JP2001142986A - Method and system for providing jurisdiction information to web server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for providing information on a large member of different jurisdictions in an electronic commercial (e- commerce) transaction on the Internet. SOLUTION: With these system, method and program, a database server inside an e-commerce network under the control of a reference station can perform the collection and storage of jurisdiction information from different jurisdiction (such as a country, a state and a city) and can send the jurisdiction information to a web server to be used for e-commerce retail traders in the transaction with a client for selling products on the Internet. This jurisdiction information contains the kinds of taxes (local tax, national tax, value-added tax, customs and sales tax), tax rate and other jurisdiction specification information. A jurisdiction database server promotes e-commerce sale through the web server by automatically providing the jurisdiction information of a buyer to the e-commerce web server.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to electronic commerce (e-commerce) on the Internet. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, methods, and programs for providing e-commerce retailers with the necessary jurisdiction-related information to sell to geographically dispersed buyers.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One of the key issues sellers / retailers have in completing transactions over the Internet is determining the laws of the client's jurisdiction that apply to the transaction. The issue has recently gained more attention as Amazon.com has been disturbed by selling Mein Kampf and other banned books in violation of German law.
In the case of a physical retailer, where a buyer typically visits to complete a transaction, this problem does not exist because the store is physically located in the same area as the customer. Because both the retailer and the customer operate in the same jurisdiction, the retailer knows the applicable local laws. On the other hand, on the Internet, it may not be possible to verify the actual identity of the purchaser or the location or place of residence of the purchaser. Simply asking the buyer about the relevant jurisdiction does not provide reliable information.

In current e-commerce, information on various county, city, state and national laws and ordinances on taxes, value added tax (VAT), sales regulations and other tax laws, and in some cases customs Because small and mandatory information is relevant to e-commerce sales, many small (and even some medium) Internet retailers need that information. This information is too expensive for a single retailer to collect and correlate. For example, a typical small web server for a small store that only runs its business on a relatively small computer system incorporating the Windows NT operating system:
There is not enough capacity or operational overhead resources to handle information about each jurisdiction of each customer visiting the web site for purchasing an online product. Amazon.com, the leading distributor of electronic products, has been selling to customers in different jurisdictions.
It would be more difficult for other smaller e-commerce retailers to deal with this aspect of the transaction if the applicable law could not be properly applied. In addition, there are a number of retailers on the Internet that further exacerbate the problem.

[0004] US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 417,827, filed Oct. 14, 1999, accesses an e-commerce retailer's web site to find out if it is appropriate to apply jurisdictional laws to transactions. It addresses the problem of identifying customer jurisdictions. This U.S. patent application details an Internet-based system that seeks to locate the buyer to apply jurisdictional law or to provide a warning of jurisdictional law.

[0005] Recently, special purpose web servers providing many functions have begun to appear on the Internet. Yaho
For generic "horizontal portals" such as o, Lycos, Excite, etc., they are called "vertical portals". A vertical portal is an e-commerce site dedicated to a particular industry or stakeholder group. Some of these new business models have replaced paper catalogs with searchable databases, while others offer auctions and industry news. While vertical portals are a relatively new phenomenon, for example, the Gartner Group
It is estimated that the above has already grown rapidly.
It is expected to be around 10,000. Already, vertical portals are in the form of aggregates. For example, Vertical
Net.com offers 30 sites including, among others, paper, food services, biotechnology and automation.

[0006]

Currently, a typical retailer selling on the Internet may have automatic access to the laws of many different national and state jurisdictions in completing a sale. The problem is that there is no system or method.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve the problem of lack of jurisdiction information regarding a buyer's jurisdiction in e-commerce, the systems, methods and programs of the present invention provide the necessary jurisdiction information on a web site. Utilize a special purpose web database server provided to the store. The vertical portal server is integrated with the Internet to collect jurisdictional legislation and apply it to electronic transactions. A single reference authority, from government and regional authorities,
Gather the tax rates and relevant local laws. In a preferred embodiment, an approved national authority controls the jurisdiction database, and each jurisdiction posts its laws and amendments to its national authority web server. Alternatively, the national authority's database server responds to requests for information by going to the appropriate local authority (or state) jurisdiction database server that contains the appropriate information for its own particular area.

[0008] If an e-commerce retailer wants to sell to a particular jurisdiction, it contacts the referral authority for updates. The jurisdiction's laws are then automatically applied, further promoting e-commerce transactions and reducing transaction costs.

The advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be further described. The jurisdiction database server of the present invention eliminates the need for small e-commerce retailers to create and maintain a large jurisdiction database on their own.
This is because there are many countries in the world, each country with a diverse number of individual jurisdictions, and each jurisdiction has different (possibly) different laws in relation to each of many different aspects of e-commerce. Or a very important advantage given the rules. The jurisdiction database server can keep relevant information up to date. For example, if a newly released book is banned in some jurisdictions, or the tax rate is likely to change, the jurisdiction database server will
Such updates can be provided to each e-commerce retailer. This ability to keep jurisdiction information up-to-date is an essential aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, if the jurisdictional server serves many web servers around the world and makes up for its fixed costs through mass sales, the cost of the service will be relatively low.

[0010]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown some embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that other embodiments may be used and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a jurisdiction database portal server 100 in relation to other web servers 111, 112, 113 on the Internet. The database server 100 is a repository of different jurisdiction specific information for electronic transactions.
Jurisdiction database server 100 collects information from each of a number of jurisdictions. For example, France 11
1, e-commerce web servers in each of Germany 112 and the United States 113, and many other jurisdictions, as well as e-commerce clients in France 121, Germany 123 and the United States 122, and other jurisdictions All of the areas have clients or potential clients. Each of the clients 121 to 123 has an arbitrary route 1
Any web server 111 to 113 can be connected via 31 to 133, 141 to 143, 151 to 153.
In addition, each client receives the appropriate information,
Jurisdiction database server 100 can be accessed via any of the web servers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the interior of the jurisdictional database portal server. That is, a representative sample of the types of information stored by the jurisdiction database portal server is shown. For each product with a unique product key, the jurisdiction database server
Stores various types of taxes imposed under local law, as well as information on whether a product can be sold by e-commerce. The examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are for illustration purposes only.

Other embodiments of the jurisdiction database server include, for each item or item identifier (eg, a unique product identifier): 1) legal restrictions on sales;
2) Determination of national, local, value-added, customs and other taxes 3) Identity and location information, ie contact information to which the above tax is sent 4) Dangerous Goods Transport Law and packing procedure 5) If controlled by a given jurisdiction,
This may include, but is not limited to, return policies, licensing policies, warranty laws and rights, and 6) sample electronic sales contracts to designated jurisdictions.

Furthermore, some of the above information can be stored in relation to the jurisdiction itself, rather than by item. Some of the jurisdiction information required for e-commerce transactions is independent of any product sold and is applicable to all products for a given jurisdiction.

The format or structure of the stored information can be changed according to the embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the jurisdictional database server 100 executes SQL (structured query language) type queries in a relational database format.

Specifically, in FIGS. 2 and 3, each product has a unique product key 201, 202. Each jurisdiction may refer to the same product differently due to language differences, and different manufacturers or distributors in different regions may give the same product different names, thus making it unique The keys need to be uniform across all jurisdictions for each product. in this way,
Each product in each jurisdiction is mapped to a unique product key that is unique across all jurisdictions. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, the book “Mein Kampf” 203 is associated with the product key “1024”. Associating a product with a unique product key that is unique across all jurisdictions can be done in a number of different ways. Generating a unique UPC code for a product is just one example of those methods. The generation of this type of rule is not uncommon. For example, customs authorities around the world have a Customs Blue Book that lists various products and the tax amount per product.

The structure of the jurisdiction database is a primary jurisdiction field 205 and subjurisdiction levels 207,
09 may be included. Multiple sub-jurisdiction levels may be required. For example, there may be two sub-jurisdiction levels to cover a main jurisdiction such as the United States. In the example of FIG. 2, the states 211, 214 and the city 213,
Different levels are provided for each group of 215. For example, for a US jurisdiction 217, there may be a first sub-jurisdiction level, such as Texas 211, and a second sub-jurisdiction level, such as Dallas City 213. For each jurisdiction and its sub-jurisdictions, the corresponding VAT 221, customs duty 223, sales tax 2
25, or other relevant information such as whether such a product is available for sale. For example, product key 1024
(Mein Kampf), in the German jurisdiction 227, as shown in column 204 of FIG. 2, because the particular product is not available for sale in that jurisdiction,
The customs duty 223 and the sales tax 225 do not apply. As further examples, US jurisdiction 217, Texas sub-jurisdiction level 1 211, and Dallas sub-jurisdiction level 2 2
Information related to 13 is 8.5% sales tax and 0% customs duty (no customs duties on individual books that typically enter the United States)
Is shown. The data contained in the databases shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to reflect actual data.

For example, if the web client is in Germany and the web server is in the United States, the tariff depends on the product and not on which country it was imported.
Due to international agreements, tariffs are basically the same regardless of which jurisdiction the product is imported from. Thus, the tariff 223 is determined based on the product key 201 and the receiving jurisdiction 205 and is independent of the location of the web server from which the product is sold.

As a further example, the product key 3 shown in FIG.
045 is a unique key for American Champagne. VAT 2 if buyer is in France 228
21, relevant duties 223, sales tax 225 or other relevant information may be blank or non-applicable entries (N /
By indicating A), it directly or indirectly indicates that the particular product is not available for sale to French buyers. Even within the United States, as shown in data entries 222, 224, 226 for the Level 1 sub-jurisdiction of Florida 220, in this example, the interstate state of certain products, such as alcoholic beverages (or guns as another example). Some state jurisdictions do not allow sales. Other fields such as age restrictions for purchasing alcohol or for purchasing products such as videos with a particular rating (eg, "G", "PG13" or "R") as application fields in the database. Information can be added.

As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 as a preferred embodiment, the jurisdiction database 10
0 (FIG. 1) is stored in each web server 1 in many ways.
11, 112 and 113 (FIG. 1). In that case, standard techniques of database replication may be used, or each web server 111, 112, 113
Can also query the jurisdictional database server 100 using a structured language such as Structured Query Language (SQL).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow from an e-commerce client (ie, buyer) to an e-commerce server (ie, seller), to a jurisdiction database server, and then back to the e-commerce client. . Using the same example used with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, e.g. for that jurisdiction (eg, Germany)
A commerce client requests a quantity of a particular product (eg, champagne) at a price from a server in a different jurisdiction (eg, the United States) (step 301). The e-commerce server associates (maps) the product with a unique product code. The mapping function can be burdensome, but it is an important function to minimize system complexity. Such burdens can be accommodated because each web server only sells a limited number of products of the entity associated with or using the web server. For example, a web server might only sell 200-500 products. .

After associating the requested product with the product key, at step 302, the requested e-commerce web server (eg, the United States) provides information about the order, eg, city, state, country, zip code. Requesting information from the jurisdiction database server by sending information including the jurisdiction of the requester (buyer), the product code of the requested product, the price, etc. to the jurisdiction database server.

In step 303, the jurisdiction database server references the database and sends information for the German e-commerce client to the US e-commerce server. When the US e-commerce server sends the price to the jurisdiction database server, the jurisdiction server calculates the VAT at the appropriate tax rate and sends the calculated amount to the US e-commerce server. Alternatively, the jurisdiction server returns the correct tax rate, and the U.S. e-commerce server calculates the tax amount. In addition, the jurisdiction database server sends other information to the US e-commerce server to communicate to the e-commerce client. Although such information may not be part of the seller's liability or a prerequisite to completing the transaction, this information is useful to the client in upholding the client's liability and obligation for the transaction. For example, a jurisdiction database server may include information regarding the amount of customs duty paid by a client to pick up a product. In addition, information pertaining to the required warranty provisions within a jurisdiction can be included.

In step 304, the e-commerce
The server communicates with the German e-commerce client by presenting the correct amount, including the applicable tax, and notifying the client of any other factors for which the client is responsible for the transaction, such as payment of duties to the appropriate authorities. Complete the transaction.

The preferred embodiment can be implemented as a method, system, or article of manufacture using standard programming and engineering techniques for manufacturing software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. "Product" as used herein
The term (or “computer program product”) refers to one or more computer-readable devices, carriers or media (eg, magnetic storage media, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, network transmission lines, or holographic devices). File server or other signal-bearing medium that accesses the program via
It is intended to encompass program code, one or more computer programs, or data files, accessible from Microsoft. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications to this configuration are possible within the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended that the present invention be limited thereto.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, while the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in relation to the Internet, it includes (but is not limited to) a wide area network, an intranet, and a dial-up connection system using any network protocol that provides a basic data transfer mechanism. Other network environments can be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a jurisdiction database portal server having a repository of specific information in different jurisdictions in relation to a plurality of web servers on the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a jurisdiction database portal server with a representative sample of stored information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a jurisdiction database portal server along with another representative sample of stored information.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow from a purchaser to an e-commerce server, to a database server, and back.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ravindranas Dutta, United States 78727, Palmer Lane, Austin, Texas # 835 3401 (72) Inventor Edwin James Hilpert, Jr. United States 78681, Texas , Round Rock, Clavapple Cove 2051

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method for providing jurisdiction information to a web server in a computer network that spans multiple jurisdictions, comprising: collecting current information from each jurisdiction and recording the information in a database; Duplicating the recorded content of the database on each web server that performs the method. 2. A method for providing jurisdiction information to a web server in a computer network that spans multiple jurisdictions, comprising: collecting current information from each jurisdiction and recording the information in a database; Transmitting information about the jurisdiction of the client of the web server to the web server in response to a request from each web server performing the web server. 3. A method for supporting e-commerce in a computer network that spans multiple jurisdictions, comprising: processing a sale of a product to clients in a particular jurisdiction of the plurality of jurisdictions. Receiving, from a server in the network, a request for information regarding the sale of the product in the particular jurisdiction; and by referencing a database having information on transactions in a plurality of jurisdictions, Obtaining said specific information for said process; and transmitting said specific information to said server for use in said process. 4. A method of selling a product at a seller's server in a computer network that spans multiple jurisdictions, comprising the step of receiving a request for a product from a client in a jurisdiction over a computer network. Receiving; associating the product with a product code; transmitting the product code and the territory of the client to a database server; selling the product to the client via the seller's server. Receiving from the database server the jurisdiction information necessary for the seller to fulfill its obligations in performing the transaction. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein receiving the jurisdiction information comprises receiving additional information for the client and transmitting the additional information to the client. 6. A method for supporting e-commerce in a computer network that spans multiple jurisdictions, comprising: receiving a request from a client located in one jurisdiction to purchase a product; Obtaining specific information relating to the jurisdiction of the client by referring to a database having information regarding the transaction in, and using the specific information in a transaction process for purchasing a product. 7. A database server in a computer network spanning a plurality of jurisdictions, comprising: means for collecting current information of the plurality of jurisdictions and recording the information in a database; Means for replicating the contents of the database to a web server. 8. A database server in a computer network spanning a plurality of jurisdictions, comprising: means for collecting and recording in a database current information of said plurality of jurisdictions; Means for transmitting current information regarding the jurisdiction of the client of the web server in response to a request from the web server. 9. In a computer network,
A server connected to a plurality of clients and database servers spanning multiple jurisdictions for e-commerce, wherein a request from a client in a given jurisdiction for a sale of a product is made via a computer network. Means for receiving; means for associating a requested product with a product code; and
Means for transmitting to the database server; means for receiving, from the database server, jurisdiction information necessary to fulfill the obligations of the seller when selling the requested product to the client. And a server containing. 10. A storage medium, comprising: a jurisdiction field and a tax field associated with each jurisdiction field for use by a computer system. 11. The storage of claim 10, further comprising: means for associating a product identification with the jurisdiction field; and indicating whether the product is available for sale in the associated jurisdiction. Medium.