Patent Details:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...0&f =S&d=PALL
Abstract
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The present invention provides a method, system and computer program for affording Virtual Affiliates access to an existing affiliate system. First, having been assigned a unique identifier within a source affiliate system, a Webmaster operates a web site. Next, a request for a target Merchant Web site triggers a correlation function, such that the source Webmaster unique identifier is correlated to a target Webmaster unique identifier functional within the unique identification system of the requested Merchant system. Next, a properly formatted entry mechanism URL is returned, enabling a hand off to the target Merchant affiliate system and including the correlated target Webmaster unique identifier. The Virtual Affiliate system is notified of transactions that originated from a referring Webmaster. Referring Webmasters may be compensated for each completed transaction according to agreed-upon terms and conditions.
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In other words (and my interpretation), statistical tracking of sales and other identification information (hits, uniques, etc.) broken down by each webmaster through the merchant system (ie: CC or check processors) in which webmasters can be paid accordingly.
WG