System and method for using cards for sponsored programs
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computer implemented method comprising the steps of:
- storing a CID on a card;
activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card;
providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit;
identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system;
debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction;
determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID;
storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID;
crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, when said conditions are satisfied;
selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and
crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a marketing application using a store card as a Reward Card, Rebate Card, Pre-paid Script Program Card, Incentive Card, and/or Gift Card, as well as a Frequent Shopper Card. A card provided in association with an initial credit is also associated with an identification and account stored in a computer database memory, and the identification in the card enables the retailer to subsequently allow the consumer to use the card for additional computer based marketing, debit, and credit activity.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method comprising the steps of:
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storing a CID on a card; activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card; providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit; identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system; debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction; determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID; storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID; crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, when said conditions are satisfied; selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer system, comprising computer readable medium storing instructions for performing the following functions:
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storing a CID on a card; activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card; providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit; identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system; debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction; determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID; storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID; crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, costs of items purchased when said conditions are satisfied; selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification