Patents by Inventor John Shepardson

John Shepardson 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).

  • Methods and apparatus wherein a buyer arranges to purchase a first product using a communication network and subsequently takes possession of a substitute product at a retailer
    Patent number: 6970837
    Abstract: Purchasing system methods and apparatus are provided wherein a buyer purchases a first product through a purchasing system, such as by submitting a buyer offer. A retailer receives product redemption information from a buyer, the product redemption information enabling the buyer to take possession of the first product. The retailer determines a substitute product to provide to the buyer, the substitute product being different than the first product. The determination may be based on information contained in the buyer offer, such as a product category, a product class and one or more product features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Magdalena Mik, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Keith Bemer, John Shepardson