18418654. SECURING IN-APP PURCHASES simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

SECURING IN-APP PURCHASES

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Thomas Matthieu Alsina of Paris (FR)

Scott T. Boyd of Montara CA (US)

Michael Kuohao Chu of Cupertino CA (US)

Augustin J. Farrugia of Los Altos Hills CA (US)

Gianpaolo Fasoli of Redwood City CA (US)

Patrice O. Gautier of San Francisco CA (US)

Sean B. Kelly of Cupertino CA (US)

Payam Mirrashidi of Los Altos CA (US)

Pedraum Pardehpoosh of Palo Alto CA (US)

Conrad Sauerwald of Mountain View CA (US)

Kenneth W. Scott of San Jose CA (US)

Rajit Shinh of San Francisco CA (US)

Braden Jacob Thomas of San Jose CA (US)

Andrew R. Whalley of San Francisco CA (US)

SECURING IN-APP PURCHASES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18418654 titled 'SECURING IN-APP PURCHASES

The abstract of the patent application describes a method where a unique identifier is received by an online store, which then creates a signed receipt containing desired data from the identifier. This receipt is sent to a device running the application obtained from the store, and the device verifies the receipt by comparing the derived identifier with the device identifier or vendor identifier.

• Simplified Explanation:

- Online store receives a unique identifier and creates a signed receipt with desired data. - The receipt is sent to a device running the application, which verifies it by comparing identifiers.

• Key Features and Innovation:

- Use of unique identifier for verification. - Creation of signed receipt with desired data. - Comparison of identifiers for verification.

• Potential Applications:

- Secure transactions in online stores. - Verification of purchases and downloads. - Preventing unauthorized access to applications.

• Problems Solved:

- Ensuring authenticity of purchases. - Preventing fraud in online transactions. - Securing applications from unauthorized use.

• Benefits:

- Increased security for online transactions. - Protection against fraud and unauthorized access. - Enhanced trust in online stores and applications.

• Commercial Applications:

- Secure online payment systems. - Digital content distribution platforms. - Mobile app stores and marketplaces.

• Prior Art:

- Research on digital signatures and verification methods. - Studies on secure transactions in online environments.

• Frequently Updated Research:

- Ongoing developments in secure online transactions. - Advancements in digital signature technology.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the unique identifier enhance security in online transactions? 2. What are the potential implications of this technology for e-commerce platforms?

Original Abstract Submitted

In one embodiment, a unique (or quasi unique) identifier can be received by an application store, or other on-line store, and the store can create a signed receipt that includes data desired from the unique identifier. This signed receipt is then transmitted to a device that is running the application obtained from the on-line store and the device can verify the receipt by deriving the unique (or quasi-unique) identifier from the signed receipt and comparing the derived identifier with the device identifier stored on the device, or the vendor identifier assigned to the application vendor.