Patent ID: 7904388

Claim:
A computer-implemented system for processing payments at a programmed computer processor at a payment engine which communicates via a network, the system comprising: a paying entity interface configured to an electronic payment file at a payment engine, wherein the electronic payment file is electronically transmitted via the network from a paying entity, a payment module configured to identify a payee based on information in the electronic payment file, a payment amount for the payee for a payment based on a pre-existing contract between the paying entity and the payee for recurring payments to the payee, and a payment method for the payee based on a payee profile associated with the payee; and a distribute payment module configured to distribute the payment amount via the payment method to the payee; wherein the payee is a member of a group, the group managing payments for the payee and other payees, wherein the group is organized of at least one of actors, writers, agents, musicians, contractors, performers, athletes, investors, and corporate entities.