WO1999060751A2

WO1999060751A2 - System and method for providing compensation and notification to an individual when a party uses data relating thereto

Info

Publication number: WO1999060751A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/010944
Authority: WO
Inventors: M. Anthony White; Carlos E. Sala
Original assignee: White M Anthony; Sala Carlos E
Priority date: 1998-05-20
Filing date: 1999-05-19
Publication date: 1999-11-25
Also published as: AU4083799A; WO1999060751A3

Abstract

A system and method for providing compensation to an individual when a party uses data relating to him. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a method is disclosed for compensating an individual when a party uses data that identifies him. The data may be used by the party to provide advertising media, such as a catalog, to the individual. The individual has an account with a second party and the account has a balance associated with it. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use the identifying data from the party, updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data, and transmitting an amount that the individual is to be compensated to the second party so that the account balance can be adjusted by the amount.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPENSATION AND NOTIFICATION TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHEN A PARTY USES DATA RELATING THERETO

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating and/or notifying an individual when a party uses data relating to him. More specifically, this invention is directed to a system and method for compensating and/or notifying the individual when the third party uses data that identifies him to provide advertising media to the individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known for an organization to use "direct marketing" programs to offer goods and/or services (collectively, "goods") for sale to individuals. With such programs, the organization can offer its goods in advertising media through a channel that is direct to the individuals — that is, a channel that does not use an intermediary, such as a retailer or distributor. For example, the organization may mail advertising media, such as a catalog, directly to the individuals. This type of direct marketing is known as "direct mail." The individuals may browse the catalog in order to purchase goods from the organization.

The types of goods offered for sale by organizations via direct marketing programs are vast. For example, apparel companies offer individuals clothing and accessories via catalogs sent to them directly through the mail. Further, credit card companies offer individuals credit cards at low introductory interest rates through such direct mailings. Still further, telemarketing programs are used by publications, such as newspapers and magazines, to obtain new subscribers and by charitable organizations to raise funds. The success (or failure) of a direct marketing program, as measured by revenue generated therefrom, typically hinges upon the percentage of individuals who purchase goods from the advertising media that they receive. This percentage is known as the response rate. The revenue generated via the direct marketing program is directly proportional to the response rate and the number of advertising media sent to individuals.

Thus, in order to increase revenue, it is desirable to maximize the response rate. To do this, an organization may use a technique known as "target marketing." Target marketing is a predictive technique that uses the prior behavior of individuals to predict those who are likely to respond to another program. The theory behind target marketing is that the individuals who have purchased certain goods in the recent past are more likely to purchase the same or similar goods in the near future, as opposed to other individuals who have not so purchased.

An organization that engages in direct marketing usually maintains data relating to individuals to whom a program was addressed, which data is typically maintained in the form of a computerized list (or database). For example, the data relating to an individual may be data that identifies him, such as his name, address, telephone number, electronic mail ("Email") address, or a combination thereof. The data relating to an individual may also include data relating to his purchasing behavior — e.g., the type of goods purchased and the amount and date of the purchase.

An organization's computerized list of individuals is a valuable asset. This is because the organization can leverage its list to secure additional revenue. More specifically, it is common practice for a first organization to exchange all or a portion of its list with a second organization. For example the first organization may rent, transfer, trade, or sell the names and addresses of its list to the second organization. This is done by the first organization to generate income, which can be substantial. The second organization may acquire the list from the first organization for use with its own direct marketing program and thereby generate revenue, which also can be substantial. From the perspective of individuals, the problems associated with exchanging computerized lists between entities abound. More particularly, both entities involved in the exchange of lists of individuals reap financial rewards therefrom. Importantly, however, this transfer is done without the knowledge or consent of the individuals who make up the lists. Moreover, the individuals are not compensated by either organization for use of the data that relates to them.

Further, the widespread practice of transferring databases between entities is believed by many individuals to be unfair. This is because the individuals feel that the data relating to them, such as their name, address, and purchasing behavior, is personal and private. Thus, the sharing of this data between entities leaves many individuals feeling resentful toward the entities, which can harm customer relations. The unfairness and resentful feelings are exacerbated because the individuals do not receive any form of compensation for use of data that relates to them.

Still further, many individuals also are inconvenienced and unduly burdened as a direct result of transferring databases between entities. More specifically, the extent that direct mail is used as a means to sell goods is staggering. Indeed, it is not uncommon for an individual to have to review several pieces of such mail daily. This alone can be extremely inconvenient and burdensome, especially because the mail is unsolicited.

Still further, the popularity of electronic mail and electronic commerce may impart similar inconveniences and burdens on individuals who use computers. More specifically, it is not uncommon for a frequent computer user to receive numerous electronic mail messages per day from entities seeking to sell goods over the Internet. The user thus may be inconvenienced and burdened with the task of having to retrieve, view, and delete unsolicited electronic mail messages on a regular basis. Yet still further, direct marketing in the form of telemarketing can be quite intrusive. For example, it is common for telemarketers to telephone individuals at inconvenient times - e.g., late at night or during dinner. Indeed, these are the times that telemarketers are more apt to call because individuals are more likely to be at home. Moreover, many individuals do not want to receive unsolicited telephone calls. Thus, the individuals are placed in the uncomfortable position of having politely to attempt to refuse the telemarketer's solicitation. This is often exacerbated by the fact that many telemarketers may be pushy and overbearing. Individuals sometimes are offered an opportunity to preclude transfer of data relating to them between entities. For example, an individual may be requested to check a box on a reply card that would restrict such transfers. However, the use of check boxes often proves to be inadequate because they are usually relatively obscure, and thus not seen by the individuals. Also, many direct marketing programs use the telephone. In this case, the telemarketers are sometimes instructed to ask individuals whether they desire to preclude further transfer of data relating to them. However, this often is ineffective because many telemarketers are poorly trained and therefore do not present the individual with this option. In view of the above, it is often difficult — if not virtually impossible — for the individuals to preclude further transfer of data relating thereto between entities.

Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for compensating and notifying individuals when a party uses data relating to them, which will reduce the above- described burdens and inconveniences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows an individual to be compensated when a party uses data that relates to him. Thus, when the party obtains a computerized list of individuals and directly markets goods to them, such individuals may be compensated. In this way, it is not only organizations that transfer computerized lists which can reap financial rewards, but individuals too.

This invention also allows an individual to be notified that a party's use of data that relates to him has been authorized. Notification may be used in connection with compensation of the individual so that when an individual receives such notice (e.g., via an indicium communicated thereto), then he knows that he has been compensated.

To achieve the foregoing, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for facilitating compensation of an individual when a party uses data relating thereto. The party has a device associated therewith. The system includes a memory storing compensation data indicating whether the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto. The system also includes a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual from the device associated with the party and updating the compensation data based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto.

A second aspect of this invention is directed to a method for facilitating compensation of an individual when a party uses data relating thereto. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual from the party and updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for the use of the data relating thereto.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto. The party has a device associated therewith. The system includes a memory storing the data relating to the individual. The system also includes a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual, accessing the memory based on the request to determine whether to authorize the requested use, and transmitting authorization to use the data relating to the individual to the device associated with the party so that the party can communicate an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him.

A fourth aspect of this invention is directed to a method for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual, determining whether to authorize the requested use, and transmitting authorization to use the data relating to the individual to the party so that the party can communicate an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto. The method includes the steps of transmitting a request to use the data relating to the individual, receiving authorization to use the data relating to the individual based on the request, and communicating an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him. A sixth aspect of this invention is directed to a system for compensating an individual when a party uses data that identifies the individual. The party has a device associated therewith. The individual has an account with a second party. The second party has a second device associated therewith and the account has a balance associated with it. The system includes a memory storing compensation data indicating whether the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data. The system also includes a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for receiving a request to use the identifying data from the device associated with the party, updating the compensation data based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data, and transmitting an amount that the individual is to be compensated to the second device so that the balance can be adjusted by the amount. A seventh aspect of this invention is directed to a method for compensating an individual when a party uses data that identifies him. The individual has an account with a second party and the account has a balance associated with it. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use the identifying data from the party, updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data, and transmitting an amount that the individual is to be compensated to the second party so that the account balance can be adjusted by the amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Representative embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for compensating and/or notifying an individual when a party uses data relating to him.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a server of the system FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a client database of the server of the system of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a compensation database of the server of the system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a process for compensating and/or notifying an individual when a party uses data relating to him. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to the accompanying Figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The Figures and accompanying detailed description are provided as examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for compensating and/or notifying an individual when a party uses data relating to him. The system includes a server 100 and a party device 1 10, and may also include a creditor device 120. As will be described in more detail below, server 100 communicates with party device 110 and creditor device 120 via links 115 and

125, respectively.

Server 100 includes a standalone computer or multiple networked computers that are located at one physical location. In the case of networked computers, they communicate according to well established network protocols. Alternatively, server 100 may include multiple computers that are networked together across multiple physical locations in a known manner and that communicate with each other via well-known communication techniques. In this way, as is well known in the art, memory and processing may be distributed among the computers that may make up server 100.

Server 100 stores data relating to individuals in the form of a computerized list (or database). An individual having data relating to him that is stored by server 100 is referred to herein as a "client." As will be explained in more detail below, server 100 will cause compensation and/or notification to be provided to a client when a party uses data relating to him.

The data relating to a client that is stored by server 100 includes data that identifies the client. For example, such data would include a client's name, address, telephone number, or electronic mail ("Email") address. It may also include any combination of that data ~ e.g., a client's name and address, name and telephone number, or name and Email address. Alternatively, the data relating to a client may include data that indicates actions or behavior of the client. For example, such data would include the purchasing behavior of a client (e.g., particular goods he has purchased and amounts paid for those goods), inquiries by a client relating to product information (e.g., catalogs he may have requested), and the like. Party device 110 represents one or more devices (e.g., a printer) and/or computers that are operated by or associated with a party that uses data relating to a client. Party device 110 communicates with server 100 over link 1 15 using known communication techniques. For example, party device 110 may communicate with server 100 via a direct modem connection, the Internet, satellite, or the like. Party device 1 10 communicates with server 100 to receive authorization to use data relating to a client.

A party's "use" of data relating to a client for which the client will be compensated includes providing information to him using the data. It also includes receiving authorization from server 100 to do the same, which accounts for the fact that a party may be authorized to use data relating to a client, but may choose not do so for any number of reasons. Under such a circumstance, the present invention contemplates that a client may nevertheless be compensated even though information has not actually been provided to him. A party may also notify a client that use of data relating to him by the party has been authorized. This is accomplished by associating an indicium that is identifiable by a client (e.g., a logo, slogan, emblem, text, or the like) with the use of such data and communicating the indicium to the client. The following three examples are provided to illustrate the above. Consider a first party that markets its goods to clients (and possibly other individuals) via direct mail. The first party may mail catalogs that include information about its goods to a client so that he can purchase goods therefrom. In this case, the first party may use a client's name and address to mail the catalog to the client. When this is done, server 100 will cause the client to be compensated. In order provide notice to a client that the first party's use of data relating to him (here, the name and address) has been authorized, a logo may be printed on the catalog before it is mailed to the client. In this way, the client receives such notice when he views the logo.

Further consider a second party that markets its goods to clients (and possibly other individuals) via telemarketing. The second party may telephone a client to inform him about goods that he may purchase. In this case, the second party may use a client's name and telephone to contact the client and provide the information to him. When this is done, server 100 will cause the client to be compensated.

In order to provide notice to a client that the second party's use of data relating to him (here, the name and telephone number) has been authorized, a verbal slogan may be played to the client during the telephone call, preferably and the commencement thereof. In this way, the client receives such notice when he hears the verbal slogan.

Still further, consider a third party that markets its goods to clients (and possibly other individuals) via Email over the Internet. The third party may electronically mail message that include information about the third party's goods to a client so that he can purchase those goods. In this case, the third party may use a client's Email address to electronically mail the message to the client. When this is done, server 100 will cause the client to be compensated.

In order to provide notice to a client that the third party's use of data relating to him (here, the Email address) has been authorized, an icon may be included with the message that is electronically mailed to the client. In this way, the client receives such notice when he views the icon.

It is noted that a party need not have obtained data relating to a client from server 100. For example, a party may have obtained a name and address of an individual from another source, such as a catalog company that maintains its own housefile of its customers' names and addresses. In alternate embodiments, a party may use data relating to a client for performing statistical analysis (e.g., regarding purchasing behavior) and other data processing applications. In view of the above, it is apparent that the present invention allows an individual to be compensated when a party uses data that relates to him. Thus, when the party obtains a computerized list of individuals and directly markets goods to them, such individuals may be compensated. In this way, the inconvenience and unfairness perceived by individuals as a result of direct marketing can be minimized. It is further apparent that this invention allows an individual to be notified that a party's use of data that relates to him has been authorized. Notification may be used in connection with compensation of the individual so that when an individual receives such notice (e.g., via an indicium communicated thereto), then he knows that he has been compensated.

Compensation and notification of individuals in accordance with this invention will reduce the burdens and inconveniences of the prior art. This is because such individuals will be allowed to share in financial rewards that previously have been reaped only be organizations that use data relating to them.

It is intended that a party that chooses to compensate and notify individuals in accordance with this invention will secure a competitive advantage over a party that chooses otherwise. More specifically, consider that a first company and a second company may market similar goods (e.g., clothing) via catalogs. The first company may decide to compensate and notify individuals in accordance with this invention and that the second company may not. A client may receive the catalogs of the first and second companies. The catalog of the first company may include an indicium that notifies the client that the first party's was authorized to use data to provide him with the catalog and that he has been compensated for that use. The catalog of the second company includes no such indicium. It is apparent that the client will be more likely to purchase goods from the catalog of the first company because he has been compensated in connection with that catalog. Referring again to FIG. 1, creditor device 120 includes one or more devices or computers that are operated by or associated with an organization with which a client maintains an account. Device 120 stores data relating to the account, such as the name of the account holder, account number, and balance. Device 120 communicates with server 100 using known communication techniques ~ e.g., a direct modem connection, the Internet, satellite, or the like.

The organization may be a bank that has issued a credit (or debit) card to, and maintains a corresponding account for, a client within creditor device 120. The organization may also be one that provides a service to a client — e.g., a utility company that provides electric power to the home of the client or a telephone company that provides telephone services to him, and maintains an account therefor within creditor device 120.

As will be explained in more detail below, server 100 may transmit data to' creditor device 120 indicating an amount that a client is to be compensated. In this way, the organization operating creditor device 120 can cause that amount to be applied against (or to) the balance of the client that is stored by creditor device 120 so that the client is compensated. It is noted that server 100, party device 110, and creditor device 120 include internal architectures, interfaces, and communication devices (e.g., modems) to enable processing and communication. For the purpose of simplicity and clarity, a detailed description of the same is omitted because they are well known in the art.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a diagrammatic representation of server 100 is shown. Server 100 typically includes memory 200, and at least one processor 210 in communication therewith. Memory 200 typically includes one or more machine readable media. Such media include, as is well known in the art, magnetic and/or optical media such as a hard disk, optical disk, floppy disk, tape, random access memory, read only memory, and/or a combination thereof. Memory 200 (or portions thereof) may reside on a single computer, or may be distributed in a known manner among multiple computers that may be included in server 100. Memory 200 includes a client database 300 and a compensation database 400. Memory 200 also includes a program 500 that executes the functions of server 100 in accordance with the present invention.

Each database herein is described with reference to a record thereof and the fields that make up that record. The databases are used in a relational arrangement, as is known in the art, so that they relate to one another by way of fields that store common data. It is noted that while the following description refers to specific individual databases, formats, records, and fields, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of client database 300 is depicted in detail. Client database 300 stores data relating to a client. It may also be used to store data indicating a manner in which a client is to be compensated for use of data relating to him, as well as data indicating his purchasing behavior. In this embodiment, client database 300 includes a record R300 for each client, which record R300 includes fields 300A-300F. Fields 300A-300D store data relating to a client, which includes data that identifies the client. As is depicted in FIG. 3, fields 300A-300D store a client's name, address, telephone number, and/or Email address, respectively. Any one of these fields, or any combination of them, may be used to identify a client — e.g., the client's name and address, name and telephone number, or name and Email address. Field 300E may be used to store a manner in which a client is to be compensated for use of data relating to him by a party. For example, the data stored in field 300E may store a name of a company that has issued a credit (or debit) card to a client and the account number corresponding to that card. Similarly, the data stored in field 300E may store a name of a utility or telephone company from which a client receives service and his corresponding account number. As will be explained in more detail below, an amount that a client is to be compensated may be applied against (or to) his account. Field 3 OOF may be used to store data that indicates the purchasing behavior of a client. This data can be used, for example, to predict further future purchasing behavior, generate direct marketing programs, and perform market research. Referring next to FIG. 4, an embodiment of compensation database 400 is depicted in detail. Database 400 stores data indicating whether a client is to be compensated for use of data relating to him. It may also be used to store data indicating a party that has received authorization from server 100 to use such data. In this embodiment, compensation database 400 includes a record R400 having fields 400A-400C. A record R400 is maintained for each instance that a party has received authorization to use data relating to a client. Field 400A stores a name of a client that is to be compensated for use of data relating to him. Thus, client database 300 and compensation database 400 may be used in a relational arrangement by way of fields 300A and 400A, which store common data — i.e., the name of a client. In this way, multiple records R400 may be maintained for a client.

Field 400B stores data indicating whether a client is to be compensated for use of data relating to him. In the described embodiments, this data indicates an amount that a client is to be compensated. The amount may be a monetary amount that is to be provided to a client or a number of points that the client can redeem for goods. If the amount stored field 400B indicates zero dollars or zero points, then the client is not to be compensated. If the amount stored in field 400B indicates an amount of dollars or points exceeding zero, then the client is to be compensated. Of course, field 400B may simply store a Boolean value that indicates "True" if the client is to be compensated and "False" if he is not and the actual amount that he is to be compensated may be stored elsewhere.

The amount that a client is to be compensated may be determined as desired. For example, the amount may be a fixed amount such as a predetermined number of dollars or cents that a party has agreed to pay for such use. The amount may also be made to vary in accordance with the type of data that a party desires to use. This may be implemented to account for different levels of intrusiveness to a client. To illustrate, the amount may be X cents for a name and address, X+25 cents for a name and telephone number, and X+10 cents for a name and email address. As another example, the amount may be a fixed or variable amount of points that a client can redeem for goods from a party. Field 400C stores data indicating a particular party that has received authorization to use data relating to a client.

FIG. 5 depicts a process 501 for compensating and/or notifying a client when a party uses data relating to him. The functions of program 500 (FIG. 2), which comprises computer instructions and/or data, executable or otherwise which are performed by processor 210 of server 100 (FIG. 2), are described with reference to FIG. 5.

For the purposes of clarity and simplicity, the compensation and notification of a single client is described. Of course, it is contemplated that the present invention will be used to compensate and/or notify multiple clients. To accommodate processing of multiple clients, process 501 may be modified accordingly in a well known manner. At step 510, data relating to an individual who is to be compensated and/or notified in accordance with the present invention is stored in client database 300 of server 100. In this embodiment in which the data relating to an individual includes data that identifies him, the individual's name, address, telephone number, and/or Email address is stored in fields 300A- 300D, respectively. An individual's desired manner of compensation, such as a name of a creditor and his associated account number, may be stored in field 300E and his purchasing behavior may be stored in field 300F. Because data relating to the individual has now been stored in client database 300, he is referred to hereafter as a client.

The data stored in fields 300A-300E for a client may be obtained as desired. For example, a client may provide such data to an organization operating or associated with server 100 in response to a mailing (regular or electronic) in which he indicates his desire to be compensated and/or notified when a party uses data relating to him. The organization can cause this data to be stored in client database 300 as described above. A client may also access a website with his computer or an interactive voice response unit ("IVRU") with his telephone, each of which may be affiliated with server 100, so that he can provide this data to server 100. The data stored in field 300F indicating the purchasing behavior can be obtained from merchants who have transacted business with an individual or an agent thereof, as is well known in the art. At step 515, processor 210 of server 100 (FIG. 2) receives a request to use data relating to a client from a party. The request is transmitted from party device 1 10 to processor 210 of server 100 via link 1 15 (FIG. 1). The request includes the data relating to a client that the party desires to use. It may also include the name of the party that is making the request. For example, if a party desires to use the name and address of a client so that it can mail a catalog thereto, then the request may include that name and address and may also include the name of the party.

At step 520, processor 210 accesses record R300 in client database 300 that corresponds to a client whose data a party has requested to use in step 515. For example, if a party has requested to use a client's name and address, then processor 210 searches client database 300 for the record R300 having that name and address stored in fields 300A and 300B, respectively. Similarly, if a party has requested to use a client's Email address, then processor 210 searches client database 300 for a record R300 having that Email address stored in field 300D.

At step 525, processor 210 updates compensation database 400 based on the request received at step 515 to indicate that the client is to be compensated. Processor 210 creates a new record R400 in compensation database 400. The name stored in field 300 A for the record R300 accessed at step 520 is stored in field 400A of the new record. An amount that the client is to be compensated is stored in field 400B of the new record, which amount may be determined as described above. And, if a name of a party requesting to use the data was included in the request received at step 515, this name is stored in field 400C of the new record. Processing continues at step 530. There, processor 210 transmits authorization for the party to use the data relating to the client that was requested at step 515. In this embodiment, the authorization is transmitted from processor 210 to party device 1 10 via link 115. The authorization may indicate the data that the party is authorized to use. Alternatively, it may indicate data that cannot be used. For example, a client may indicate that he does not want to receive Email. In this case, if a party requests to use the client's Email address, he will not be authorized to do so.

At step 535, a party uses the data relating to the client which it was authorized to use at step 530. In this embodiment, the party uses the data to provide information to the client. For example, a party may market its goods to clients (and other individuals) via direct mail. In this case, the party may mail catalogs that include information about the its goods to the client so that he can purchase those goods. In this case, it is likely that the party will have been authorized to use the name and address of the client. Thus, it may print this name and address on the catalog to provide the same to a client. The party may also provide notice to a client that its use of data relating to him has been authorized. To do this, the party may cause party device 110 to print a logo on the catalog before it is mailed to the client. In this way, the client receives notice when he views the logo.

At step 540, party device 110 may transmit a compensation request to server 100. This may be done, for example, in order to provide additional compensation to a client for purchasing goods from a party in response to the information that was provided to him at step 535. The request may include data identifying the client, the name of the party submitting the compensation request, and the amount of additional compensation that the client is to receive. It may also include purchasing information, such as the type of goods that the client purchased, the amount of the purchase, the date of the purchase, and the method of shipping that was used to provide the client with his goods. If the client is to receive such additional compensation, server 100 accesses record R300 in client database 300 that corresponds to the client identified in the compensation request. If the compensation request includes purchasing information, such information may be stored in field 300F for the accessed record R300. Server 100 creates a new record R400 in compensation database 400. The name stored in field 300A for this record R300 is stored in field 400A of the new record. The amount of additional compensation that the client is to receive, as indicated by the compensation request, is stored in field 400B of the new record. And, if a name of the party submitting the compensation request was included therein, then this name is stored in field 400C of the new record. At step 545, processor 210 causes the client to be compensated. In this embodiment, server 100 searches compensation database 400 for the records R400 relating to the client. Processor 210 totals the amounts stored in the field 400B for those records. Processor 210 accesses field 300E, which may store data indicating a manner that the client desires to be compensated. If field 300E stores such data, processor 210 transmits data indicating the aggregate amount of compensation due to the client and an account number of the client to creditor device 120. Creditor device 120 may apply this amount against (or to) the client's account balance. If field 300E does not indicate a desired manner of compensation, after totaling the amount that the client is to be compensated, processor 210 may cause a check to be sent to the client in that amount. At step 550, server 100 may generate a report for the client that indicates his compensation. For example, the report may indicate which party(ies) used the data relating to the client and how much the client was compensated for such use.

As described above, according to the present invention, an individual may be compensated when a party uses data that relates to him. Thus, when the party obtains a computerized list of individuals and directly markets goods to them, such individuals can be compensated. In this way, it is not only organizations that transfer computerized lists which can reap financial rewards ~ as in the prior art— but individuals too.

Further, this invention allows an individual to be notified that a party's use of data that relates to him has been authorized. Notification may be used in connection with compensation of the individual so that when an individual receives such notice (e.g., via an indicium communicated thereto), then he knows that he has been compensated for the use of the data relating to him.

Although the particular embodiments shown and described above will prove to be useful in many applications relating to the arts to which the present invention pertains, further modifications of the present invention herein disclosed will occur to persons skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for facilitating compensation of an individual when a party uses data relating thereto, wherein the party has a device associated therewith, and wherein the system comprises:

(a) a memory storing compensation data indicating whether the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto; and

(b) a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for (i) receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual from the device associated with the party and (ii) updating the compensation data based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the data relating to the individual comprises data that identifies the individual.

3. The system of Claim 1, wherein the party's use of the data relating to the ^' individual comprises providing information to the individual using the data.

4. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the processor is also for transmitting authorization for the party to use the data relating to the individual to the device associated with the party.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein the compensation data comprises data indicating an amount that the individual is to be compensated, and wherein the processor further is for determining the amount.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the amount is a monetary amount.

7. The system of Claim 5, wherein the amount is a number of points that can be redeemed for goods.

8. The system of Claim 5, wherein the individual has an account with a second party, wherein the second party has a second device associated therewith, wherein the account has a balance associated therewith, and wherein the processor is also for compensating the individual by transmitting the amount to the second device so that the balance can be adjusted by the amount.

9. The system of Claim 5, wherein the processor is also for generating a report that indicates the amount that the client has been compensated.

10. A method for facilitating compensation of an individual when a party uses data relating thereto, comprising:

(a) receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual from the party;

(b) updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for the use of the data relating thereto.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the data relating to the individual comprises data that identifies the individual.

12. The method of Claim 10, wherein the party's use of the data relating to the individual comprises providing information to the individual using the data.

13. The method of Claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting authorization for the party to use the data relating to the individual.

14. The method of Claim 10, wherein the step (b) comprises updating the database based on the request to indicate an amount that the individual is to be compensated.

15. The method of Claim 14, further comprising the step of determining the amount.

16. The method of Claim 14, wherein the step (b) comprises updating the database based on the request to indicate a monetary amount that the individual is to be compensated.

17. The method of Claim 14, wherein the step (b) comprises updating the database based on the request to indicate a number of points that the individual can redeem for goods.

18. The method of Claim 14, further comprising the step of causing the individual to be compensated based on the amount.

19. The method of Claim 14, wherein the individual has an account with a second party, wherein the account has a balance associated therewith, and wherein the method further comprises the step of transmitting the amount to the second party so that the balance can be adjusted by the amount.

20. A system for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto, wherein the party has a device associated therewith, and wherein the system comprises:

(a) a memory storing the data relating to the individual; and

(b) a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for (i) receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual, (ii) accessing the memory based on the request to determine whether to authorize the requested use, and (iii) transmitting authorization to use the data relating to the individual to the device associated with the party so that the party can communicate an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him.

21. The system of Claim 20, wherein the data relating to the individual comprises data that identifies the individual.

22. The system of Claim 20, wherein the indicium is identifiable by the individual.

23. The system of Claim 20, wherein the party's use of the data relating to the individual comprises providing information to the individual using the data.

24. The system of Claim 20, wherein the memory further stores compensation data indicating whether the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto, and wherein the processor is also for updating the compensation data based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto.

25. A method for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto, comprising:

(a) receiving a request to use the data relating to the individual;

(b) determining whether to authorize the requested use; and

(c) transmitting authorization to use the data relating to the individual to the party so that the party can communicate an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him.

26. The method of Claim 25, wherein the step (a) comprises receiving a request to use data that identifies the individual.

27. The method of Claim 25, further comprising the step of updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the data relating thereto.

28. The method of Claim 27, further comprising the step of determining an amount that the individual is to be compensated.

29. A method for notifying an individual when a party has been authorized to use data relating thereto, comprising:

(a) transmitting a request to use the data relating to the individual;

(b) receiving authorization to use the data relating to the individual based on the request; and

(c) communicating an indicium associated with the use to the individual in order to notify the individual that the party has been authorized to use the data relating to him.

30. The method of Claim 29, wherein step (c) comprises the step of providing a catalog including a logo to the individual.

31. The method of Claim 29, wherein step (c) comprises the step of contacting the individual using a telephone and communicating a verbal slogan thereto.

32. The method of Claim 29, wherein step (c) comprises the step of providing electronic mail including an icon to the individual.

33. A system for compensating an individual when a party uses data that identifies the individual, wherein the party has a device associated therewith, wherein the individual has an account with a second party, wherein the second party has a second device associated therewith, wherein the account has a balance associated therewith, and wherein the system comprises:

(a) a memory storing compensation data indicating whether the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data; and

(b) a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor is for (i) receiving a request to use the identifying data from the device associated with the party, (ii) updating the compensation data based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data, and (iii) transmitting an amount that the individual is to be compensated to the second device so that the balance can be adjusted by the amount.

34. A method for compensating an individual when a party uses data that identifies the individual, wherein the individual has an account with a second party, wherein the account has a balance associated therewith, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:

(a) receiving a request to use the identifying data from the party;

(b) updating a database based on the request to indicate that the individual is to be compensated for use of the identifying data;

(c) transmitting an amount that the individual is to be compensated to the second party so that the account balance can be adjusted by the amount.