Abstract: A platform facilitates buyers, sellers, and third parties in obtaining information related to each other's transaction histories, such as a supplier's shipment history, the types of materials typically shipped, a supplier's customers, a supplier's expertise, what materials and how much a buyer purchases, buyer and shipper reliability, similarity between buyers, similarity between suppliers, and the like. The platform aggregates data from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, customs data associated with actual import/export transactions and facilitates the generation of reports as to the quality of buyers and suppliers, the reports relating to a variety of parameters that are associated with buyer and supplier quality.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for facilitating the sale of products for sellers using an online marketplace. According to one exemplary technique, a request for product information for a product is received from a device. Also, the product information is determined in part by determining that the product is for sale in a location and determining a category of the product. Additionally an online marketplace sends the product information that includes seller information for a seller that is legally authorized to sell the product in the location. The seller information includes identification information for the seller.

Abstract: Method and system to manage a bid tracking database are disclosed herein. At least one bid record is received at an interface, the at least one bid record comprising a bid price, a bid timestamp, and a bid item identifier. Receiving at least one auction record at the interface, the at least one auction record comprising a winning price, an end timestamp, and an auction item identifier corresponding to the bid item identifier. Maintaining the at least one bid record and the at least one auction record in a memory. Determining whether the bid price matches or exceeds the winning price and whether the bid timestamp matches the end timestamp. When the determination is affirmative, writing the bid record to the bid tracking database maintained in the memory.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for exchanging alternative currencies. The method includes creating, at an alternative currency platform, a plurality of user accounts and receiving, from a first user in the plurality of user accounts, an alternative currency exchange offer. The alternative currency exchange offer includes one or more offer terms and associated assets. Furthermore, the method includes extending the alternative currency exchange offer from the first user to the second user, in response to receiving acceptance of the offer from the second user, verifying the associated assets of the first user and the second user, and in response to verification of the assets of the first user and second user, providing settlement of the alternative currency exchange offer.

Abstract: Information pertaining to the real property asset is received from a seller of the real property asset. From the information, a set of parameters are determined about the real property asset. The set of parameters are then used to select a set of agreements that are to control completion of the real property asset being sold using the online medium. The real property asset is then made available for sale using the selected set of contracts.

Abstract: A method for partially verifying the legitimacy of a remote purchase request based on a card number from a card issuing financial institution. The method includes receiving and storing a first purchase request information set including an origin and a card number. Further, the origin and the card number are sent to the card issuing financial institution to determine if the origin matches an origin on file for the card number at the card issuing financial institution.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for use in establishing secure end-to-end communication links over a VPN gateway via a network interface unit. Illustrative embodiments include establishing and providing secure communication relationships between users (customers) and companies for e-commerce and other business purposes. Each company's data and linkage to users remaining private and secure from the other participating companies as well as from the general public over the Internet. Login by user with network interface units, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Required authentication exchanges and required encryption key exchanges facilitate the secure communications. Financial arrangements regarding the provisioning and use of network interface units are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing financial transaction using gamer tag information. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided to: (1) receive information associated with a first gamer tag and information associated with a proposed financial transaction; (2) determine that the first gamer tag is associated with a first financial account; and (3) facilitate the proposed financial transaction, wherein the proposed financial transaction involves the first financial account.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, computer readable media and apparatus for providing one-tap account addition and one-tap checkout features to a consumer. In an embodiment, a wallet server computer receives a request from a consumer device to enable a one-tap account addition feature, and receives consumer registration data and consumer payment account data. The wallet server then uploads consumer device data and reader device data, and determines that the reader device is near-field communication capable. The wallet server next stores the consumer registration data, payment account data, and the consumer device data in an electronic wallet and enables the one-tap add account addition feature. In some embodiments, the consumer may select to opt-in to a one-tap checkout feature, and if so then a one-tap checkout cookie is transmitted for storing on the consumer device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes an interface and a processor. The interface receives, from a node, an order, the order being associated with a customer and comprising customer information, the customer being associated with the node. The processor caches the order in short-term memory, identifies the customer information from the order, and generates sanctions-screening information, the sanctions-screening information comprising the customer information and a node identifier. The interface communicates, to a sanctions-screening module at a remote site, the sanctions-screening information; receives, from the sanctions-screening module at the remote site, sanctions-screening-analysis results; and communicates, to the node, the sanctions-screening-analysis results.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products in connection with sales of the products. Textual information and image data relating to products received from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer. Requests for information relating to the products are entered from remote terminals and the information requested is recalled and downloaded for review to be displayed at the remote site. Purchase requests for a product displayed may be made by entries at a remote terminal and transmitted to the central server computer.

Abstract: A cell phone, tablet, laptop, TV or other device is configured to provide comments with respect to a user's prospective selection of a media item, a physical object, a service, or anything else. Comments are derived from user-specific preference information, (including e.g., selection history, rationale for prior selections, analysis of stored images, and persona), and can optionally be derived from comment templates. Comments are preferably made in a second person grammatical form, can be humorous, and can include derogatory remarks about a prospective selection and/or the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for and method to collect, calculate, and display user feedback ratings in an online transaction processing (OLTP) environment. The invention utilizes a client, a network, a Web site host system, and rule-based decision making, to 1) enable users and other systems to submit transaction performance information for a buyer or seller; 2) enable users to view transaction performance information; and 3) enable users to view detailed transaction performance measures for buyers or sellers within specific performance categories. Rating the transaction performance of users of an OLTP environment can serve to improve users' trust in the OLTP environment, improve the reputation of online trading venues, and increase the value of these venues.

Abstract: A method of vetting a wholesaler of an item for participation in an online marketplace is disclosed. A notification that the wholesaler of the item intends to sell the item on the online marketplace is received. The online marketplace is reserved for wholesaling and the notification includes a price at which the wholesaler intends to sell the item. The price at which the wholesaler intends to sell the item is compared with an average price at which an end consumer may purchase the item on an additional online marketplace. The additional online marketplace is not reserved for wholesaling. A listing is received from a wholesaler of the item on the online marketplace based on the comparison of the price at which the wholesaler intends to sell the item being less than the average price at which the end consumer may purchase the item on the additional online marketplace.

Abstract: A fraud detection system and method uses unique indicators for detecting fraud that extend beyond traditional transaction-based indicators. These unique indicators may include environmental information about a customer or a transaction. Such indicators may be used to identify fraud events based on computer-executable instructions that evaluate fraud risk. Further, an improved fraud detection system may include a learning component with a feedback loop. Also, authenticating and other information may be directed to the system for updating indicating data, fraud models, and risk assessments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing user-generated content are disclosed. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may allow content to be generated by a user at a manufacturer's site with respect to a corresponding product and this content distributed to one or more retailers who sell that product such that the user-generated content may be incorporated into the retailer's site or brick and mortar location in conjunction with that product to allow consumers shopping at that retailer to access or view such user-generated content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention allow a user to wirelessly transmit payment information from a mobile device to a point-of-sale terminal by the user performing only a minimum number of inputs, such as a single input. Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus comprising an input device configured to receive input from a user, a communication device configured to transmit wireless signals to a transaction device, a memory comprising predetermined payment information stored therein and a processor communicably coupled to the input device, the communication device and the memory and configured to: receive transaction information from the transaction device related to a transaction; receive a first input from the user; determine if the first input matches a user defined action stored in memory, and use the communication device to wirelessly transmit the predetermined payment information and authorize payment if the first input matches the user defined action stored in memory.

Abstract: An NFC-enabled mobile device is used to select one or more items identified on a menu of a business establishment. The mobile device transmits an order for the selected items to a server of the establishment when the mobile device is brought within range of a near field communication terminal at the premises of the establishment. The mobile device receives a message from the server of the establishment via the wireless transceiver of the device. Based on the information from the message, the mobile device presents to the customer an indication of the status of fulfillment of the order. An initial order of the selection may be sent prior to the order by the mobile device through NFC or other networks, or may be sent via a different device.

Abstract: Systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods are provided to determine the relative market value of a sale group and to generate a genetic merit scorecard. Such systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods utilize the genetic merit estimates of relatives of a sale group, along with associated economic weighting factors to determine the relative market value of the sale group. The genetic merit scorecard reflects the relative market value and ranking of the genetic merits of the sale group, as compared to the industry.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating an electronic contract with variable terms in a B-to-C e-commerce trade is provided. The method comprises: establishing an electronic contract metadata model; establishing an electronic contract terms library, a rule library of subject matters and terms and a term rule checker; generating an electronic contract template according to the electronic contract metadata model and the optional terms and required terms in the electronic contract terms library; receiving order parameters input by a user and writing the order parameters into the electronic contract template; checking an applicability of terms in the electronic contract template with the written order parameters by the term rule checker according to the rule library of subject matters and terms and the subject matter information, and generating an electronic contract when the checking succeeds; and signing the electronic contract to obtain an effective electronic contract.

Abstract: A system for recording, supervising and reporting electronic commerce participants is provided. The electronic commerce participants comprise an electronic commerce consumer and an electronic commerce enterprise, the system comprises a sub-server located in an industrial and commercial administration department at a low level and a main server located in the industrial and commercial administration department at a high level communicated with the sub-server via the Internet, the sub-server comprises a registration module, a reporting module and a maintenance module.

Abstract: Techniques for use with an electronic book reader include receiving localized evaluative feedback from users, pertaining to different locations within electronic content. The localized feedback is collected at a server and reported to content creators in reports that are formatted to indicate characteristics of the feedback at different locations within the electronic content.

Abstract: Enabling a supplier is disclosed. An indication of a transaction associated with a business process between a buyer and a supplier is received. A supplier enablement action is initiated in response to receiving the indication. The supplier enablement action is associated with enabling the supplier to join a supplier network.

Abstract: A system. The system includes a computing device, a verification module and a badging module. The computing device includes a processor. The verification module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured to determine if the seller has an account with the system and if the seller is authorized by a manufacturer to sell a product manufactured by the manufacturer and being offered for sale on a product web page. The badging module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured to generate a badge if the seller has an account with the system and the seller is authorized by the manufacturer to sell the product.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method and system to request supplemental trust information (STI), from over a network, from a third party trust provider. The requesting uses a first predetermined criterion from an item listing that describes a particular item that is offered for sale on a network-based marketplace. The STI includes history information for the particular item that is generated by the third party trust provider. The system then stores and presents at least a portion of the STI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system and method for authorizing a financial transaction using user-data collected from third party websites, such as Social Media Networks. In operation, collected user-data may be compared to a financial-data collected during a financial transaction to identify potential fraud and/or other discrepancies, confirming the identity of the user with a greater degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing consumers with access to an article while preventing theft thereof. In one aspect, the invention is a method for providing consumers with access to an article, the method comprising: a) securing the article in a secured state using an anti-theft system, the anti-theft system alterable between the secured state and an unsecured state; b) the anti-theft system receiving, from a consumer's portable electronic device, consumer data relating to the consumer; c) analyzing the consumer data received by the anti-theft system to determine the consumer's risk level; and d) directing the anti-theft system to transition from the secured state to the unsecured state upon the consumer's risk level being approved.

Abstract: A method of effecting a sale over a computer network in which it is determined whether a user passes fraud control before effecting a sale over a computer network. Information associated with a method of payment, such as credit card information, debit card information, checking account information, a telephone service account, a cable television account, a utility service account, or an Internet service provider account, is requested from the user after the user passes the fraud control. Information associated with the method of payment is received from the user in real time. Method-of-payment information is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. The method-of-payment information includes the received information associated with the method of payment. Payment authorization information associated with the method of payment is received from the payment authorization database.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of consumer accounts in a data store has a first consumer account identifier. Login information is received from a consumer device over the network interface device. The first consumer account identifier is received from the consumer device and stored in association the consumer account. The first consumer account identifier is storable as one of at least two types of identifiers and the storing by the consumer device of the first consumer account identifier is only permitted upon successful login based on the login information. The charge request is received over a network interface device, the charge request including the amount and the second consumer account identifier. A selected one of the consumer accounts is identified by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier, and the charge request is processed based on an account detail of the selected consumer account.

Abstract: A shipping insurance service application has an electronic marketplace platform interface, a shipping insurance module, and an insurance provider module. The electronic marketplace platform interface communicates with at least one electronic marketplace application. The shipping insurance module provides a shipping insurance policy to a seller of the corresponding electronic marketplace application and processes a claim from the seller of the corresponding electronic marketplace application based on the shipping insurance policy. The carrier module obtains the shipping insurance policy from an insurance provider among a plurality of insurance providers.

Abstract: A “likeness factor” indicating users' endorsements of a product is disclosed. “Likes,” “dislikes,” and other favorable or unfavorable user input for a product are collected from a website that displays the product and that logs such information. The collected information is made available on other websites displaying the product either directly or in the form of a likeness factor. The information can be aggregated from multiple websites and sources. A likeness factor for a manufacturer or other merchant is based on likeness factors for products of the manufacturer. Changes in likeness factor over time indicate a trend for products and manufacturers and can be used to predict product performance. Search results are filtered by likeness factor, and advertisements are presented based on likeness factor.

Abstract: A server is operable to receive a media device identifying number (ID) and to create an established association between the media device with a payment account and to support at least one of payment authorization and payment clearing based at least in part on the media device ID and the payment account. The server is further operable to produce the payment account information to a smart card personalization service server to facilitate creation of a smart card with the payment account information that is associated with the media device. The server is also operable to produce the media device ID to the smart card personalization service server to facilitate creation of a smart card with the payment account information based in part on the media device ID.

Abstract: The validation of a product for placement in a catalog in a marketplace utilizes a distributed approval workflow. A validation engine receives product submissions for inclusion into the marketplace's catalog. The validation engine initiates the distributed approval workflow to one or more approval engines that are equipped to perform the tasks needed to validate the product. The validation engine monitors the distributed approval workflow performed by the approval engines until completion. Upon successful completion of the distributed approval workflow, the product may be placed onto the marketplace's catalog for distribution.

Abstract: Product counterfeiting is a major problem. It is estimated that about 10% of all goods sold are counterfeits!. In recent years counterfeiters have improved significantly the quality of their products as a good counterfeit can be sold at a much higher value than a poor one. It is very difficult for untrained, regular customers to tell the difference. Currently, there are no reliable means for a person to authenticate a product. Also, online purchases are very popular. The major mean for authentication are passwords—but they are ways to get the passwords of people to break in. Also, biometrics ID means like fingerprinting can be copied and faked.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a first event profile that includes a seed event parameter and a first event parameter, calculating fraud scores for the first event parameter, accessing a second event profile that includes a second event parameter that corresponds to the first event parameter, calculating a fraud score for the second event parameter, and then identifying the second parameters as being associated with fraud. Fraud scores may be calculated based on the attributes of a parameter, the relation of the parameter to the seed parameter, and the fraud scores of any corresponding parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems and apparatus for a buyer/supplier network aiding supplier enablement through creation of a requisition between a buyer and a supplier are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by the buyer/supplier network, a collaboration request for information about a good or service being purchased by a buyer. At least one supplier is identified from an approved supplier list that has the requested information. An account is created for each of the identified suppliers on the buyer/supplier network, and an invitation is sent to each of the suppliers to join the buyer/supplier network. Each of the invited suppliers is allowed to log into the buyer/supplier network through the invitation, and address the request for information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, systems, devices and computer-readable media. In embodiments of the invention, a user is authenticated using an authentication process that is capable of authenticating a user using an inline authentication form that can authenticate a consumer without transferring a session maintained by a merchant. The inline authentication form is used if the components of the authentication system are capable of supporting an inline authentication form. If the components of the system cannot support an inline authentication form, a different authentication process is used. In one embodiment, an inline authentication form is presented to the user asynchronously. This inline authentication form may be presented within an iFrame embedded in a merchant's checkout page after verifying that the components to be used during the authentication can support the inline authentication form.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: A vehicle history information system and a method for determining the potential for curbstoning. In one embodiment, the vehicle history information system includes a vehicle history database with at least one vehicle history dataset related to a particular vehicle, the vehicle history dataset having at least one vehicle history record regarding the particular vehicle, and a record analysis module adapted to analyze the vehicle history dataset of the particular vehicle to determine whether there is a potential for curbstoning the particular vehicle based on the vehicle history record. In one implementation, the vehicle history record is an auto auction record which may indicate a sale of the particular vehicle and/or an offer for sale of the particular vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods, systems, paradigms and structures for ranking entities associated with any given industry. The systems and methods include performing a combination of semantic, citation and numerical analysis to produce a raw measure of each entity's influence/interest that is predictive of financial market movement, consumer demand, consumer-based web chatter and other metrics. The systems and methods further include utilizing the raw measures of influence/interest into a consumer-facing ranking of entities pertaining to a given industry.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method for storing levels of trust between users for use in online e-commerce is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system stores trust information for a plurality of users, wherein each user has an associated level of trust with one or more other users in the plurality of users. The server system receives, from a first user, a trust indication for a second user in the plurality of users. The server system then updates the trust information of the first user based on the trust indication.

Abstract: A computer system and method is disclosed for pre-qualifying vendors for buyers and/or industries using vendor criteria information associated with buyers and/or industries and vendor qualification information associated with vendors. Vendors and buyers enter the vendor qualification information and vendor criteria information, respectively, into a database in a hierarchical and relational manner. The computer system compares entered vendor qualification information to stored vendor criteria information to pre-qualify vendors for buyers and/or industries. The computer system further monitors the stored vendor qualification information and requests updated vendor qualification information from the vendors to maintain vendor qualification on a per industry and/or per buyer basis.

Abstract: A method is proposed for acquiring a service sold over a data network (20) against presentation of a transaction medium (2). The service is ordered by a user (1) by a user end system (10) from a service provider (40). The latter calls in a clearing center (30) which enters into a data exchange with the transaction medium (2) to call for therefrom a necessary contribution in the form of certain data assumed for acquisition of the service. The ordering process and the data exchange with the transaction medium (2) for calling for the contribution are linked via an identifier (KM) associated with the transaction medium (2), the identifier being determined by the user end system (10) and used to secure the ordering process and the call for the contribution.

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.

Abstract: In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for receiving transaction offers. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes (a) receiving information associated with a transaction; (b) storing, in a memory device, the information associated with a transaction; (c) receiving authentication information from a user to authenticate the user to enter into the transaction; and (d) enabling the user to enter into the transaction by using at least one of a magnetic swipe card writer, bar code display, or fingerprint reader.

Abstract: A system and method for qualifying a participant over a global network for an auction or other e-commerce transaction helps to significantly reduce or eliminate Internet commerce fraud. An auction site, for example, enlists the system to maintain funding accounts for prospective participants. When a bid is placed or a transaction is entered, the funds are reserved in the funding account including funds for a deposit if required. In the case of an auction, in the event that a bidder is not the high bidder, the reserved funds are released. At completion of the transaction, the funds may be transferred from the funding account to the seller, and the holds are released. A balance in the funding account can be established according to funds deposited in the account in an interest-bearing account or via a line of credit issued from a bank card issuing company or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for providing premium content and dispersing payment therefore. The method includes entering into an agreement with at least one partner that provides premium content and entering into an agreement with at least one customer that grants the customer access to premium content provided by at least one partner. The method further includes collecting defined parameter data of at least one customer accessing the premium content and dispersing payment to at least one partner where the payment is determined from the defined parameter data. The defined parameter data can be approximate time spent.

Abstract: A method of providing proof of authenticity for an item of merchandise to the portable device of a potential buyer is disclosed. The method utilizes (i) affixing or embedding a token that provides a unique merchandise authentication code that is readable by the buyer's portable device (the code may be on a contactless microprocessor chip), (ii) including this merchandise authentication code in messages that comprise conventional card-based payment transactions, (iii) providing the potential buyer's portable device with data pertaining to the lifecycle status, authenticity, and description of the item of merchandise, (iv) displaying the data at the buyer's portable device, and (v) posting/recording the sale of the item of merchandise at the brandname lifecycle management host.

Abstract: A method of withdrawal of funds from a bank account to purchase retail gift cards and/or electronic retail gift codes generating cash rewards to consumer and/or revenue to financial institutions where the funds withdrawn from the bank account are used to purchase a retail gift card or electronic gift code at face value that was originally purchased at a discount generating a surplus in funds. The difference between the face value and discounted purchase price is divided into cash rewards for the consumer and revenue for the financial institution, at a percentage split determined by the financial institution.

Abstract: Provided are computer-based systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for providing a marketplace for e-procurement that leverages asymmetric market forces to the benefit of an advantaged market participant. Such a marketplace additionally, creates a synergistic effect by offering a wide range of procurement methods.