You can freely build on How a Centralized Broker Handles Online Shopping Transactions

What this patent covers

The patent describes a central broker system that acts as an intermediary between a customer and an online merchant. When a customer is ready to buy, the merchant sends a description of the shopping cart to the customer's device, which then forwards that data to the broker. The broker then takes over the checkout process, presenting the user with shipping and payment options, calculating the final total, and charging the customer directly. Finally, the broker notifies the merchant of the completed transaction so the goods can be shipped. This allows the broker to manage the financial and logistical details while the merchant focuses on the product catalog.

What is now free to use

All 1 claims of US 7865399 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 direct merchant-to-customer transactions where the merchant processes the payment themselves.

• Does not cover systems where the merchant retains full control over the payment processing and tax calculation.

• Does not cover peer-to-peer payment systems that lack a centralized broker coordinating with a merchant's inventory.

Who is building on this today

Google continues to iterate on this architecture through its Google Pay platform. Other major players like PayPal and Stripe have built extensive ecosystems that rely on this same fundamental broker-merchant relationship to facilitate global online commerce.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Google LLC. US Patent 7865399. Distributed electronic commerce system with centralized point of purchase. Granted 2011, expired 2025. 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.