Richard T Wash

US Patent:

7890338, Feb 15, 2011

Filed:

Aug 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/543583

Inventors:

Theodore C. Loder - Ann Arbor MI, US
Marshall Van Alstyne - Dexter MI, US
Richard L. Wash - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G06Q 10/00

US Classification:

705 11, 705 1447, 705 1449, 705 1451, 705 1453, 705345, 709206, 709225, 709229, 709203, 709207, 379 9302, 379 9324, 37910009

Abstract:

An improved method is provided for managing a whitelist. Upon receipt of an electronic message from an approved sender, the message is reviewed for references to other potential sender that may be added to the whitelist. For example, the potential sender may be copied on the electronic message. Based on this reference, the potential sender is deemed trustworthy and placed on the recipient's whitelist.

US Patent:

20050198174, Sep 8, 2005

Filed:

Dec 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/027758

Inventors:

Theodore Loder - Ann Arbor MI, US
Marshall Van Alstyne - Dexter MI, US
Richard Wash - Ann Arbor MI, US

International Classification:

G06F015/16

US Classification:

709206000

Abstract:

An economic-based solution is provided for regulating electronic messages (commonly referred to as spam). Analogous to a standard bond mechanism, delivering email to an inbox requires an unknown sender to place a small pledge into escrow with a third party. If the recipient expects further communication with a particular sender, they can add the sender to a list of approved senders which will allow the sender's messages to be delivered to the recipient. An innovative method for managing this list of approved senders is described in the present application. A technique for soliciting electronic messages using the underlying principles of the bond mechanism is also sent forth in the application.