Peter J Junger, 751221 1St Ave UNIT 25B, Seattle, WA 98101

6463421, Oct 8, 2002

Mar 16, 2001

09/809072

Peter Joseph Junger - Redmond WA

Nintendo of America Inc. - Redmond WA

G06F 1760

705 28, 705 1, 705 10, 705 22, 705 24, 7071041

A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacture for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturing provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns. The regional product return center then assembles the approved product returns into a box, shipping pallet, or the like, applies a label indicating the return authorization label, and ships the batch to the manufacturer.

6757663, Jun 29, 2004

Jul 28, 1999

09/362187

Philip Michael Rogers - Woodinville WA
Peter Joseph Junger - Redmond WA

Nintendo of America - Redmond WA

G06F 1760

705 24, 705 22, 235385

An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

6834268, Dec 21, 2004

Jul 30, 2002

10/207121

Peter Joseph Junger - Redmond WA

Nintendo of America, Inc. - Kyoto

G06F 1760

705 28, 705 14, 705 21, 705 22, 705 23

A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns. The regional product return center then assembles the approved product returns into a box, shipping pallet, or the like, applies a label indicating the return authorization label, and ships the batch to the manufacturer.

7379899, May 27, 2008

Nov 10, 1999

09/509021

Peter J. Junger - Redmond WA, US

Nintendo of America Inc. - Redmond WA

G06Q 40/00

705 24, 705 22, 235385

The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like.

7455230, Nov 25, 2008

Apr 18, 2006

11/405674

Peter J. Junger - Redmond WA, US
Kristin Secreto - Kirkland WA, US

Nintendo of America Inc. - Redmond WA

G06K 7/10

23546207, 23546201

The invention provides a process/system that validates the authenticity of the product UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID, EPC and/or equivalent code, in real-time, while a transaction is taking place. A database is preferably maintained including a list of suspected false or counterfeit UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID, EPC, and/or equivalent number or first digits, and further includes a list of key descriptive text or numbers found on a product or a product's packaging that will either corroborate or contradict the real brand name with the brand encoded in the UPC, EAN, JAN, RFID EPC, and/or equivalent number. The invention allows a transaction if the item is not found in the database of suspect or counterfeit items, or if all of the identifiers match a record in the database; otherwise, the transaction is denied.

7580860, Aug 25, 2009

Nov 17, 2004

10/989468

Peter Joseph Junger - Redmond WA, US

Nintendo of America Inc. - Redmond WA

G06Q 10/00

705 22, 705 28, 235376, 235385, 707 10

A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns. The regional product return center then assembles the approved product returns into a box, shipping pallet, or the like, applies a label indicating the return authorization label, and ships the batch to the manufacturer.

7797164, Sep 14, 2010

May 8, 2001

10/275548

Peter J. Junger - Redmond WA, US
Cassandra B. Shoecraft - Redmond WA, US
David G. Koon - Remond WA, US

Nintendo of America, Inc. - Redmond WA

G06F 17/60

705 1, 705 35, 705 36

An electronic registration system facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information. A customer may also access a return authorization engine via the Internet to obtain return approval, an authorization number, return instructions, etc.

7840439, Nov 23, 2010

Nov 8, 2004

10/983337

Peter J. Junger - Redmond WA, US

Nintendo of America, Inc. - Redmond WA

G06Q 20/00
G08B 13/14
G06K 19/06

705 23, 705 16, 705 20, 3405724, 235492

A method for using electronic product identification devices to track product sales and enable sales transactions to be registered in an electronic registration (ER) system without causing privacy or security concerns for the purchasers. RF-ID devices are placed on products being sold and include detailed information about the products. When the products are purchased, the detailed information is loaded into an ER database and all but a limited amount of information is removed from the RF-ID device. The limited information is sufficient to enable the detailed information to be located in the ER database by authorized individuals in connection with a return transaction or the like.