Data processing systems or methods that are specially adapted for managing, promoting or practicing commercial or financial activities.

Systems or methods not involving significant data processing (see definition for group G06Q 90/00) and specially adapted for managing, promoting, or practicing commercial or financial activities, provided that:

Classification in this subclass is quite difficult, as the question whether a document qualifies for this place might rest to some extent on the intended use rather than on any "hardware"/technical features.

Further, documents here are often directed at complex systems where the interactions and the overall effect might be decisive, where no single technical, tangible feature will be a pointer to a particular group.

For example, information (e.g., a set of figures) may be displayed for the purpose of education or advertising (G09B vs. G06Q).

As another example, an application describing technical details particular to a resonant tag and its mode of operation or production that merely mentions that the tag can be used in automatic stock management (G06Q 10/08, G06Q 10/087) will probably not be classified here.

When different aspects/parts of a document should be classified in different subgroups, more than one symbol is to be allocated.

Attention is drawn to the special rules of classification in group G06Q 90/00, reserved for systems or methods not involving significant data processing, and for G06Q 99/00, reserved for new technologies (e.g. q-bits computers for a special business purpose).

Whenever a document does not contain more than general statements/information/notorious features (e.g. automation using a computer), and no particular technical adaptation can be understood/no particular combination of technical features is found or inferred, the document can be classified in one of the main groups, i.e. G06Q 10/00.

In this subclass, Indexing Codes G06Q 2220/00 and subdivisions, as well as G06Q 2250/00 and subdivisions, are used.

Due to their character of Indexing Codes, they can be used only for additional information and only in association with other symbols of G06Q.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for administration or management, i.e. either the governing or management of an organisation, enterprise or employees.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised record keeping system for recording allocation of space in advance of use, e.g. airplane, train or concert reservation.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events.

The term "space" is intended to include seating.

Such allocation includes airplane, train, or concert seating, as well as hotel room assignment.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter wherein the processing system coordinates multiple distinct reservations for a single itinerary.

The term "multiple distinct reservations" is not intended to include a plurality of similar reservations, e.g. reservations for a plurality of seats.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for forecasting or optimization.

Optimisation in a specific technical field is usually not found here, and should be searched for in the specific field, e.g. optimization of placement of servers in a data farm, optimization for reducing fuel consumption, etc.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Optimisation in a specific technical field is usually not found here, and should be searched for in the specific field, e.g. : optimisation of placement of servers in a data farm, optimisation for reducing fuel consumption, etc... A document classified here should be forwarded to the relevant technical field of application.

Finding the optimal placement of shapes on stock material.

Cutting of paper or sheet metal

Cutting shoes from hides

Finding an optimal route under certain constraints, e.g. scheduling aircrafts.

Route finding algorithms in graphs (e.g. A* algorithm).

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for Resources, workflows, human or project management, e.g. organising, planning, scheduling or allocating time, human or machine resources; Enterprise planning; Organisational models.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for applying systematic or scientific analysis, evaluation, or other problem solving technique to the operation(s) of an enterprise to understand the operation(s), improve effectiveness, and guide decision making or management; or to the planning, organising, directing or controlling of an enterprise, i.e. a group of one or more people or entities, for the purpose of accomplishing a goal.

This subject matter is applied to problems that concern understanding, conducting, coordinating or optimizing the operations or activities within an enterprise.

The operations and activities of the organisation are business level operations and activities and are not specifically network or computer operations related.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for planning or assigning of resources in an optimal or systemic way in order to achieve a business goal, or drawn to the management or planning of a business task or operation.

This group includes planning, allocating, distributing, or scheduling resources among various projects or business units in a business or commercial environment based on analysis of operations of the enterprise.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the scheduling or assigning of tasks to an individual or group, the scheduling or assigning based on analysis of factors such as the needs or requirements of the enterprise, the task and the individual or groups qualifications or availability, schedules of individuals or groups, or the goal of a specific task.

The designation of an individual may be either by name or other designation, e.g. position.

The individual or group may be either internal or external to the organisation, such as a current employee, job candidate or contractor.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for optimally matching an individual or group to a job based on factors such as the individuals or groups qualification(s) and the requirement(s) defined by the particular type of work.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the monitoring or tracking of work performed or assigned to an individual or group to provide an indication of work that is in queue to be started, work in-progress or work that is completed.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for reassessing an established staff task schedule to ensure that the schedule is still valid, and then, optionally rescheduling a task to an available individual or group, in order to improve efficiency, accommodate employees or achieve a business goal or objective.

This area includes subject matter where evaluation of whether or not a change to the initial task schedule is needed, even if no change is claimed or the result of the evaluation is that no change is needed.

This area includes staff driven adjustment or reassignment of a shift or work schedule, such as by way of staff trading or swapping of shifts or other means.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for scheduling, assigning roles, tasks or responsibilities, or the sequence of tasks executed by a team or a team member with respect to a unified managed undertaking.

For classification herein, this group requires a process, method, system, apparatus or program that is associated with a project, e.g. establishing of goals, deliverables, roles, calendar schedules or considered constraints, such as cost or time.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for reassessment of the established asset utilization plan or schedule to insure the plan is still optimal or valid and then to optionally reschedule or reassign asset usage in order to improve efficiency, or achieve a business goal or objective, accomplished by techniques such as resource or task leveling or dynamic rescheduling.

This area includes applications where evaluation of whether or not a change to the initial schedule is needed, even if no change is claimed or the result of the evaluation is that no change is needed.

The reassessment may be based on consideration of factors such as cost, failure or maintenance in order to optimally reschedule or plan resource utilization through workload balancing, leveling or other means.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for organising or allocating resources, such as time, equipment or money, within a defined scope or constraints in order to meet an objective associated with a unified managed undertaking.

For classification herein, this group requires a process, method, system, apparatus or program that is associated with a project, e.g. establishing of goals, deliverables, roles, calendar schedules or considered constraints, such as cost or time.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for a calendar-based means which facilitates time planning associated with business resources, operations, production planning, or other administrative activities.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the evaluation or determination of resources required by the organisation to satisfy an internal or market-driven need.

Market-driven demand herein includes planning associated with consumer demand that require various resources of a business to meet the consumer order demand, such as supply chain operations involving inventory planning or order planning, which may include planning for anticipated future orders.

Market research or market demand prediction which does not also involve resource planning or resource adjustment is classified elsewhere.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised means for planning or governing the order of steps for completing a task, for planning or governing the order of plural tasks performed by the resources of a business, or for using problem solving techniques such as network analysis, e.g. shortest path, minimum spanning trees, maximum flow problems, precedence graphs, job dispatch prioritization, or minimum cost flow problems, to determine the most optimal sequence or ordering of entities or resources.

Classified herein are systems that control workflow, automated systems that process tasks or that display instructions directing the order of task execution, or a template with a series of required fields for execution of the task.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for evaluation of a model or other abstract representation of real work in order to understand or optimise a work process.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for applying techniques to identify and analyze or assess factors that may adversely affect the success of a business undertaking or the achievement of a business goal.

This subject matter includes identifying preventive measures to reduce the probability of these factors occurring or identifying countermeasures to successfully minimize possible negative effects on a business or an entity.

Evaluation of risk factors with respect to credit, loan or other financial matters is not classified herein.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for providing overall direction to a business by (1) developing a business mission, vision or objective; (2) formulating a planned course of action based on a business mission, vision or objective; or (3) evaluating or reevaluating whether the developed mission, vision or objective or planned course of action was effective, produced a desired outcome or needs to be modified.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for forecasting how a business will perform under potential scenarios including identifying an outcome or impact of a proposed change or estimating what changes are needed to accomplish desired goal(s) or outcome(s), including techniques such as change impact analysis or return on investment.

This group includes subject matter where analysis occurs, even when none of current or proposed plans, processes or practices are implemented in the operation of an enterprise.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement which evaluates the efficiency, productivity or performance of an employee or other entity employed by an enterprise or an organisational operation.

The efficiency, productivity or job performance of the employee or other entity occurs within the enterprise and thus explicitly or implicitly impacts the operations of that enterprise.

The evaluations may include recommendations for performance improvement.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for (1) comparing business performance with a known standard of excellence, or (2) analysis of an operational activity of a company, in order to establish a performance standard or to determine if actual performance is aligned with the goals or objectives of the business.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for applying systematic and scientific evaluation related to standards set or required for various business practices, operations, processes, incoming materials, products or services.

This subject matter may include analysis of test data from suppliers, internal incoming inspection, in-line test, final test data or other data associated with analysis of business operation standards, and may also include determination of corrective actions.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for evaluating individual or group performance with respect to an assigned job or task.

This area includes applications that include evaluations such as end of year reviews.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for simulation of a business operation or a function; or a document.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping (involving movement of material/products between different locations).

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the delivery of goods or items between parties, or for the monitoring of the status of that delivery.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for managing the delivery of goods that are transported over international waters or across international borders.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the handling of a shipment of goods that requires particular preparation measures or transport specifications.

This group includes such special goods or handling procedures, such as the shipping of goods in refrigerated vehicles or the special packing or transport measures for handling hazardous or delicate materials.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for systems allowing various parties in a delivery transaction to determine the location of goods during their preparation for delivery or during transport between destinations.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for determining which carrier a particular shipper or supplier should utilise for a specific delivery transaction.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement to assist shippers, suppliers or recipients of goods in managing the determination of an appropriate or established price for a delivery transaction.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement directed at handling the transactions between a shipper or supplier of goods and the carrier who will deliver the goods.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for determining optimum routing of certain goods in an existing delivery system or to identify an appropriate route for delivery of specified goods.

The routing method is often directed at cost savings or delivery time minimization.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for managing the handling of delivery of goods to allow recipients to pick up the goods at a centralised location.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the sending of received goods back to a supplier or manufacturer.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the maintenance or tracking of information collected in shipping transactions, such as customer data, established routes, load history and cost information.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for generating an itemised listing of the components needed either totally or based on specific tasks in an organisation.

Office automation; human resources in the sense of employee administration, contracts, reporting, job applications, etc.; and office software especially for collaborative work (groupware) for instance for the electronic equivalent of an office paper flow (drafting, approval, archival).

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for initial conceptual development, through cooperation between plural parties, e.g. brainstorming, idea development, of a commodity or of work that can be performed for another.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the routing or approving of projects between workforce units or for organising and managing of resources, e.g. people, in such a way that a planned undertaking is completed within defined scope, quality, time, and cost constraints.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for keeping of records, e.g. benefits, of the departments or employees of an organisation or hiring of employees.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for engaging the services of a person or persons for wages or other payment either directly or through a third party.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the maintenance, regulation or the monitoring of non-monetary employment compensation provided to employees by an organisation, e.g. health insurance, leave or retirement.

Document workflows and groupware based upon e-mail, computer aided management of electronic mail (essentially on the client side).

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Management of appointments, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter for analysis or allocation of time worked by an individual.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the creation or maintenance of a list or schedule of planned events or activities giving dates and details which is used by an individual or group for planning or assigning a time and optionally a place for meetings, appointments or tasks.

Calendar-based systems that allow the client or the business entity to schedule appointments in a place of business are classified herein.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised calendar-based operation used by an individual or group for determining the availability of a person or group for a task, or for assigning a time or a place for a task.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the development or the utilization of a system for notifying the customer of servicing which is due on his product or to the tracking or monitoring of services performed on a product, e.g. car maintenance.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the creation or maintenance of a system for taking used or waste commodities and either (1) treating or processing them so as to make them suitable for reuse, or (2) getting rid of them.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted to implement procedures for fulfilling a financial obligation or debt.

Complete systems involving payment protocols, e.g.:

This group covers "payment protocols" with the meaning explained in the Glossary below.

It does not cover the generic network protocols, e.g. Internet protocols, which are instead classified in H04L 9/40, but it covers those network/secure protocols specially adapted for payments, which may be of lower layer or be security oriented.

The involvement of a neutral third party is an essential aspect of the payment protocol and it serves to coordinate the payment protocol.

In case the third party manages the encryption keys, both the present group and G06Q 20/3829 should be allocated.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) is accepted as a trusted authority for the bundling of payments between banks or payment authorities.

If the Administration and Accounting of the Banking is managed by the Automated Clearing House, G06Q 40/02. If the Payment is managed, G06Q 20/023.

Subject matter wherein the transfer of funds or payment due includes a communication node connecting two different financial networks.

Payments done using the rules of a standard public payment environment. This group and its subgroups cover by what means the payment is realised.

Protocols of payment such as the use of cheques or electronic tickets, or specific solutions in relation to micropayments.

Any payment scheme which requires a payment cheque.

Payment schemes in which (at least for a part of the procedure) the cheque is in electronic form, e.g. as an image.

Payment schemes in which a ticket is defining rights such as access rights or payment rights e.g. payment done.

Payments by means of tickets sent in an electronic form.

Payments using an electronic form of a proof of payment.

Payment protocols for executing payments using rules defined, agreed and shared by all members within a private group of participants.

Payments by means of electronic cash.

Payments using e-cash of which the value decreases or changes according to a parameter, e.g. time.

Payment system where all transactions using e-cash are centrally monitored and checked.

Payment system where the bookkeeping of the e-cash is managed locally.

Payment protocols and methods of data processing specific to the type of environment. Details of infrastructures used in the backbone of the payment procedure.

The determination at a remote vendor site of a payment due or a transfer of funds from a buyer to a remote vendor.

Payment schemes in which a third party (neutrality is not mandatory) is essential to the remote charging.

The implementation of payment protocols for the explicit user initiated fund transfers from one account to another account such as in home banking systems.

In this group, the term EFT is understood to include credit transactions.

Generating notices of payment due, or transferring funds in response thereto.

User operated arrangement for programming an object having a value carrying memory, e.g. an ATM card, prior to use, with details of the desired transaction.

Such cards usually include an integrated circuit (IC) element, and are often referred to as "smart cards".

Included herein is a transaction specific card preprogramming arrangement.

Arrangements for effecting the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money for the extension of credit or for facilitating the transmission of funds from a computer at a location geographically spaced apart from a banking establishment.

Such a computer may be located in a user's residence or place of business.

Payments protocols which involve an ATM (in particular for EFT and banking payment transactions).

Implementation of payment protocols for electronic shopping.

Payments for data files e.g. films, audio, pictures, software.

Payments for billed time-usage or access permitted to service or object for a limited defined time, e.g. streaming video.

Protocols for the payment of bills.

Dispensed quantity or service provided metered in another way than by time-metering.

Payment protocols in which payments are settled by the telecommunication provider which serves as payment aggregator.

Payment protocols for payments made from Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) or for services provided by SSTs.

Implementation of payment protocols for payments made by means of a POS or ECR (or Vending machine or Dispenser serving as POS device) within a network.

Data processing of payment transactions by means of such an apparatus or device are classified in G06Q 20/20. In particular POS network systems are classified in G06Q 20/20.

Subject matter including a feature of a memory or file arrangement for looking up the price of an item being purchased where an item designator is entered into the terminal.

Subject matter wherein two or more spaced apart electronic cash registers (ECR) are connected for cooperation there-between; or a connection to an ECR is connected for cooperation with a host computer spaced apart there-from. The ECRs are most often connected in a network configuration.

Inventory monitoring within POS network systems.

Payments by means of POS including an arrangement for reading a customer associated payment effecting data bearing medium or carrier.

Such a data bearing medium is intended to include a credit card, debit card or a value bearing ticket.

Use of the Point of Sale device is dependent upon the identification of the user, possibly by User ID-card, e.g. waiter-key.

Subject matter in which the sales terminal system computes tax on the transaction.

Payment by means of a POS where the sales information is input by sensing a property of the product being purchased or a record attached thereto.

Payment by means of a POS where a journal or transaction data overview is output.

Models or schemes defining the type of payment concept (at least two of the following paradigms are essential to the technical contribution or inventive concept: peer-to-peer, multiple accounts, pay after, pay now, pay before, micropayments).

Payments involving peer-to-peer networks with no participation of a third party.

During payment transaction, payer has the possibility to choose between multiple of his/her accounts for use during the transaction.

Cards used by different users, with cards having use rights particular to each user or a hierarchy of use-rights.

Cards having parent-child type hierarchy of use-rights, where a parent user decides on the use conditions of the card applying to one or more dependent person(s).

Implementation of protocols in which payment according to a pay-later, credit card or deferred payment scheme is an essential aspect contributing to the inventive concept or technical merit of the protocol.

Implementation of protocols in which payment according to a pay-now, debit card or immediate payment scheme is an essential aspect contributing to the inventive concept or technical merit of the protocol.

Implementation of protocols in which payment according to a pay-before or advance payment scheme is an essential aspect contributing to the inventive concept or technical merit of the protocol.

Payment schemes which include the use of micropayments or multiple small payments which get bundled and paid as a total of multiple micropayments, e.g. used for getting access to video, audio files or information.

Data processing methods and protocols for payment applications using specific devices. This group and its subdivisions are based on details of the protocol based on the type of hardware used.

This group covers details of hardware used as a part of the protocol for the payment to be realised.

Payments where the wired telephone network plays an essential role in the transaction.

Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific wireless devices.

The following are examples of the subject-matter covered by this group:

Group G06Q 20/32 relates to the use of specific wireless devices for payment architectures, schemes or protocols.

Group H04W 4/24 relates to rating, charging or billing services for wireless communication networks. This includes rating/charging for added value services, m-commerce, payment transactions using prepaid calling cards, SIM cards or the mobile phone itself, insofar as these services are billed by the network operator.

General details of payments by means of mobile apparatuses.

Banking information presentation by means of M-devices.

Banking transactions processed and realised by means of M-devices.

Location of the mobile device used plays an essential role in executing or authorising a payment transaction.

Security aspects used during payments executed by an M-device are reliant on a secure element which does not form part of, or is not installed in the M-device, i.e. not the SIM or USIM.

Security aspects used during payments executed by an M-device are reliant on a secure element which does form part of, or is installed in the M-device.

Security aspects used during payments executed by an M-device are reliant on a secure element which forms part of the SIM or USIM.

Use of the wireless network forms an essential part of the execution of the banking transaction or payment protocol.

Communication via a wireless messaging system, e.g. SMS, MMS, USSD forms an essential part of the payment protocol.

Payments by means of M-device using short range or proximity communication with the transaction partner or payment terminal.

Short range communication protocol where the device and the transaction partner communicate using an audio communication protocol, such as DTMF.

Short range communication protocol using a pictured code such as a barcode or QR-code displayed on the display of the M-device and read by the transaction partner.

Short range communication protocol using a pictured code such as a barcode or QR-code, being photographed by the M-device.

Payments using RFID or NFC-technology to communicate between the transaction entities.

This group and its subdivisions concerns all aspects of data processing methods and protocols used for payments by means of cards.

Active cards, i.e. cards containing their own processing means, are used as payment medium in the payment protocol.

Payment by active payment card that can execute or authenticate (part of) a payment transaction autonomously, without intervention of the payment terminal.

Cards defining a quantity of service or facility or objects for which the payment already took place and which the bearer has a right to access: e.g. prepaid cards, gift cards or anonymous debit cards, which are received after payment.

Card includes a counter or memory with discrete units of value that change by increase or decrease when the card is used.

Card includes a counter or memory with discrete units of money or payment units that change by increase or decrease when the card is used.

Card includes a counter or memory with discrete units of number of actions registered, such as number of times card is used, which can change by increase or decrease when the card is used.

Card is only used as intermediate carrier for identification data of user or for transaction data.

Payment using passive cards, i.e. cards that do not contain their own processing means. Card usually only contains a magnetic stripe or path.

Single-use value tokens or cards, which cannot be recharged.

Rechargeable tokens or cards which may be recharged or have their value updated.

Virtual cards used to access accounts or effectuate payments, without the user using any physical device, i.e. no physical card or mobile phone is used, but where the virtual cards emulate all the characteristics of its 'real' counterpart.

Cards using contactless communication protocol to communicate.

Cards using contactless communication protocol to communicate, where the card is plugged into an M-device, but communicates using its own contactless communication means.

Locally or remotely enabling or disabling cards or tokens, e.g. blocked when stolen or after expiration.

General aspects relating to the personalisation of payment cards before use.

Downloading of payment applications or user-related data into or onto the card before use.

Personalisation of two or more cards or personalisation of multiple users, possibly hierarchically.

Personalisation of payment cards before they are transferred to the user.

Details relating to software used to execute card payments.

Details relating to the software residing on the (active) payment card, which plays a part in execution of the payment transaction.

Details relating to the software residing on the card reader used in a card payment and which plays a part in execution of the payment transaction.

Cards having a multitude of a specific feature.

Token or card that can be used to execute payment from a multitude of payment accounts.

Cards which store or accommodate a multitude of software applications to be used in a payment context.

Memory zones on a card assigned to one or more users and /or payment related services.

Zone-allocation conditions and setting access conditions of zones allocated to different payment related applications and/or users of payment related applications.

Aspects of the data processing method and protocols of payments by means of electronic wallets and money safes, i.e. electronic purses.

The difference between "purses" and "wallets" is that the latter are the user's complete personal data files.

The electronic wallet stores the personal data file of the user, i.e. all his personal and payment related information.

Aspects of the data processing method and protocols of payments by means of intelligent tokens including money safes e.g. electronic purses.

Subject matter wherein the intelligent token is programmed prior to use or its value bearing data is increased.

Payment procedures in which the authentication of the intelligent token is pertinent for the inventive concept. The token being an electronic wallet involving an electronic purse.

Subject matter including reconciliation of cumulative transaction data or synchronising account data on the portable data carrier with corresponding data from a host.

Subject matter including specifics of e-cash or electronic purse value data stored on the intelligent token.

According to the method of managing the electronic cash, a classification in G06Q 20/065-G06Q 20/0658 should also be assigned. If details of the storage on a card itself are of importance, classify in G07F 7/08.

Specific steps of a protocol such as authorising a payment or confirming the validity of a proposed transaction before realising it, which steps define the inventive contribution or concept.

Aspects of a payment transaction relating to currency conversion and money exchanging.

Concepts for insuring higher security of transaction in general.

In case cryptography of the business transaction for shopping digital content is specially pertinent also a classification in G06Q 2220/00 and subgroups may be given.

Subject matter wherein digital data authorising a particular user to participate in a payment transaction is provided.

Use of certificates or encrypted proofs of transaction rights as payment credentials.

Multiple forms of encryption are used throughout the payment transaction to provide further security.

Use of electronic (blind) signatures as authentication of payment or payment tokens.

Hash or message digest of transaction details is created and checked to ensure authenticity and integrity.

Management, e.g. by a certification authority, of the encryption keys used within the payment scheme.

If a Trusted third party or certification authority is required, classify also in G06Q 20/02.

Protection of consumer privacy during payment transaction, e.g. enabling anonymous transactions.

An alias or single-use transaction code is used as a reference to an account or credit card number, i.e. as a substitute account number only valid for a given transaction.

Discounts or coupons used within a payment transaction.

This group covers only the usage of discounts or coupons interacting with the payment protocol.

Mutual authentication between two parties of a payment transaction without using cards, for example, using a challenge response mechanism.

Non-repudiation of a transaction is guaranteed by a notary-like third-party keeping a log of the transaction data as proof.

If trusted third party or notary plays important role in transaction, also classify in G06Q 20/02.

Specific steps of a protocol relating to authorising a payment and which define the technical contribution or inventive concept.

Subject matter wherein the details of a transaction are cryptographically processed to allow subsequent confirmation thereof.

Cryptographic aspects of payment protocols should also be classified under G06Q 20/382 and subgroups.

Subject matter wherein the personal identification number is confirmed for transaction verification.

Verification of the identity of the payer or payee in non-card payment procedures, not making use of biometric identity checks.

Verification of the identity of the payer or payee in non-card payment procedures, making use of biometric identity checks.

Evaluating the risk of a transaction, e.g. credit card payment or fraud detection.

Using the Card/Conventional Verification Value (CVV) to verify a transaction made using the card.

General aspects of verifying credit validity and/or solvency, without risk assessment, or system where a combination of offline and online solvency check methods are used.

If only offline or online verification is used, classify in one of the subgroups.

Verifying credit validity or solvency, without risk assessment and without connecting to a server, e.g. offline.

Verifying credit validity or solvency, without risk assessment and with connecting to a server, e.g. online.

Establishing and using transaction specific rules that are managed locally or remotely, that both limit the (type of) allowed transactions or select between multiple accounts, e.g. if the amount is greater than $1,000, then use my credit account because the interest rate is lower.

Payment features relevant specifically to cancelled transactions, e.g. reimbursement of funds.

Authentication of card-like documents in general.

Monitoring while authenticating a transaction by use of a transaction authentication number or the use of a security access module (SAM).

Mutual authentication between a card identifying or held by the user and the transaction partner, e.g. terminal, with which transaction is taking place.

Details of the devices used for card payments should also be classified in G07F 7/10.

The two parties to the transaction exchange encrypted mutual challenge-response(s) for authentication.

Specific steps of the protocol for confirming the validity of a proposed transaction before realising it, which define the technical contribution or inventive concept of the payment protocol, also including parent/child confirmation.

This group covers confirmation of a proposed transaction, e.g. card holder receives notification or message via mobile phone or personal computer for confirmation and locally verifies that the transaction is known to him or her and continues with a payment made with his or her card.

Not to be confused with authorisation by a remote authority, such as a credit company.

If the payment network or the confirmation network is wireless, classification in G06Q 20/30 is required.

To insure that the transaction attempted on a network is known and accepted by the user or customer use is made of a network which is different from the network to effectuate the transaction. The second network is associated with the user or customer and is used to get a confirmation to realise the transaction.

If the payment network or the confirmation network is wireless, classification under G06Q 20/30 is also required.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for billing, commerce or marketing, i.e. promoting, buying or selling of goods or services, billing models.

The following subjects are therefore covered, in the case where no special technical features or issues have been identified, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to data processing systems or processes specially adapted for facilitating, or exercising agreements, in customer services from providers.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the registration or status of an agreement, in which a provider will, a limited period of time, repair or replace an article or rework a service, if that article or service is deemed to be defective within the terms of that agreement.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for requesting the return to the maker, of a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues, or to the maintenance of the status of such a request.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the planning or utilizing of assistance or other resources that a company may provide to the people who bought or used its products or services, e.g. helpdesk or customer support.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for documentation, data collection, processing or monitoring to ensure the veracity or factuality of the status of an entity's qualifications, either required or claimed by that entity in execution of a business requirement or legal process.

Included herein is subject matter associated with land use by an entity, carbon credits, emissions, abatement, product compliance, clinical trials, trade agreements, licensing, degree verification, government test, regulatory compliance, continuing education requirements, safety compliance and documentation of legal proceedings, such as courtroom transcripts.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the analysis or detection of (1) illegitimate use of a product or service, misrepresentation of the authenticity of products or services, (2) approved sources of products or services, or (3) the coding or marking of product with data used for authentication.

Data processing systems or processes specially adapted for marketing, i.e. advertising, coupons, promotions, loyalty programs, market research, recommendation of goods, surveying, profiling in connection with buying or selling of goods or services.

The following subjects are therefore covered, the list being non-exhaustive:

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for collecting, organising or analyzing data concerning a market in order to understand or predict the impact of market factors on the operation or activity of the enterprise.

This group includes formulating strategies or representations related to the market, which are used for analysis and planning.

Market data can include various factors, trends, or relationships reflecting customer behaviour, competitor behaviour, market influences, or market activity.

A market factor is a feature or characteristic in a market that is related to the demand for a product or service, e.g. number of households.

A market is an environment where products and services are offered for sale to a group of potential consumers, and includes the parties of potential consumer, sellers, producers, or competitors.

Subject matter herein may include market data collection or the routing of market research data by (1) data mining; (2) monitoring transmitted communications; or (3) accessing data from stored databases or other sources.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for the processing of market data in order to (1) forecast the future demand and the size of the market for a product or service; (2) use market data to predict a value for a product or service or (3) predict the impact of market factors on the operation or activity of the enterprise.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for collecting or analyzing data elicited from a participant or user, e.g. a questionnaire.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for analysis of the market, based on a breakdown of that market into homogeneous groups, e.g. by demographic, geographic, psychographic or behavioural characteristics.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for analysis of the market, based on a breakdown of that market into homogeneous groups, e.g. by demographic, geographic, psychographic or behavioural characteristics.

This group includes formulating strategies related to the market factors specific to a geographical location or plural geographical locations, such as analysis of customer buying habits relative to location, geographical factors considered relative to a planned business location, geographical factor relative to product or service offerings in a particular business location or the need for sales representatives coverage in a geographic region.

Subject matter drawn to a computerised arrangement for analysis of the market, based on a breakdown of that market into homogeneous groups, e.g. by demographic, geographic, psychographic or behavioural characteristics.

Subject matter for price reduction of, or premium credit resulting from, the purchase of a good or service, or a commercial offer to incite, stimulate, or provoke an increase in business, through a commercial transaction.

The recitation of a discount or incentive in name only, e.g. "coupon", "rebate") is insufficient to classify a document in this group.

Subject matter drawn to a user acquiring an inducement that includes swapping an article of merchandise or a provided service (of the type that is normally bought or sold in commerce) with a merchant or service provider.

A simple exchange of currency for an incentive, by itself, does not constitute the swapping of a good or service and is therefore classified elsewhere.

Subject matter in which a user participates in a competitive activity according to a set of rules to play a video entertainment involving skill, chance or endurance, i.e. video game, in which a merchant provides a discount or incentive to the user, or an incentive, e.g. points, can be used in order to play a video game.

The term "video entertainment" is intended to cover only video games.

Subject matter in which an analysis is conducted in order to ascertain the degree to which the intended or expected result of offering a discount or incentive is achieved.

Subject matter in which the incentive is the opportunity to participate in a random event, e.g. sweepstakes, jackpots, games, lotteries, to obtain a reward or prize, e.g. a discount.

Subject matter wherein a payment from an individual is required to participate in a program to gain an incentive or discount award.

Subject matter wherein an individual is given an incentive after meeting a predetermined criterion of directing, e.g. inviting or referring, an individual to a business, program, or product or service.

Subject matter wherein the incentive reward is in the form of money or credit applied to a user's monetary account.

The term "account" is defined as a formal business arrangement providing for regular dealings or services.

Subject matter wherein an individual has the opportunity to invest a reward provided by the merchant, e.g. money market or stocks, in order to realise a financial gain.

Subject matter wherein an inducement is given to an individual for exchanging information with a merchant or third party about a good, or work done or duty performed for the individual or others, or something that the individual wishes for.

This input is often acquired by giving the individual a quiz or having the individual fill out a questionnaire or survey.

Subject matter wherein an incentive or award is based on an evaluation or grade of a participants answer or response.

Subject matter wherein a discount or incentive for a purchase of a commodity or service is provided to the public based on a monetary limit or cap established by a merchant.

Subject matter drawn to an offer which can be used more than once to receive a discount or incentive.

Subject matter in which a discount or incentive is provided or redeemed during the course of an electronic transaction.

The "term electronic" transaction covers a transaction wherein the user uses any kind of network having at one end a terminal to execute the transaction consisting of buying or selling goods or services.

Subject matter wherein a discount or incentive is provided based on a tracking or counting of goods or services available or sold by merchant.

Subject matter in which a past purchase or interest of an individual is considered to provide a present or future discount or incentive to the individual.

User history may be obtained through cookies, discount cards, user search.

Subject matter drawn to the prevention of unfair, dishonest, or deceitful action by a consumer to acquire an incentive or discount for a commodity or service.

This group provides for methods of preventing fraudulent redemption of coupons or incentives in combination with a nominal recitation of cryptographic methods, e.g. encrypting, scrambling, or other means such as barcodes or watermarks, which may be used to identify the authenticity of an incentive or discount.

Subject matter wherein an individual is given a frequent usage incentive after meeting predetermined criteria for demonstrating loyalty towards a product, merchant or service.

Subject matter wherein a computer system calculates the fair return or equivalent in goods, services or money for a frequent usage incentive in order to make that frequent usage incentive consistent with a frequent usage incentive from a different program.

Subject matter wherein a computer system on a network is designed for the reconciliation and trading of frequent usage incentive points or miles.

Subject matter wherein operators of separate retail establishments each operate their own frequent usage incentive system under a single card which certifies customer membership.

Subject matter wherein a frequent usage incentive, e.g. point, mile, is awarded on the basis of criteria which are not a function of the monetary amount of merchandise or services bought, or distance traversed.

A frequent usage incentive based on the number of transactions, rather than the monetary amount of transactions, or the number of trips, rather than the distance travelled, is classified here.

Subject matter wherein the frequent usage reward does not come in the form of a commodity or good that is normally bought or sold in the business giving the frequent usage incentive, nor in the form of currency or a check, or free or discounted travel services.

For purposes of this group definition, cash is paper money, coins or checks.

Gift certificates and gift cards are not considered cash and are therefore included in this group.

Subject matter which describes the manner in which a user selects or receives their frequent usage reward.

Subject matter wherein, at some time after the purchase of merchandise or services, part of the purchase price paid is returned to the purchaser.

Subject matter in which a discount or incentive is provided or redeemed within limited time constraints.

The term "constraint" is not limited to a time frame or period of time. The term covers at least one of start time, time frame, period of time, end time.

Subject matter in which an individual receives a discount or incentive for enrolling in a program sponsored by or for identifying themselves to a merchant.

Subject matter wherein a discount or incentive is provided or redeemed at a small standalone structure.

Subject matter in which a discount or incentive is provided or redeemed at a place where transfer of goods or services is executed.

A coupon dispensing or redeeming electronic cash register is classified in this group.

Subject matter wherein a discount or incentive is provided through the use of the World Wide Web.

Subject matter drawn to the action of promoting or calling to the attention of the public any goods or services to induce the public to buy or use the goods or services.

Subject matter in which an analysis is conducted in order to ascertain the degree to which the intended or expected result of a promotion is achieved.

Subject matter drawn to a side-by-side examination of two or more promotions in order to determine which one attains the highest degree of intended or expected results.

Subject matter drawn to an analysis of a constraint of a promotion resulting in a reworking of that promotion to improve the current or future effectiveness thereof.

Subject matter drawn to the collection of public opinion about a promotion in order to determine the effectiveness of a promotion.

Subject matter wherein the commercial activity generated by a promotion is analyzed.

Subject matter drawn to a determination of monetary gain from a promotion at a point of time.

Subject matter drawn to the prevention of unfair dishonest or deceitful action by an individual to acquire or obtain a better promotion for goods or services.

This group provides for methods of fraud prevention in combination with a nominal recitation of cryptographic methods, e.g. encrypting scrambling, or other means such as barcodes watermarks, which may be used to identify the authenticity of a promotion.

Subject matter wherein a promotion is provided to the public based on a monetary limit or cap established by a merchant.

Subject matter wherein a promotion is directed at or to an individual or individuals based on predetermined criteria.

Subject matter in which an organised activity or atmospheric or climatic condition is used in order to promote goods or services.

Subject matter in which a promotion is provided during the course of an electronic transaction.

The term "electronic transaction" covers a transaction wherein the user uses any kind of network having at one end a terminal to execute the transaction consisting of buying or selling goods or services

Subject matter drawn to the compilation collection analysis or interpretation of numerical facts or data to distribute or produce a promotion that reaches a targeted group.

The term "numerical facts" is intended to include any logistic or mathematical conclusion or process that helps to determine probabilities or theories of behaviour or conditions of state of a predetermined group.

Subject matter drawn to the analysis or interpretation of user data related to past interests, purchases, or preferences of a user or group of users in order to provide a present or future promotion to a target user or group.

Notes:

Subject matter wherein an individual uses a computer system looking for some information and a promotion is presented due to the entered key word.

Subject matter wherein a user selects a promotion.

Subject matter in which an individual exchanges information with a merchant in order to receive future promotions.