The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 2010
Filed:
Nov. 08, 2002
Robert Edward Opaluch, Waltham, MA (US);
Cynthia Duval, Northborough, MA (US);
Robert Edward Opaluch, Waltham, MA (US);
Cynthia DuVal, Northborough, MA (US);
Verizon Laboratories Inc., Waltham, MA (US);
Abstract
A method for flexible billing provides for a service provider to apportion billing for one or more services among a number of parties. The services may be shared among the parties and the bill may be apportioned in accordance with an apportioning scheme, or billing breakout as determined by the parties. The parties may designate a coordinator to administer the service and serve as the contact point between the parties and the service provider. The flexible billing can also provide for one party to pay a portion of the service charges for one or more other parties. Incentives in the form of reduced charges may be provided by the service provider.