U.S. patent application number 13/293463 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for systems and methods for providing online sweepstakes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Patrick Murphy, Rod Underhill. Invention is credited to Daniel Patrick Murphy, Rod Underhill.
Application Number | 20130123017 13/293463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48281152 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130123017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Underhill; Rod ; et
al. |
May 16, 2013 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ONLINE SWEEPSTAKES
Abstract
A sweepstakes solution-generating computer system includes a
processor and a memory for storing computer-executable instructions
causing the computer system to receive sweepstakes parameters for a
proposed sweepstakes (the sweepstakes parameters including sponsor
information and prize information) and provide an indication of
whether the value of the prizes identified by the prize information
exceed a predetermined amount which requires consulting an attorney
in order to generate a sweepstakes solution. Based on the
indication that the value of the prizes does not exceed the
predetermined amount, the system generates a sweepstakes
solution.
Inventors: |
Underhill; Rod; (Julian,
CA) ; Murphy; Daniel Patrick; (Coronado, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Underhill; Rod
Murphy; Daniel Patrick |
Julian
Coronado |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48281152 |
Appl. No.: |
13/293463 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 ;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/326 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 ;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. One or more computer-readable storage devices comprising
computer-executable instructions causing a computer to perform a
method of implementing a sweepstakes, the method comprising:
receiving a request for production of a sweepstakes proposal from
an online user via a server; responsive to the request, generating
and delivering to the user a series of queries regarding the
sweepstakes proposal; receiving a plurality of responses to the
queries that have been generated and delivered to the user; and
based on the plurality of responses to the queries, developing a
sweepstakes solution, wherein the sweepstakes solution comprises
generating a sweepstakes rules for publication based, at least in
part, on plurality of responses to the queries.
2. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 1,
wherein the acts of generating and delivering a series of queries
and receiving the plurality of responses comprises: requesting
sponsor information about the name and contact information of a
sponsor of the sweepstakes proposal; receiving the sponsor
information; requesting prize information about the prizes that are
to be distributed by the sponsor via the sweepstakes solution; and
receiving the prize information.
3. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 2,
wherein the method further comprises: responsive to the prize
information, determining whether the sweepstakes solution can be
generated without consulting an attorney.
4. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 3,
wherein the act of determining whether an attorney needs to be
consulted comprises: determining a total value of the prizes
associated with the prize information, the total value being
determined by assigning a value to each prize that is to be
distributed and summing up all of the values assigned to the prizes
to obtain the total value of the prizes; comparing the total value
of the prizes to a predetermined value to determine if the total
value exceeds the predetermined value; and if the total value
exceeds the predetermined value, providing an indication that an
attorney must be consulted by the user.
5. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 2,
wherein the prize information comprises prizes of monetary
value.
6. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 5,
wherein at least some of the prize information is received via a
dropdown menu listing possible prizes, each of the possible prizes
having a pre-assigned value associated with the possible
prizes.
7. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 6,
wherein the possible prizes comprise at least one downloadable
music file.
8. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 6,
wherein the possible prizes comprise at least one physical item
that has been autographed.
9. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 3,
further comprising: based on an indication that no attorney
consultation is required, generating the sweepstakes solution and
publishing a sweepstakes rules, the sweepstakes rules identifying
the sponsor of the sweepstakes solution and the prizes that are to
distributed by the sponsor; and receiving entries from a plurality
of participants in the sweepstakes solution.
10. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 9,
wherein the entries are restricted to participants who are
pre-registered.
11. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 10,
wherein pre-registration comprises: linking a profile of a
participant to a profile of another entity on a social networking
site.
12. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 9,
wherein the acts of generating and delivering a series of queries
and receiving the plurality of responses comprises: requesting
information about the sweepstakes period, the sweepstakes period
being the period in which entries can be received from the
plurality participants; and receiving the sweepstakes period
information from the user.
13. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 12,
wherein a graphical user interface is provided to the user, the
graphical user interface being configured to show a calendar view
to facilitate generation of the sweepstakes period information by
the user.
14. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 13,
wherein the graphical user interface permits the user to select
non-continuous blocks of time for the sweepstakes period.
15. The one or more computer-readable storage devices of claim 9,
wherein the method further comprises: restricting the entries of
participants to a certain demographic, the certain demographic
being limited by age and appreciation of a musical genre by the
participant.
16. A method implemented at least in part by one or more computing
devices, the method comprising: receiving sweepstakes parameters
for a proposed sweepstakes, the sweepstakes parameters including
sponsor information and prize information; receiving an indication
of whether the total value of the prizes identified by the prize
information exceed a predetermined amount which requires consulting
an attorney in order to generate a sweepstakes solution; based on
an indication that the total value of the prizes does not exceed
the predetermined amount, generating the sweepstake solution;
receiving entries from a plurality of participants, the entries
being responsive to the publication of the sweepstakes solution;
selecting one or more winners of the sweepstakes solution from the
entries received from the plurality of participants; and
distributing the prizes identified by the prize information to the
one or more winners.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the entries are restricted to
participants who are pre-registered by linking a profile of the
participant to a profile of another entity on a social networking
site.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the sweepstakes parameters
further comprise a time period for the sweepstakes solution, the
method further comprising: providing a graphical user interface on
the computing device which permits selection of the time period in
which the sweepstakes solution can be run; and receiving the time
period identified by a user of the computing device.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein after receiving the prize
information, the method further comprises: prompting the user of
the computing device to consider additional prizes, the additional
prizes being selectable via a dropdown menu listing possible
prizes, each of the possible prizes having a pre-assigned value
associated with the possible prizes; and adjusting the total value
of the prizes based on the selection of additional prizes.
20. A sweepstakes solution-generating computer system comprising: a
processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions
causing the computer system to: receive sweepstakes parameters for
a proposed sweepstakes, the sweepstakes parameters including
sponsor information and prize information; provide an indication of
whether the value of the prizes identified by the prize information
exceed a predetermined amount which requires consulting an attorney
in order to generate a sweepstakes solution; based on an indication
that the value of the prizes does not exceed the predetermined
amount, generate the sweepstake solution; receive entries from a
plurality of participants, the entries being responsive to the
publication of the sweepstakes solution; select one or more winners
of the sweepstakes solution from the entries received from the
plurality of participants; and distribute the prizes identified by
the prize information to the one or more winners.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing
and conducting sweepstakes and, in particular, providing and
conducting such sweepstakes online.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the advent of the Internet, contests, sweepstakes, and
promotions where Internet users can win money or prizes have become
very popular, both with companies and other people who want to put
on such contests and with people who like to win free money and
prizes. Unfortunately, because of the various requirements relating
to sweepstakes and similar contests, such events continue to
require significant effort and cost to implement. As a result, many
people and/or groups who would like to provide and conduct
sweepstakes or other such contests, find themselves unable to do
so. Accordingly, improvements to conventional methods and systems
for providing and conducting sweepstakes and other contests are
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0003] A variety of embodiments of systems and methods for
implanting and conducting sweepstakes are provided herein. In some
embodiments, sweepstakes implementation tools are provided for
selecting, receiving, and implementing sweepstakes for sponsors.
Such tools can facilitate various aspects of implementing
sweepstakes solutions and assist in the sweepstakes process.
Considerable efficiency and accuracy improvements in the
sweepstakes preparation process can be realized. Due to the
features described herein, the sweepstakes can also be more
accurate and flexible in a variety of sponsor situations. As
described herein, a variety of other features and advantages can be
incorporated into the technologies as desired.
[0004] In some embodiments, one or more computer-readable storage
devices comprising computer-executable instructions causing a
computer to perform a method of implementing a sweepstakes are
provided. The method includes receiving a request for production of
a sweepstakes proposal from an online user via a server and,
responsive to the request, generating and delivering to the user a
series of queries regarding the sweepstakes proposal. A plurality
of responses are received to the queries that have been generated
and delivered to the user and, based on the plurality of responses
to the queries, a sweepstakes solution is developed. The
sweepstakes solution comprises generating a sweepstakes rules for
publication based, at least in part, on plurality of responses to
the queries.
[0005] In some embodiments, the acts of generating and delivering a
series of queries and receiving the plurality of responses comprise
requesting sponsor information about the name and contact
information of a sponsor of the sweepstakes proposal, receiving the
sponsor information, requesting prize information about the prizes
that are to be distributed by the sponsor via the sweepstakes
solution, and receiving the prize information. In other
embodiments, responsive to the prize information, it can be
determined whether the sweepstakes solution can be generated
without consulting an attorney.
[0006] In some embodiment, the act of determining whether an
attorney needs to be consulted comprises determining a total value
of the prizes associated with the prize information (with the total
value being determined by assigning a value to each prize that is
to be distributed and summing up all of the values assigned to the
prizes to obtain the total value of the prizes), and comparing the
total value of the prizes to a predetermined value to determine if
the total value exceeds the predetermined value. If the total value
exceeds the predetermined value, an indication can be provided that
an attorney must be consulted by the user. In some embodiments, at
least some of the prize information can be selected via a dropdown
menu listing possible prizes, each of the possible prizes having a
pre-assigned value associated with the possible prizes. The
possible prizes comprise at least one downloadable music file
and/or at least one physical item that has been autographed.
[0007] In some embodiments, based on an indication that no attorney
consultation is required, the sweepstakes solution can be generated
and a sweepstakes rules published, the sweepstakes rules
identifying the sponsor of the sweepstakes solution and the prizes
that are to be distributed by the sponsor. After publication,
entries from a plurality of participants in the sweepstakes
solution can be received. In some embodiments, the entries are
restricted to participants who are pre-registered, such as by
linking a profile of a participant to a profile of another entity
on a social networking site.
[0008] In some embodiments, the acts of generating and delivering a
series of queries and receiving the plurality of responses
comprises requesting information about the sweepstakes period, the
sweepstakes period being the period in which entries can be
received from the plurality participants, and receiving the
sweepstakes period information from the user. A graphical user
interface can be provided to the user, with the graphical user
interface being configured to show a calendar view to facilitate
generation of the sweepstakes period information by the user. The
graphical user interface can permit the user to select
non-continuous blocks of time for the sweepstakes period.
[0009] In some embodiments, the entries of participants can be
restricted to a certain demographic, with the certain demographic
being limited by age and appreciation of a musical genre by the
participant.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method implemented at least in part
by one or more computing devices is provided. The method includes
receiving sweepstakes parameters for a proposed sweepstakes, the
sweepstakes parameters include sponsor information and prize
information, receiving an indication of whether the total value of
the prizes identified by the prize information exceed a
predetermined amount which requires consulting an attorney in order
to generate a sweepstakes solution, based on an indication that the
total value of the prizes does not exceed the predetermined amount,
generating the sweepstake solution, receiving entries from a
plurality of participants, the entries being responsive to the
publication of the sweepstakes solution, selecting one or more
winners of the sweepstakes solution from the entries received from
the plurality of participants, and distributing the prizes
identified by the prize information to the one or more winners.
[0011] In some embodiments, the entries can be restricted to
participants who are pre-registered by linking a profile of the
participant to a profile of another entity on a social networking
site. The sweepstakes parameters can comprise a time period for the
sweepstakes solution and a graphical user interface can be provided
on the computing device which permits selection of the time period
in which the sweepstakes solution can be run and the time period
identified by a user of the computing device can be received. After
receiving the prize information, the method can further comprise
prompting the user of the computing device to consider additional
prizes, the additional prizes being selectable via a dropdown menu
listing possible prizes (each of the possible prizes having a
pre-assigned value associated with the possible prizes) and
adjusting the total value of the prizes based on the selection of
additional prizes.
[0012] In some embodiments, a sweepstakes solution-generating
computer system can include a processor and a memory storing
computer-executable instructions causing the computer system to:
receive sweepstakes parameters for a proposed sweepstakes (the
sweepstakes parameters including sponsor information and prize
information), provide an indication of whether the value of the
prizes identified by the prize information exceed a predetermined
amount which requires consulting an attorney in order to generate a
sweepstakes solution, based on an indication that the value of the
prizes does not exceed the predetermined amount, generate the
sweepstake solution, receive entries from a plurality of
participants, the entries being responsive to the publication of
the sweepstakes solution, select one or more winners of the
sweepstakes solution from the entries received from the plurality
of participants, and distribute the prizes identified by the prize
information to the one or more winners.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary
computing system on which certain embodiments of the systems and
methods disclosed herein can be implemented.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a computer network
that can be used to perform at least some of the embodiments of the
systems and methods disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another computer
network that can be used to perform at least some of the
embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating how the computer
networks of FIG. 2 or 3 can be used to perform certain aspects of
the systems and methods disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a portion of a system of
generating and implementing sweepstakes solutions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The technologies described herein can be used for a variety
of sweepstakes generation and implementation scenarios. Adoption of
the technologies can provide an efficient technique for generating
and evaluating proposed sweepstakes relating to a variety of
different subjects and media.
[0020] The technologies disclosed herein are generally targeted to
sponsors of sweepstakes, who will appreciate the significantly
improved implementation-focused approach. However, the participants
of sweepstakes are also able to realize significant benefits from
such sweepstakes since a greater number of well-designed and
well-implemented sweepstakes are possible using the tools and
systems described herein.
[0021] General Considerations
[0022] For purposes of this description, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this
disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods,
apparatuses, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any
way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel
and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed
embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations
with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not
limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof,
nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more
specific advantages be present or problems be solved.
[0023] Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are
described in a particular, sequential order for convenient
presentation, it should be understood that this manner of
description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering
is required by specific language set forth below. For example,
operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged
or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity,
the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the
disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods.
Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "determine"
and "provide" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are
high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are
performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may
vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily
discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0024] As used herein, the term "sweepstake" or "sweepstakes" means
a contest in which participants are entered and prizes are awarded
to one or more participants using a lottery-based selection
process. As used herein, "participant" or "entrant" means a party
that has been entered into a contest, such as a sweepstakes. As
used herein, "sponsor" means a party that is sponsoring or
otherwise providing the sweepstakes.
[0025] As used herein, the term "sweepstakes proposal" refers to a
sweepstakes that is being prepared or constructed, either online or
otherwise, by a user (e.g., a sponsor or a party acting on behalf
of a sponsor). In contrast, the term "sweepstakes solution" refers
to an end result of the software and systems described herein, the
sweepstakes solution being a sweepstakes that is in condition to be
implemented.
[0026] Implementation of the Systems and Methods Disclosed
Herein
[0027] Various systems for implementing online sweepstakes and
other similar contests are described herein. In some embodiments,
these systems may be implemented or performed by software stored on
one or more tangible computer-readable media (e.g., one or more
optical media discs, volatile memory or storage components (such as
DRAM or SRAM), or nonvolatile memory or storage components (such as
hard drives)) and executed on one or more computing systems. The
computing systems can include one or more central processing units
(CPUs) and a memory, such as random access memory (RAM) for
temporary storage of information and/or a read only memory (ROM)
for permanent storage of information, and a mass storage device,
such as a hard drive, diskette, or optical media storage device.
Typically, the modules of the computing system are connected to the
computer using a standards-based bus system, such as, for example,
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Microchannel, SCSI,
Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA) and Extended ISA (EISA)
architectures. The computing system may also include one or more
commonly available input/output (I/O) devices and interfaces, such
as a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a touchpad. In one embodiment, the
I/O devices and interfaces include one or more display devices,
such as a monitor, that allows the visual presentation of data to a
user. More particularly, a display device provides for the
presentation of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), application
software data, and multimedia presentations, for example. The
computing system may also provide a communications interface to
various external devices.
[0028] Such software can be executed on a single computer or on a
networked computer (e.g., via the Internet, a wide-area network, a
local-area network, a client-server network, or other such
network). The systems and methods disclosed herein can also be
performed using cloud computing, a form of Internet-based
computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are
provided to computers and other devices on-demand. The software
embodiments disclosed herein can be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as those included
in program modules, which can be executed in a computing
environment on a target real or virtual processor. The computing
system may run on a variety of computing devices, such as, for
example, a server, a Windows server, a Structure Query Language
server, a Unix server, a personal computer, a mainframe computer, a
laptop computer, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, a
kiosk, an audio player, and so forth. The computing system is
generally controlled and coordinated by operating system software.
Conventional operating systems control and schedule computer
processes for execution, perform memory management, provide file
system, networking, and I/O services, and provide a user interface,
such as a graphical user interface, among other things.
[0029] Furthermore, any of the software embodiments (comprising,
for example, computer-executable instructions for causing a
computer to perform any of the disclosed methods) can be
transmitted, received, or accessed through a suitable communication
means. Similarly, any data structure, data file, intermediate
result, or final result created or modified using any of the
disclosed methods can be transmitted, received, or accessed through
a suitable communication means. Such suitable communication means
include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, an
intranet, software applications, cable (including fiber optic
cable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications
(including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electronic
communications, or other such communication means now known or
unknown. Moreover, any data structure, data file, intermediate
result, or final result produced by any of the disclosed methods
can be displayed to a user using a suitable display device (e.g., a
computer monitor or display). Such displaying can be performed as
part of a computer-implemented method of performing any of the
disclosed methods.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized example of a suitable
computing environment 100 in which the described embodiments of
systems and methods of implementing sweepstakes and other similar
contests can be implemented. The computing environment 100 is not
intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or
functionality, as the methods described herein can be implemented
in diverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing
environments.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, the computing environment 100
includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory 104. In FIG.
1, this most basic configuration 106 is included within a dashed
line. The processing unit 102 executes computer-executable
instructions and may be a real or a virtual processor. In a
multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute
computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. The
memory 104 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM),
non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or
some combination of the two. The memory 104 stores software 116
implementing one or more of the systems described herein.
[0032] The computing environment may have additional features. For
example, the computing environment 100 includes storage 108, one or
more input devices 110, one or more output devices 112, and one or
more communication connections 114. An interconnection mechanism
(not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network interconnects the
components of the computing environment 100. Typically, operating
system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for
other software executing in the computing environment 100, and
coordinates activities of the components of the computing
environment 100.
[0033] The storage 108 may be removable or non-removable, and
includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs,
DVDs, or any other medium which can be used to store information
and which can be accessed within the computing environment 100. The
storage 108 can store instructions for the software 116
implementing any of the described systems and methods.
[0034] The input device(s) 110 can be a touch input device such as
a keyboard, mouse, pen, or trackball, a voice input device, a
scanning device, or another device that provides input to the
computing environment 100. For audio or video encoding, the input
device(s) 110 can be a sound card, video card, TV tuner card, or
similar device that accepts audio or video input in analog or
digital form, or a CD-ROM or CD-RW that reads audio or video
samples into the computing environment 100. The output device(s)
112 can be a display, printer, speaker, CD-writer, or another
device that provides output from the computing environment 100.
[0035] The communication connection(s) 114 enable communication
over a communication medium to another computing entity. The
communication medium is not a storage medium but conveys
information such as computer-executable instructions, resource and
construction project information, or other data in a modulated data
signal. A modulated data signal is a signal that has one or more of
its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media include wired or wireless techniques
implemented with an electrical, optical, RF, infrared, acoustic, or
other carrier.
[0036] The various methods disclosed herein can be described in the
general context of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media
are any available media that can be accessed within or by a
computing environment. By way of example, and not limitation, with
the computing environment 100, computer-readable media include
tangible computer-readable storage media such as memory 104 and
storage 108.
[0037] Any of the aspects of the technology described herein can
also be performed using a distributed computer network. FIG. 2
shows a simplified embodiment of one such exemplary network. A
server computer 120 can have an associated storage device 122
(internal or external to the server computer). For example, the
server computer 120 can be configured to perform the calculations
and analysis of information according to any of the disclosed
embodiments. The server computer 120 can be coupled to a network,
shown generally at 124, which can comprise, for example, a
wide-area network, a local-area network, a client-server network,
the Internet, or other such network. One or more client computers,
such as those shown at 126, 128, may be coupled to the network 124
using a network protocol. The work may also be performed on a
single, dedicated workstation, which has its own memory and one or
more CPUs.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary network. One or more
computers 132 communicate via a network 1304 and form a computing
environment 130 (e.g., a distributed computing environment). Each
of the computers 132 in the computing environment 130 can be used
to perform at least a portion of the calculation techniques
according to any of the disclosed embodiments. The network 134 in
the illustrated embodiment is also coupled to one or more client
computers 136.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows one exemplary manner in which
computer-executable instructions for performing any of the
disclosed embodiments can be transmitted, accessed, or received
using a remote server computer (such as the server computer 120
shown in FIG. 2) or a remote computing environment (such as the
computing environment 130 shown in FIG. 3). At process block 140,
for example, the client computer sends a request to download
computer-executable instructions for performing any of the
disclosed methods or techniques (e.g., after registering or logging
in to the system). In process block 142, the request is received by
the remote server or by respective components of the remote
computing environment. In process block 144, the remote server or
computing environment transmits computer-executable instructions
for performing any of the disclosed methods or techniques. At 146,
the computer-executable instructions are received (e.g., stored,
buffered, and/or executed) by the client computer.
[0040] Methods and Systems of Implementing Sweepstakes and other
such Contests
[0041] A first embodiment of a system for implementing (e.g.,
providing and conducting) a sweepstakes is described below. The
system can be configured to present to a sweepstakes sponsor (or
provider) a set of FAQ/rules about the sweepstake process to the
user. The user can be prompted to read, and agree to (if
necessary), the FAQs or other rules of the sweepstakes process
before going further. In some embodiments, a waiver of liability
and indemnification clause can be provided to the user, which can
be accepted electronically separately from and/or together with a
terms of use provision.
[0042] As described in more detail below, a user can become a
participant in a sweepstakes in a number of ways. For example, in
one embodiment, an online user can log-on to an online portal and
register to win, at no cost to them. In another embodiment, an
online user can become a participant by performing a separate act,
such as becoming a "Friend" of the sponsor on Facebook.TM. or some
other social network site. Other possible manners in which to
become a participant can include downloading a song or sending an
email. In some embodiments, registration as an entrant can be
achieved via a computing device that can access information online
(e.g., via a website or via a smartphone application).
[0043] As described below, to become a sponsor, an online user can
provide information about the sponsor and the sweepstakes. For
example, the online user can provide relevant information about the
identity of the sponsor of sweepstakes. Such information can
include a personal name and address of the sponsor if the sponsor
is a private party or a company name and contact information if the
sponsor is a corporate or other such entity. This information can
be placed by the system into the official sweepstakes rules as
required by law.
[0044] The online user can also identify the total value of all
prizes. If the amount is over a predetermined amount (e.g., $5,000
USD or as otherwise set, as laws regarding mandatory registration
changes if it does), then the user can be provided with a notice
regarding registration of the sweepstakes in one or more
jurisdictions. For example, if the sweepstakes total value exceeds
$5,000, notice may be given that prize requires mandatory
registration with New York and Florida before being able to
proceed. If the amount does not exceed the predetermined amount,
the user will not be instructed about any registrations.
[0045] In some embodiments, if the total amount exceeds the
predetermined amount, the system can be configured to require
and/or instruct the user to hire a sweepstakes attorney to file
notifications with those jurisdictions (e.g., New York and Florida)
as required by law and post any required bond and so forth. For the
purpose of setting forth this disclosure, the predetermined amount
has been identified as $5,000; however, it should be understood
that the amount may vary.
[0046] The online user can also be prompted to identify the number
and type of prizes. In this regard, the user can enter the number
of prizes and a description of the prizes. This information can
also be automatically placed into the contest rules by the system.
The user can also be prompted to enter a name of the sweepstakes.
The name of the sweepstakes can also be automatically placed into
the official sweepstakes rules. Relevant dates can also be entered
by the user. These dates can include the start date and end date of
the promotion, as well as any other dates that are relevant to the
sweepstakes such as drawing dates for prizes.
[0047] The prizes that are offered by the sponsor can vary. For
example, in some embodiments, the prizes can include music
downloads, such as song downloads that can be downloaded via one or
more online music sites. In such cases, the sponsor can be the
musician, a musician's record label, or other interested or related
party. Sponsors can also give away other digital files, such as
movies, tv shows, books, and photos that they legally own the right
to give away, thus putting on a sweepstakes by giving away items
that are relatively inexpensive for them to give away but that have
a potentially greater value to others. In some embodiments, prizes
can include a mix of music prizes and other prizes include, for
example, cash prizes or other awards, such as t-shirts.
[0048] In some embodiments, categories can be provided for certain
giveaways as prizes. Users can be provided with an opportunity to
state the desired monetary value of all prizes. The system can be
configured to automatically add up all prize values as stated, and
the system can be configured to restrict the user from publishing
the promotion if the total value of prizes is over the mandatory
amount that requires registration/bonding in the relevant
states.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, step 201 comprises a query as to what
prizes are to be distributed. Each prize and its value can be
entered into the system as shown in step 203. After receiving one
or more entries of prize amounts, step 205 asks whether the sponsor
would like to give away any other prizes. If YES, the system can be
configured to ask whether the user wants to select from suggested
prizes at step 207. If NO, the user can be directed back to step
203 to enter additional prizes. If YES, the user can be directed to
select from suggested prizes at step 209. Such suggested prizes can
be selected via drop down menus or other similar selection
processes. For example, a pull down window can be provided which
allows the user to select from one or more of the following:
T-Shirt, CD, Hat, Live Performance, Autographed Photo, Autographed
T-Shirt, Autographed Poster, Mouse Pad, etc. After these additional
prizes are selected, the system can be configured to determine the
total value of all prizes using the information entered at step 203
and predetermined values of additional prizes selected at step 209.
In this manner, the total value of all prizes can be easily
calculated, thereby ensuring that a sponsor does not exceed a
predetermined value, or if the sponsor does exceed a predetermined
value, the sponsor is instructed as to how to comply with various
state or other requirements.
[0050] Accordingly, the system and methods described above allow a
user to put on a national sweepstakes without having to retain an
attorney to write the standard sweepstakes rules and can also
reduce the likelihood that a user will conduct an illegal contest.
For example, the systems and method can provide that contest
entrants are free, thereby eliminating possible problems that can
arise with contests that are not free.
[0051] After reviewing the sweepstakes rules and the information
entered, the user can then publish the contest via music sites,
email, Facebook.TM., and various other portals. A special tool can
be provided for a variety of portals to allow publication of the
sweepstakes on each of those portals. The system can be configured
to track the number of entrants and on the final day of the
promotional period, an automated system can be configured to pick
one or more random winners (depending on the prizes to be
distributed) and send notices to those winners of the sweepstakes.
In some embodiments, the sponsor can choose to contact the winners
themselves, and, in that event, email addresses for the winner can
be provided along with a pre-written notice of winning form that
the sponsor can email to the winners. In addition, if desired by
the sponsor, a "right to use the name and likeness and winner
affidavit" can also be automatically prepared and made available.
Winners can claim their prizes in various manners. In one
embodiment, winners can be instructed to log in to electronically
sign the winner affidavit and name and likeness form and any other
required legal documents.
[0052] The sweepstakes generally cannot be stopped after it has
started, due to legal restrictions. In some embodiments, the system
can be configured to automatically check the IP of entrants and
block entrants from jurisdictions where entry is prohibited. For
example, in one embodiment, the system can be configured to
restrict access from Canada, Guam, etc., but otherwise allow access
to enter the contest from IPs in the 50 states and Washington
D.C.
[0053] In some embodiments, entry to the sweepstakes can be
restricted based on skills and/or talents of the entrant. In other
words, entry into the sweepstakes will require the specific skill
or endeavor to be entered by the Sponsor/user. In such events, an
explanation about how judging will take place and how the winners
will be selected can be provided. This information can also be
automatically entered into the contest rules.
[0054] Again, if the amount of the prizes meets or exceeds the
amount where bonding and/or registration is required by law the
promotion will not be allowed to be published. In such cases, the
user can be prompted to lower the value of the prizes, or number of
prizes, in order to get under the statutory limit. Alternatively,
the user can be prompted to retain legal counsel and the system can
be configured to require authorization by outside legal counsel
prior to permitting publication. Where legal counsel is required,
the system can be configured to suggest and/or direct the user to
proposed legal counsel. In some embodiments, only lawyers
registered with the system can log in to approve a contest that
requires sign off by counsel (e.g., over $5,000 USD in prize
money). In some embodiments, lawyers must pay a fee to register
with the system or to be otherwise recommended by the system. In
yet other embodiments, lawyers can be paid directly by the system
based on a previously-negotiated fee. In such an embodiment, the
system would first charge the user and then the system would pay
the previously-negotiated fee to the lawyer.
[0055] Using the systems and methods described herein, a user
(e.g., a sponsor or future sponsor) can be advised of various
sweepstakes restrictions and/or requirements. For example, a user
can learn why it is best to restrict entrants to people who live in
the USA and about dollar restrictions on certain sweepstakes. Thus,
the user will learn that if the dollar restriction is exceeded, the
contest will not be published until a law firm signs off on the
rules and other elements and assures that registration is either
not required or has been done. The user can also learn about
instances where bonds must be posted and those where bonds are not
necessary. For example, some states do not require bonding and
registration with more than $5,000 USD promotions if they are not
skill based and are random selection based.
[0056] In some embodiments, the sweepstakes rules can be published
to a web address automatically created by the system. The following
is an example of rules generated by the system showing where the
system can autoload information to create a final legal
document.
EXAMPLE 1
Exemplary Automated Rules for Sweepstakes
[0057] The following is an example of Rules that have been
generated for a sweepstakes using the system and methods described
above. In this example, at least the following information has been
input by the user (i.e., sponsor): [0058] Sponsor: ACME BAND (with
email address as contact information) [0059] Title: GET IT NOW
[0060] Sweepstakes period: 12:00:01 AM (EST) MONTH DAY, 20xx and
ending at 11:59:59 PM (EST) MONTH DAY, 20XX [0061] Residence
requirements: US resident [0062] Prizes: Five (5) Grand Prize
Winners will receive $1,000
[0063] Nineteen (19) First Prize winners will each receive a signed
t-shirt.
[0064] One Thousand (1000) Second Prize winners will receive a free
download of one song selected by the Sponsor, available via the
Sponsor's EarDish Artist Page. [0065] Other Requirements: Must be a
registered FAN (or FRIEND) of the artist on a social networking
site (e.g., Facebook.TM. or EarDish website).
[0066] Acme Band Get it Now Sweepstakes Rules
[0067] 1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase of a product or service
from this EarDish Artist will not improve the chance of winning.
Void where prohibited. Subject to all federal, state, and local
laws. Participation requires Internet access. This Sweepstakes is
presented exclusively by the above named artist and is not
presented by the EarDish Corporation. Sponsor of this Sweepstakes
is Acme Band. The above named artists are solely responsible for
the text of this document and all management and legal
responsibility of this Sweepstakes promotion. Any and all legal
issues involving this artist presented promotion are solely between
you and the artist presenting this Sweepstakes.
[0068] 2. CAN I PARTICIPATE? To participate in this Artist's
Sweepstakes, you must be a current EarDish registered FAN of the
artist.
[0069] You must be a legal resident of one of the 50 United States,
or the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico, and above the age of
majority in the state or territory in which you reside at the time
of entry.
[0070] Employees of EarDish Corporation and its affiliated
companies and members of the immediate families of each are not
eligible. Employees of the Artist and immediate family members of
each are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to all local,
state and federal laws and regulations. By entering this
Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to comply with and be bound by
these Official Rules, and to comply with all federal, state and
local laws and regulations.
[0071] You must be a true fan of this artist.
[0072] 3. SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD. The ACME BAND GET IT NOW SWEEPSTAKES
will be accepting entries online starting at or about 12:00:01 AM
(EST) MONTH DAY, 20xx and ending at 11:59:59 PM (EST) MONTH DAY,
20XX (The "Contest Period"). All online entries must be received by
11:59:59 PM (EST) MONTH DAY, 20xx. Participants assume all risk of
lost, late, misdirected, incomplete or illegible entries. All
entries submitted become the sole property of the Sponsor and will
not be acknowledged or returned.
[0073] 4. HOW DO I ENTER? One entry per person. To enter, you must
be a registered EarDish User who is a fan of the Sponsor by using
the FAN the Band tool. By becoming a FAN of the Band you are
automatically entered into the Sweepstakes. Submitting an entry
constitutes agreeing to the terms of these Official Rules and all
decisions of Sponsor and/or its designee, which are final and
binding in all respects. Sponsor is not responsible for incorrect,
inaccurate or incomplete entry of information or any technical
issues that result in any entries being lost or defective in
nature. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS REGISTERED WITH YOUR
EARDISH ACCOUNT DURING THE SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD (FROM THE TIME IT
STARTS UNTIL THE TIME IT ENDS) AND DURING THE ENTIRE TIME YOU ARE A
REGISTERED USER OF EARDISH IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE. INVALID EMAIL
ADDRESS WILL RENDER YOUR ENTRY VOID. THE NAME IN WHICH YOU REGISTER
UNDER FOR YOUR EARDISH MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT MUST BE YOUR LAWFUL,
ACCURATE AND COMPLETE NAME. WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL ONLY.
ALL PRIZES AND AWARDS ARE VOID IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EMAIL
NOTIFICATION THAT YOU HAVE WON WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE EMAIL
NOTIFICATION SENT TO YOU. SONG DOWNLOADS ARE DELIVERED FROM THE
ARTIST PAGE. ANY PHYSICAL PRIZES MUST BE MAILED TO YOUR USA ADDRESS
ONLY AND YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR PHYSICAL MAILING ADDRESS UPON REQUEST
SO THAT YOUR PRIZE MAY BE SENT TO YOU.
[0074] WHAT CAN I WIN? Five (5) Grand Prizes. Five (5) Grand Prize
Winners will receive $1,000. Winners will be paid by check only and
the funds transferred no later than MONTH DAY, 20xx. In the event
that this deadline is not satisfied, the Entrant will forfeit the
prize and the prize will not be awarded. No interest will be paid
for the time between the date the winner is chosen and the date
that the check is issued. Nineteen (19) First Prizes. Nineteen (19)
First Prize winners will each receive a signed t-shirt. One
Thousand (1000) Second Prizes. Each Second Prize winner will
receive a free download of one song selected by the Sponsor,
available via the Sponsor's EarDish Artist Page. If you are under
18 and are selected as a Grand Prize or First Prize Winner, a
signed parental waiver is required as a condition of receiving
prizes. Winners and/or winners' parents or legal guardians in the
event winner is a minor under the laws of winner's state of
residence are responsible for the reporting and payment of all
federal, state and local taxes incurred by the acceptance of the
prize. Prizes cannot be assigned, transferred, exchanged or
otherwise redeemed. Sponsor is not responsible for any costs
associated with accepting or otherwise using the prize. Acceptance
of prize constitutes permission to the Sponsor and its agents to
use winner's name, and likeness for purposes of advertising and
trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
[0075] Sponsor. The Sponsor of this contest is ACME BAND. All
requests for information may be sent to the ACME BAND email address
of Acmeband@aol.com.
[0076] The system can also be configured to establish and provide
other parameters of the sweepstakes to permit further optimization,
customization, and/or control. For example, the system can be
configured so that the user can select a particular hour or hours,
day, week or month to run the contest on a participating website,
tv show, or other medium. For example, the sweepstakes can be
prominently displayed on a social networking site and television
show (e.g., the EarDish network) during certain hours and the
system can be configured to show the user what time periods are
available, as some may be closed to all but one contest being run.
In some embodiments, a user may be able to pay a premium to black
out times/dates and have the only contest running.
[0077] In addition to showing available time slots, the system can
be configured to show what time periods are "popular" and
"successful" based on how much traffic other contests have had
during the same time slots. Such time slots can be characterized as
"prime time" and, at least in some embodiments, these time slots
can be higher priced than other, less heavily visited time slots.
In some embodiments, the system can be configured to provide slots
for free (e.g., unpopular time slots or slots that for some other
reasons are potentially less desirable). Generally, however, the
price to run a contest during any particular time slot will be
based on demand for that time slot (whether hour, day, week or
whatever).
[0078] As noted above, the system can be configured to determine
what time periods are more or less popular based on past results of
contests. Not only can pricing be based on this model, but users
can use this information to help them make decisions about their
sweepstakes and the desired amount of popularity they are seeking.
In some embodiments, users can pre-select time slots for future
contests, such as by blocking out Christmas day, and reserving them
in advance by paying a non-refundable fee to do so. If the contest
does not launch on the selected launch date; however, the deposit
is preferably kept by the system. In some embodiments,
pre-registered time slots that have been paid for can be traded or
sold through an exchange. Although the system can be configured to
allow transfer of reserved contests or sweepstakes, the system may
be configured to require a transfer fee. In that manner, people can
pre-book contest time slots and exchange them but face the risk of
losing their deposit if they do not launch a contest.
[0079] In some embodiments, users can also pay to obtain statistics
on previous contests, which would include demographics of
contestants (age, area, sex, music genre they favor, types of
contests they enter, types they do not enter and so forth). The
system can be configured to collect, store, and analyze these
statistics based on information entered by sponsors and
participants. For example, for any band or other musician that is
providing a concert, such band can enter information about their
music, such as by selecting one or more genres that best
characterize their music. Similarly, participants can be asked to
provide survey information beyond age and geographic location. For
example, for the music example, participants can provide
information about their favorite types (genres) of music, their
favorite musicians, and other related and helpful information for
identifying and categorizing statistics about various
sweepstakes.
[0080] In some embodiments, contests/promotions can be specifically
targeted based on similar demographics and/or other information.
Thus, promotions can be targeted to individual users based on
demographics so that "teens" or whatever demographic or combo of
demographics can be targeted to a specific promotion. Promotion
creators can use various tools including the scheduling tools and
statistical information tools disclosed herein. Promotions can also
be targeted by genre of music, fans, promotes and other profile
pages as well. For example, a contest can be limited to 18 year old
girls in Chicago who "like" Heavy Metal on a social networking site
(such as EarDish). To facilitate targeted sweepstakes or the like,
eligible participants can be asked to select their favorite musical
genres when registering to receive information about available
sweepstakes. In some embodiments, the system can be configured with
numerous musical genres that can be designated by a registering
participant. In addition to musical genres, registered potential
participants can be targeted based on other more or less specific
interests, such as specific musical artists they have listed in the
profile.
[0081] In some embodiments, sponsors with flexible dates can select
"do not have preference for date" features and therefore, dates of
the contest will be selected by the system in view of the range of
dates identified by the sponsor and dates available for
sweepstakes. This can be performed not only for specific days but
very useful for certain hours of the day when the contest can be
run.
[0082] In some embodiments, one-hour only contests (or other short
duration contests) can be provided. Such one hour sweepstakes would
be open for only the period of time designated (e.g., one hour).
Conventional sweepstakes are not generally limited to such short
increments of time. In some embodiments, such sweepstakes can be
for non-continuous periods. For example, in some embodiments,
entries can only be received for one hour over a particular period
(e.g., between noon-1 pm each Monday for a month).
[0083] In order to facilitate very short period sweepstakes, the
system can be configured to locate the best time, day, week, month
for particular promotions based on a scheduling of "hourly,"
"daily," "week long," and/or "month long" promotion periods so that
contest creators can select to put on a promotion that will run for
a particular hour of a particular day, one day of a particular
week, a particular week, and/or a particular month. For such
events, contests can be configured to be run through the particular
period. For example, a "one-hour" promotional event can start at
the first minute of that hour and conclude at the end of that
particular hour.
[0084] In one embodiment, the system can be configured to request
that a user pick a promotion period (Hour, Day, Week, Month) based
on (a) how "empty" the period is (fewer or no contests already set)
and/or (b) how "popular" the period, that is, the individual period
that draws the most contestants. For example, one particular hour,
such as Friday Night at 9 PM might gather X number of contestants,
and is as such "Prime Time" for promotions. In some embodiments,
Prime Time can be rated on a scale, so that some Prime Time spots
are more or less popular than other Prime Time slots. In addition,
the system can be configured to shift the "prime time" spots based
on actual popularity over time. Accordingly, some time slots will
go up the popularity ranking and others down as user amounts are
calculated monthly, weekly, daily, or in some cases, even
hourly.
[0085] In some embodiments, users can be able to know who is
putting on a promotion at a set time slot, day slot, etc., using a
tool configured to help them pick the emptiest area if that is
desired. For example, they may see that the Tuesday 8 am slot is
empty when compared to the Wednesday 8 am slot and all other time
slots. In some embodiments, the names of the listed sponsors are
not identified, while in other embodiments, the names of the
sponsors are identified in the scheduling tool.
[0086] The scheduling tool can comprise a graphical user interface
that illustrates the available slots. For example, blocks for hours
(24 per day of course), days (7 days a week), weeks (4), and months
(12) can be filled in advance. Premium payments for blocking out
periods more than 30 days in advance will be charged so that
advance "appointments" can be scheduled, but at least in some
embodiments, they must be paid for in advance. As noted above in
other embodiments, "appointments" can be traded with others of sold
blocks (with payment of a transfer fee). In some embodiments,
individual time slots in all categories (hour, day, week, month)
can be bid on for prime hours with the slot going to the highest
bidder.
[0087] As noted above, participation in certain sweepstakes can be
limited to individuals of certain demographics or fan bases. For
example, participation in one sweepstakes can be predicated on
becoming a "fan" of a particular group or entity on Facebook.TM..
In other embodiments, participation can be restricted to those who
have downloaded or otherwise accessed various information (such as
downloads of music or other entertainment). In some embodiments, a
participant can be entered into a sweepstakes after downloading a
game or other systems via the Internet, such as through websites,
Facebook.TM., and/or other social media.
[0088] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred
examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is
defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our
invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these
claims.
* * * * *