Clyde C Jones

US Patent:

20050027616, Feb 3, 2005

Filed:

Jul 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/902926

Inventors:

Clyde Jones - Oakland CA, US
Kevin Hsieh - San Francisco CA, US
Tuyen Vo - Oakland CA, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705026000

Abstract:

A system for the on-line distribution and sales of electronic content over a distributed client-server network is described. A server computer maintains a database and processing engine that stores and processes data pertaining to a selection of digital content product, such as music CDs, movie DVDs, video games, computer software, and the like. A user registers for a membership on the vendor web site. Users may select from a wide range of products available through the vendor or other vendors associated with the web site. The user can search for auctions for individual titles or products. When the user wins an auction, the vendor sends the product for use during a trial period. The auction price sets the trial price for the product. Upon expiration of the trial period, the user can return the product to the vendor, or keep it and pay a price based on the trial price. The ultimate sales price is determined through a fixed price model that takes into account various factors such as trial price, wholesale price, msrp, stock levels, popularity, and so on. The trial price can be determined through the auction, or through a fixed-price model. The trial price can be wholly or partially deducted from the final sales price.