Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for regulating discounts on merchandise distributed through networked computer systems. The method and system involve the use of discount coupons valid toward the repurchase of the merchandise. These discount coupons include mechanisms for verifying the validity of the coupons. A system in which the present invention operates includes a vendor computer system and a user computer system connected via a network. The vendor and user computer systems each include a computer connected to a display device, a keyboard, and a secondary storage device. A vendor discount regulator and a user discount regulator are stored in the vendor/user secondary storage devices for execution by the vendor/user computers. In operation, when a user desires to purchase merchandise, the user creates a request to purchase the merchandise and sends the request to purchase to a vendor. The vendor creates and encrypts a discount coupon valid toward the repurchase of the merchandise at a later time and sends the encrypted discount coupon together with the merchandise to the user. The user decrypts the discount coupon and stores the discount coupon in the user computer system. Later, when the user desires to repurchase the merchandise, the user creates a request to repurchase the merchandise and sends the request to repurchase to the vendor. The vendor decrypts the request to repurchase and verifies certain information regarding the purchase and the repurchase of the merchandise. After verifying the information, the vendor sends the merchandise to the user.

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First Claim