ADDRESS CHANGE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

THIS invention related to an address change notification system. In particular, the invention relates to a method of notifying third parties of an address change of an entity and to an address change notification system.

As is well known, entities, such as people, companies, and the like, often move from one place to another during the course of their lives. As a result, their residential, business and postal addresses change. Naturally, the addresses of such entities are recorded by various third parties for correspondence purposes, and the like. Such third parties can typically include, for example, formal institutions such as local authorities, banks, the Receiver of Revenue, municipalities where vehicle registrations are maintained, and the like, as well as less formal institutions, such as companies which offer subscriptions to magazines, clubs, companies which offer subscriptions to satellite television, video or DVD™ rental shops providing memberships, and the like, as well as individuals, such as, friends, family members, and the like.

Naturally, when people move from one place to another, it is typically necessary to notify such third parties of an address change, so that such third parties can record the new address, thereby, for example, to forward correspondence to the correct postal address, record the new residential address of an owner of a vehicle, and the like. To notify such third parties of an address change has traditionally involved individually letting such third parties know of the change by personally visiting such third parties, or by informing the parties by means of a letter, or the like. Naturally, this is a rather tedious task. It can happen that the notification to a third party is unsuccessful, in which case correspondence would be sent to the wrong address. It can happen that a person fails to remember all the third parties which should be informed of a postal address change. All these instances can lead to frustration, failure to meet certain deadlines, such as a deadline for submitting a tax return, a deadline to make a credit payment, a deadline to pay a traffic ticket, a deadline to renew a subscription to a magazine, or the like.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "entity" is to be interpreted broadly to include, for example, any institution, or company, or close corporation, or natural person, or the like, wishing to notify third parties of an address change.

It is an object of the invention to provide an address change notification system which can be used to ease the task of notifying third parties of an address change of an entity.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method of notifying third parties of an address change of an entity, which can be used to ease the task of notifying third parties of an address change.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of notifying third parties of an address change of an entity, the method including receiving a request at a centralized location to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity and notifying the plurality of different third parties of the address change of the entity in response to receiving the request.

Receiving a request at a centralized location to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity may include receiving a request in the form of a message over the internet.

Receiving a request in the form of a message over the internet may include receiving an e-mail message.

Notifying the plurality of different third parties of the address change of the entity in response to receiving the request may include sending a message over the internet to each of the plurality of different third parties.

Sending a message over the internet to each of the plurality of different third parties may include sending an e-mail message to each of the plurality of different third parties.

The method may further include providing a list of a plurality of different third parties and enabling a selection of third parties to be made from the list, which selection of third parties is to be notified of the address change of the entity.

Providing a list of a plurality of different third parties and enabling a selection of third parties to be made from the list, which selection of third parties is to be notified of the address change of the entity may include providing the list over the internet and enabling a selection of the third parties on the list to be made over the internet.

Notifying the plurality of different third parties of the address change of the entity in response to receiving the request may include automatically generating and sending a message over the internet to each of the plurality of third parties selected from the list.

Sending a message over the internet to each of the plurality of selected third parties may include causing the internet messages to the third parties to be sent from an internet address of the entity.

Instead, sending a message over the internet to each of the plurality of selected third parties may include causing the internet messages to the third parties to be sent from an internet address at the centralized location.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an address change notification system which includes a centralized location arranged to receive a request to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of an entity and notification means arranged to enable the plurality of different third parties to be notified of the address change of the entity in response to receiving the request.

The centralized location arranged to receive a request to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity may be at an internet address.

The internet address may be in the form of a web-site.

The centralized location may be arranged to receive a request in the form of a message over the internet to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged to receive a request in the form of an e- mail message over the internet to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may include a repository of information defining specific addresses associated with specific third parties, the specific addresses of the third parties being arranged to receive notification of an address change of an entity.

The specific addresses of the third parties arranged to receive notification of an address change of an entity maybe in the form of internet addresses.

The internet addresses may be in the form of e-mail addresses.

The repository of information may be in the form of a database.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity, in response to receiving a request to notify the plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent over the internet to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an

entity, in response to receiving a request to notify the plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages in the form of e-mail messages to be sent over the internet to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity, in response to receiving a request to notify the plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity, in response to receiving a request in the form of a message over the internet to notify the plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity, in response to receiving a request in the form of an, e-mail message over the internet to notify the plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent from an internet address of the entity to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity.

The centralized location may be arranged automatically to cause messages to be sent from an internet address at the centralized location to third parties notifying the third parties of an address change of an entity.

The centralized location may be arranged to provide a list of a plurality of different third parties and to enable a selection to be made from the list of specific third parties which are to be notified of the address change of the entity, in response to receiving a request to notify a plurality of different third parties of an address change of the entity.

The list may be provided with selection means for enabling a selection to be made from the plurality of different third parties on the list which are to be notified of the address change of the entity.

The selection means may include a box associated with each of the third parties on the list so that a selection can be made from the list by checking boxes associated with the specific third parties which are to be notified of the address change of the entity.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an address change notification system in accordance with the invention:

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a list of a plurality of different third parties which can be selected by an entity so as to enable the selected third parties to be notified of an address change;

Figure 3 shows part of an electronically generated address registration screen, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 shows another part of the electronically generated address registration screen shown in Figure 3; and

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an address change notification system in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, an address change notification system, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The address change notification system 10 includes a centralized location 12, such as an internet address, for example, in the form of, for example a web-site, or the like. The centralized location 12 is arranged to receive a request from an entity 16, as indicated by dashed line 12a, to notify a plurality of different third parties 14 of an address change of the entity 16. The address change notification system 10 further includes notification means, as schematically indicated by lines 16a, arranged to enable the plurality of different third parties 14 to be notified of the address change of the entity.

The centralized location 12 is typically arranged to receive notification from the entity 16 of an address change of the entity 16, by means of a message over the internet or an internet communication, such as an e-mail message, or the like, as indicated schematically by dashed line 12a. Although reference is made to receiving notification from the entity 16 of an address change of the entity 16, it will be appreciated that the system 10 provides for receiving notification from another party of an address change of the entity 16. Accordingly, for example, should an entity change its address when, for example, a person buys a new house, or a company buys a new place of business, or the like, another party, such as, for example, an estate agent, or the like, can use the system

10 to notify third parties of the address change. Similarly, as an example, should a person change his, or her, address when being transferred to another branch of a company, or the like, a person in an administration department of the company, for example, can use the system 10 to notify third parties of an address change of that person.

The centralized location 12 typically includes a repository 18, in the form of, for example, a database, or the like, which stores information defining specific addresses associated with specific third parties, which specific addresses of the third parties are arranged to receive notification of an address change of an entity. The specific addresses of the third parties arranged to receive notification of an address change of an entity typically include internet addresses, such as e-mail addresses, or the like.

The centralized location 12 can typically be arranged automatically to download address information of third parties from the repository 18 to the entity 16 and to cause

messages to be generated and sent from the entity 16 to the third party addresses, as indicated by lines 16a, in response to receiving a request for an address change notification from the entity 16. Advantageously, such messages are sent between e-mail addresses of the entity 16, the centralized location 12 and the third parties 14.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the centralized location 12 is typically arranged to generate a list, or an information input screen, when accessed by the entity 16. The information input screen is typically presented to the entity upon accessing a web-site at the centralized location 12. A schematic illustration of such an information input screen is indicated generally by reference numeral 20. The screen 20 is typically accessed from a homepage of the centralized location 12, which homepage can typically provide instructions on how the system 10 is to be used. The input screen 20 provides certain fields into which the entity enters specific information. The specific information can typically include a field for entry of a "username", as indicated at 20.1, a field for entry of a "password", as indicated at 20.2, a field for entry of a "password verification", as indicated at 20.3, a field for entry of an "e-mail address", as indicated at 20.4, and a selection field at 20.5, which is used by the entity to select whether to enter further information as "an individual", or a "company", or the like. To this end, the field 20.5 can typically be provided with a drop down menu button at 20.6, so that, upon clicking on the button 20.6, a scroll down menu appears from which the entity can select. The scroll down menu can typically include selections such as "individual", "company", "close corporation", and the like.

For the sake of example, upon the entity selecting "individual" at the field 20.5, the entity, in this case in the form of a person, is presented with a second part of the information screen as indicated in Figure 4 of the drawings. Certain further fields, into which the entity is prompted to enter further specific information, is then provided. The specific information can typically include a field for entry of a "title", as indicated at

30.1. The field 30.1 can typically be provided with a drop down menu button 30.1a, which, upon selection, can provide selections such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", and the like. Further fields typically include a field for entry of a "name", as indicated at 30.2, a field for entry

of a "surname", as indicated at 30.3, a field for entry of an "identity number", as indicated at 30.4, a field for entry of a "home telephone number", as indicated at 30.5, a field for entry of a "work telephone number", as indicated at 30.6, a field for entry of a "cellular phone number", as indicated at 30.7, a field for entry of an "facsimile number", as indicated at 30.8, a field for entry of an "e-mail address", as indicated at 30.9, a field for entry of a "postal address", as indicated at 30.10, a field for entry of a "city/town", of the address as indicated at 30.11 and a field for entry of a "postal code", as indicated at 30.12. The entity 16 typically inputs a new postal address at 30.10, 30.11 and 30.12. A field for entering a bank account number (not shown) can also be provided.

Although not shown, the screen 20 can make provision for inputting a current postal address, which would typically be the address recorded for the entity at the third parties. Similarly, the screen 20 can make provision for inputting a current residential address. It could also make provision for inputting a new residential address.

It will be appreciated that a different part of the screen 20, for entry of information corresponding to a company, close corporation, or the like, can be provided to the entity upon selecting an associated selection at field 20.5. In such a case, the entity is provided with an information screen for inputting information associated with a company, close corporation, or the like, in a fashion similar to that described above with reference to Figure 4.

Typically, after the information is entered on the screen 20, a button, or the like, is clicked and the entity is then presented with a selection screen from which to select specific third parties from a list, which third parties are to be notified of the address change. An example of such a selection screen is schematically illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings and is indicated in general by reference numeral 40. The selection screen 40 provides a list, generally indicated by reference numeral 40.1, of a plurality of different third parties 40.1.1, 40.1.2, 40.1.3, etc. which can be notified of the address change. The selection screen 40 is provided with selection means, generally indicated by reference numeral 40.2 which can be used by the entity to select which of the plurality of

different third parties 40.1.1, 40.1.2, 40.1.3, etc. are to be notified of the address change. The selection means 40.2 can typically include boxes 40.2.1, 40.2.2, 40.2.3, etc. associated with each of the third parties 40.1.1, 40.1.2, 40.1.3, etc. so that the entity can make a selection by checking the boxes associated with the third parties which are to be notified of the address change. This can be achieved in conventional fashion by clicking on the boxes 40.2.1, 40.2.2, 40.2.3, etc. associated with the selected third parties 40.1.1, 40.1.2, 40.1.3, etc.

In use, to notify third parties of an address change, the entity wishing to notify such third parties accesses the centralized location, or web-site 12, in conventional fashion. The associated information is then input in the screen 20 and a selection is made on the screen 40. Typically, a "notify" button is then clicked. E-mail addresses of third parties corresponding to selections made on the screen 40 are then retrieved from the database 18. Messages to the third parties are then generated. Such messages are typically populated with relevant information input at the screen 20. The messages are then sent to third party e-mail address to notify such third parties of the address change.

The messages are typically sent from the e-mail address of the entity 16.

Advantageously, in the case of a delivery error, the entity 16 is then notified in conventional fashion by a "delivery error message", since the messages were caused to be sent from the entity's e-mail address.

Referring to Figure 5 of the drawings, another address change notification system, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 110. In Figure 5, like reference numerals have been used to designate similar parts, or features, unless otherwise stated.

The system 110 is similar to the system 10, save that instead of messages being sent to e-mail addresses of third parties from the e-mail address of the entity 16, as indicated by the dashed lines 16a in Figure 1 of the drawings, the system 110 is arranged to generate and send messages to third parties directly from the remote location 12, as indicated by the dashed lines 12b in Figure 5 of the drawings. In the case of an error in

delivery of a message from one of the third parties, the system 110 can be arranged to forward such an error message to the entity 16 thereby to inform the entity 16 that an address change notification to that third party was unsuccessful.

The system 10, 110 can be provided with a payment system for the transfer of payment for using the system 10, 110 to notify third parties of an address change.

In one embodiment of such a payment system, the entity 16 has to provide a cellular phone, or mobile phone number, when inputting information on the screen 20. During the process of using the system 10, 110, an sms (short message service), or premium sms, is sent to a service provider associated with the client's cellular phone number, to inform the service provider of a transaction associated with the use of the system 10, 110. Advantageously, the sms, or premium sms, is sent to the service provider automatically after the entity has made a selection on the selection screen 40. The sms, or premium sms, is typically sent by means of a sms portal. Payment is then obtained from the entity's service provider. Typically, the service provider bills the entity 16 on a cellular phone account of the entity 16.

A message is typically sent to the entity 16, typically to an internet address, such as an e-mail address, informing the entity 16 that the requested address change notifications have been sent to the selected third parties.

In another embodiment of such a payment system, the entity 16 has to provide a bank account number, such as a credit card account number, when inputting information on the screen 20. The banking institution associated with the bank account number can then case payment to be effected from the bank account number in a conventional fashion.

By way of development, the address change notification system 10 can provide the entity 16 with means to enter addresses of third parties to be notified of an address change of the entity 16. Such addresses are then typically not provided in the list 40.1.

In this way, the entity 16 can input addresses of friends, family members, and the like, who are to be notified of the address change. The addresses of the friends, family members, and the like, can be in the form of e-mail addresses. In such a case, the means can enable the entity to retrieve such addresses from an address book on his, or her, computer and to input such addresses, for notification of the address change.