Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for the sale of goods over the Internet provides, in one example embodiment, a sales or 'scrubbing' agent receiving a request to offer goods for sale on an Internet web site, with the request specifying the kind of goods, and restrictions on the sale of the goods. The scrubbing agent validates that the goods are as specified in the request, and offers the goods for sale over the Internet in accordance with any applicable restrictions. The scrubbing agent receives offers over the Internet to purchase the goods, and assures that that any sales of the goods will be made in accordance with any restrictions specified for the sale of the goods. Also, the scrubbing agent may arrange to ship any goods sold, and, optionally, arrange for or invoice the buyer of goods and arrange for or remit payment to the seller of the goods. According to one example embodiment, the seller and buyer of the goods remain anonymous to one another. According to another example embodiment, the scrubbing agent physically inspects the goods to verify that they are bona fide and in conformance with a proposed listing from a seller, before being posted for sale on the Internet.

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First Claim