초록 ▼

The present invention, generally speaking, makes possible an associates program for electronic content distribution by providing a mechanism whereby a referrer may be identified at the time of purchase in a download-then-pay system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an identifier o

The present invention, generally speaking, makes possible an associates program for electronic content distribution by providing a mechanism whereby a referrer may be identified at the time of purchase in a download-then-pay system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an identifier or marker is added to the electronic content at the time of download. Merchant and purchase location information may also be added. At the time of purchase, a commerce module retrieves the identifier and presents it to the merchant server. The commerce module may also form part of the download or may originate from another source. The identifier may be used for various purposes. For example, the identifier may be used, directly or indirectly, to identify a referrer, to whom a referral fee is then credited. Also, the identifier may be used to look up offer information, since the price at the time of purchase may be different than the offer price at the time of download. The invention is applicable not only to Try/Buy software distribution but more generally to download-then-pay electronic content distribution and rental programs.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of rewarding a referrer in a Web-based download-then-pay electronic content distribution system, comprising the steps of:an end user, using an end user machine, viewing a referrer Web site and activating a link associated with a message recommending specified electronic content; a Web se

1. A method of rewarding a referrer in a Web-based download-then-pay electronic content distribution system, comprising the steps of:an end user, using an end user machine, viewing a referrer Web site and activating a link associated with a message recommending specified electronic content; a Web server delivering a copy of the specified electronic content to the end user machine in response to activation of the link; a Web server delivering identifying information to the end user machine in response to activation of the link; storing the identifying information on the end user machine for a period of time; the end user effecting payment for the specified electronic content using a web browser, wherein payment is received by a Web server, payment resulting in delivering the identifying information to a Web server: and the latter Web server receiving the identifying information and, using the identifying information, taking action benefitting the referrer.