System and method to control sending of unsolicited communications relating to a plurality of listings in a network-based system based on an identifier of the sender of the unsolicited communication
First Claim
1. A method executing on a hardware computer to control communication of unsolicited information in a network, comprising:
- enabling a first user of a network-based system to initiate a communication with a second user of the network-based system without the first user having access to contact information of the second user, the communication to be related to one or more items listed for sale by the network-based system;
providing a link to enable the second user to cause an electronic complaint form to be generated, wherein the electronic complaint form is to enable the second user to report a complaint against the first user when the communication initiated by the first user is not related to the one or more items for sale by the network-based system;
receiving and storing information associated with the electronic complaint form; and
associating the complaint with a user identifier of the first user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method to control sending of unsolicited communications over a network is provided. Typically, the network is the Internet and the system defines a SPAM prevention tool for users of an on-line service, such as an on-line bidding service. Users may contact an intended recipient with a contact form, which is forwarded to the recipient'"'"'s e-mail address by an on-line service provider. A link accessible from a Web site allows recipients of unsolicited e-mail to complain to the on-line service provider. Sanctions are implemented against the sender of unsolicited e-mail based on the frequency of complaints. When the complaint level against a sender reaches a certain threshold, the sender is unable to use the contact form for a predetermined time period.
79 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A method executing on a hardware computer to control communication of unsolicited information in a network, comprising:
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enabling a first user of a network-based system to initiate a communication with a second user of the network-based system without the first user having access to contact information of the second user, the communication to be related to one or more items listed for sale by the network-based system; providing a link to enable the second user to cause an electronic complaint form to be generated, wherein the electronic complaint form is to enable the second user to report a complaint against the first user when the communication initiated by the first user is not related to the one or more items for sale by the network-based system; receiving and storing information associated with the electronic complaint form; and associating the complaint with a user identifier of the first user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification