Patent ID: 7437329

Claim:
A method of activating and using a prepaid media download card, wherein the process of activating and using the prepaid media download card is facilitated by a central processor, a merchant terminal and a provider of goods or services, the central processor being in selective communication with the provider of goods or services and the merchant terminal, comprising: (a) storing in a database at a central processor a media download card identifier identifying a specific prepaid media download card; (b) inputting the prepaid media download card identifier at a merchant terminal during a purchase of the prepaid media download card; (c) receiving at the central processor a prepaid media download card activation request, the request comprising the prepaid media download card identifier; (d) determining whether to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card based on the media download card identifier; (e) preventing activation of the prepaid media download card until the central processor receives a confirmation indicating the completion of the purchase transaction; (f) activating the prepaid media download card in response to a determination to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card and receipt of the confirmation indicating the completion of the purchase transaction; (g) receiving at the central processor a redemption request, wherein the redemption request comprises the media download card identifier and a selection of one or more media downloads; (h) determining at the central processor whether the media download card identifier received is valid, unredeemed, and authorized for redemption of the one or more media downloads; (i) upon a determination that the media download card identifier is valid, unredeemed, and authorized for redemption of the one or more media downloads, authorizing the one or more media downloads; (j) making the one or more media download material available for download.