Patents by Inventor James Brett Sowder

James Brett Sowder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240152927
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Patent number: 11810119
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Publication number: 20210312463
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Patent number: 11030626
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Publication number: 20190005506
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Publication number: 20140304150
    Abstract: A method for providing payer information on a payer device includes providing a payer device that includes at least one physical state change component moveably coupled to the payer device. Payer information is received over a network. The payer information is then determined to be associated with a physical state change instruction in a non-transitory, machine-readable medium of the payer device. The at least one physical state change component is then actuated according to the physical state change instruction to provide the payer information to a payer by changing the physical state of the payer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20140258012
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concealing information regarding products purchased as gifts for others, such as the intended gift recipient. Often, opportunities exist for a gift recipient to inadvertently or intentionally obtain information regarding a gift to be given or already given to them. For example, such information can be readily available via sources such as social media and other websites, as well from account statements. Such information can be omitted from websites, account statements, and the like, at least until such a time that the user wants for the information to be available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kamal Zamer, Jeremiah Akin, James Brett Sowder, Frank Anthony Nuzzi, Jayasree Mekala
  • Publication number: 20140258022
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing purchase recommendations and a budget to a user. The purchase recommendations can be for discretionary products for the user or for gifts for others. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be based upon the amount of discretionary money available for the user to make such purchases and for whom the purchases are to be made. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be further based upon purchase histories, wish lists, and calendars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kamal Zamer, James Brett Sowder, Frank Anthony Nuzzi, Jayasree Mekala
  • Patent number: 8762224
    Abstract: A method for providing payer information on a payer device includes providing a payer device that includes at least one physical state change component moveably coupled to the payer device. Payer information is received over a network. The payer information is then determined to be associated with a physical state change instruction in a non-transitory, machine-readable medium of the payer device. The at least one physical state change component is then actuated according to the physical state change instruction to provide the payer information to a payer by changing the physical state of the payer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20140142992
    Abstract: Methods and systems can facilitate enhanced planning and spending during travel. According to an embodiment, each travel destination of a trip can have one or more payment events or purchases associated therewith. The purchases can be prepaid, such as prior to the trip. Recommendations for the purchases can be made by the system based, at least in part, upon the user's spending history and/or social network indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20140081859
    Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ebay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder, Sandra Lynn Godsey, Vincent Ng
  • Publication number: 20140067634
    Abstract: A method for visualizing a financial goal includes receiving a selection of a financial goal from a user device of a user over a network. The financial goal includes a plurality of financial sub-goals, each of which is associated with a different image in a database. A plurality of first financial data is retrieved from user accounts of the user, and a first financial goal status is determined using the first financial data. An image for each financial sub-goal of the financial goal is provided based on the first financial goal status in order to display a storyboard having a plurality of images for visualizing progress related to the financial goal on a display device. As the financial goal status changes according to financial data retrieved from the users accounts, the image displayed for may financial sub-goal may be changed, visually indicating the users progress towards their financial goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: James Brett Sowder, Frank Anthony Nuzzi
  • Publication number: 20140046745
    Abstract: A method for providing contingent payments includes receiving, from a first user through a user device over a network, a contingent payment request. The contingent payment request is stored in a database. A contingent payment intent is provided on a user profile that is associated with the first user. The user profile is monitored. When it is determined that at least one contingent payment factor in the contingent payment request has been satisfied by a second user, funds are transferred from a user account associated with the first user to a merchant account in order to purchase a first product that is associated with the contingent payment request. In an embodiment, the second user may provide a coupon on the user profile that satisfies the at least one contingent payment factor and results in the purchase of the first product using the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20140006253
    Abstract: A method for providing credit to a user includes receiving user data associated with the user and location data associated with a location from a user device of the user over a network. User spending data for the user at the location is then retrieved from a database using the user data and the location data, and the user spending data is used to determine a location-based credit score for the user at the location. In some embodiments, merchant data for the location may also be retrieved to determine whether the location is a trusted merchant location and/or to help determine the location-based credit score. A location-based credit line for the user at the location is created in a database, and a location-based credit offer is sent to the user device over the network that includes an indication of the location-based credit line for the user at the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: eBAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Patent number: 8597126
    Abstract: A method for incentivizing donations using virtual currencies includes determining that a user associated with a game and determining a location of the user. A charity provider is then identified that is both associated with the game and within a predetermined distance of the location. A donation incentivization message is then sent to the user that includes an identification of the charity provider. A plurality of redemption codes are also sent to the charity provider. A first redemption code of the plurality of redemption codes that is associated with the user and a donation from the user to the charity provider is received. The first redemption code is then used to credit a user account that is associated with the user with a virtual currency amount that is determined using the donation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Patent number: 8595108
    Abstract: A method for providing contingent payments includes receiving, from a first user through a user device over a network, a contingent payment request. The contingent payment request is stored in a database. A contingent payment intent is provided on a user profile that is associated with the first user. The user profile is monitored. When it is determined that at least one contingent payment factor in the contingent payment request has been satisfied by a second user, funds are transferred from a user account associated with the first user to a merchant account in order to purchase a first product that is associated with the contingent payment request. In an embodiment, the second user may provide a coupon on the user profile that satisfies the at least one contingent payment factor and results in the purchase of the first product using the user account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ebay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20130260890
    Abstract: A method for incentivizing donations using virtual currencies includes determining that a user associated with a game and determining a location of the user. A charity provider is then identified that is both associated with the game and within a predetermined distance of the location. A donation incentivization message is then sent to the user that includes an identification of the charity provider. A plurality of redemption codes are also sent to the charity provider. A first redemption code of the plurality of redemption codes that is associated with the user and a donation from the user to the charity provider is received. The first redemption code is then used to credit a user account that is associated with the user with a virtual currency amount that is determined using the donation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: eBAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20130253998
    Abstract: A method for providing contingent payments includes receiving, from a first user through a user device over a network, a contingent payment request. The contingent payment request is stored in a database. A contingent payment intent is provided on a user profile that is associated with the first user. The user profile is monitored. When it is determined that at least one contingent payment factor in the contingent payment request has been satisfied by a second user, funds are transferred from a user account associated with the first user to a merchant account in order to purchase a first product that is associated with the contingent payment request. In an embodiment, the second user may provide a coupon on the user profile that satisfies the at least one contingent payment factor and results in the purchase of the first product using the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: EBAY, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20130198002
    Abstract: Retrieving information related to a plurality of viewable items in a dynamic digital event, the information including metadata, by displaying an indication on an end user device that one or more of the items are present within at least a portion of the dynamic digital event; identifying the location of the end user device; based on its location, identifying one or more merchants at or near the location of the end user device that offer at least one of the items, and displaying such information on the end user device. The system may determine whether a merchant may offer a special offer with respect the item. If no merchant offers the advertised item at or near the location, the system may select a merchant providing an item similar or substitutable for the advertised item. Object recognition may be employed, including using near real-time tagging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder
  • Publication number: 20130173467
    Abstract: Systems and methods to enable a co-located group to be used as an authorization mechanism are discussed. For example, a method to receive a group account configuration, define a group account according to the group account configuration, receive a transaction authorization request associated with the group account, and authorize payment from the group account. The account configuration including a membership list and a target location. The method further including determining whether the transaction authorization request includes data identifying an identified user on the membership list. The method also including determining whether the identified user on the membership list is physically proximate to the target location. The authorizing payment from the group account including verifying that the identified user is determined to be physically proximate to the target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Nuzzi, James Brett Sowder