Patentseed

Have you ever installed the Skype plug-in which recognizes phone numbers whether you’re browsing the web or reading email, and lets you call via Skype immediately?  Well, eBay is applying a similar concept for making payments.  We just covered eBay’s patent application for sending payment over a social network last week.  Not surprisingly, they appear very focused on making their payment system ubiquitous.

In one embodiment of their recent patent application 11/940,403, you’ll be able to right click on an email address and have the option to send payment to that individual.  Simple enough, right?  Just be sure you don’t misclick and accidentally send money to that random email address.

In a financial rut?  Well, why not ask your facebook network for some financial support?  Or better yet, does a friend owe you money?  Then what better way to get paid than by announcing it on Facebook?  Okay, perhaps we’re citing misuses for eBay’s “Payment Processor” social network application as mentioned in patent application 11/935,139.   We’re sure there are advantages to using a “Payment Processor” application within a social network.  Anyone care to throw in their two cents?

But we do like eBay’s sense of humor.  Being bitten by a zombie should take the shock out of seeing a $350,000 request for payment from your buddy.