is capable of being used to enable completion of the on-line transaction, the unique identifier being viewable on a display. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification