×

Method and system for handling disruptions in the management of electronic auctions

  • US 6,223,167 B1
  • Filed: 05/14/1999
  • Issued: 04/24/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/18/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method to control bid status in an electronic auction, comprising the steps of:

  • (a) offering a lot, defined at least in part by a buyer, to a plurality of potential sellers, said lot having at least one product;

    (b) defining a closing time for said lot before which bids for said lot are to be submitted by potential sellers;

    (c) setting a bidding status for said lot to a first status indicating that the buyer will accept bids from potential sellers of said lot;

    (d) determining whether an auction pausing event has occurred;

    (e) if an auction pausing event has occurred, changing said bidding status for said lot from said first status to a paused status indicating that the buyer will not accept bids from the potential sellers on said lot and that all existing bids for said lot are preserved;

    (f) altering said closing time for said lot during said paused status for said lot; and

    (g) changing said bidding status for said lot from said paused status to said first status once said auction pausing event has been corrected.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×