You can freely build on How Amazon's One-Click Ordering Works for Online Purchases

What this patent covers

This patent describes a method for buying an item online using only a single action. When a user views an item (Claim 1), a client system (like your web browser) displays information about it. With just one click (Claim 3) or a single sound (Claim 4), the client system sends a request to a server system to order the item, along with an identifier for the purchaser (Claim 1). The server then uses this identifier to retrieve previously stored information, like payment and shipping details, to generate and fulfill the order (Claim 1). This process happens without needing to add the item to a shopping cart first, allowing for instant purchases. For example, if you're logged into Amazon and click a 'Buy Now' button, the system uses your stored address and credit card to complete the purchase immediately.

What is now free to use

All 1 claims of US 5960411 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover purchasing processes that require multiple clicks or steps to confirm an order, beyond the initial single action.

• Does not cover systems where a user must re-enter payment or shipping details for each purchase.

• Does not cover online stores that exclusively use a traditional shopping cart model for all purchases.

• Does not cover ordering systems that require explicit user identification, like a password, for every single transaction after the initial login.

• Does not cover ordering methods that do not use a client-server communication network like the Internet.

Who is building on this today

Amazon.com Inc. originally developed and utilized this technology extensively. While the patent has since expired, the underlying concept of streamlined, single-action purchasing is now a standard feature implemented by virtually all major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, eBay, and Walmart, often referred to as 'express checkout' or 'buy now' options.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Amazon com Inc. US Patent 5960411. Method and system for placing a purchase order via a communications network. Granted 1999, expired 2017. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.