(Abstract) New Piccionelli Patent - Congrats to Greg btw See Abstract (Inside)
 

"Method for communicating a live performance and an incentive to a user
computer via a network in real time in response to a request from the
user computer, wherein a value of the incentive is dependent upon the
distance between a geographic location of the user computer and a
specified business establishment

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to system,
method and apparatus for producing and differentially promoting,
vending and distributing live entertainment by one or more performers
from one or more venues based on the locations of the venue(s) and the
potential recipient(s) of the performer(s) performance(s). In
embodiments of the present invention, a user computer accesses an
interface on a provider computer having a listing of performers and
performances. The user selects a desired performer and performance and
transmits such request to the provider computer. The performer is
notified of such request and a response is transmitted to the user
regarding the current availability for performance."

ok, well there goes the webcam business....

there is a geotargetting angle though. maybe the inventor will stop by and shed some light on it.

all your patent infringements are belong to us



Fight the contributory infringement!

I read the patent. I could create you a very similar system that would have all the same apparent functionality, but because of difference in the methods used to make the notifications, communications, and the sequence of events, would not be in violation of said patent.

I would also say that there is likely much prior art in this area.