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Method and apparatus for detecting and deterring the submission of similar offers in a commerce system

  • US 6,510,418 B1
  • Filed: 01/04/1999
  • Issued: 01/21/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of using a computer to process offers for the purchase of products, comprising:

  • receiving from a party a first conditional purchase offer via said computer, said first conditional purchase offer including a plurality of offer terms each having a respective first value;

    receiving from said party a second conditional purchase offer, said conditional purchase offer including said plurality of offer terms each having a respective second value;

    said plurality of offer terms including a condition, a purchase price, a payment identifier, and an authorization to use said payment identifier to pay said purchase price;

    determining for each of said plurality of offer terms an unacceptable similarity range;

    comparing said respective first values with said respective second values for each of said offer terms;

    if said respective first and second values for at least one of said plurality of offer terms fall within said unacceptable similarity range, performing a first process on said second offer; and

    if said respective first and second values for said plurality of offer terms do not fall within said unacceptable similarity range, performing a second process on said second offer, wherein performing a second process comprises transmitting said second offer to a plurality of sellers.

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