Patent ID: 7752103

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for auctioning units of limited securities research resources from a supplier of securities research to consumers of the supplier's securities research, the method comprising: generating auction search data by an auction server of a computer system, wherein the auction server comprises at least one processor and an operatively associated computer readable medium, wherein the auction server is in electronic communication with a database comprising data describing the units of securities research, wherein the generated auction search data comprises data that enables bidders to search for units to be auctioned; generating, by the auction server, auction description data that comprises a listing of the units being auctioned, an indication of a minimum bid price for each unit, and an indication of a current auction stage; generating, by the auction server, bid submission data, wherein the bid submission data enables the bidders to submit bids; receiving, by the auction server, a plurality of bid data, during one of a plurality of auction stages, wherein each bid data is received from one of the bidders and identifies a quantity of the units and a price for the identified units; verifying the bid data by the auction server; determining, by the auction server, an allocation of the units among the bidders that have submitted bid data based on the verified bid data; generating, by the auction server, auction result data, wherein the auction result data indicates the results of completed auctions; and wherein the units of the securities research resources comprise a plurality of first preferred access level positions associated with a first research team, and a plurality of second preferred access level positions associated with the first research team, wherein the first preferred access level positions entitle holders thereof to a superior level of research-related direct contact between the consumer of securities research and the first research team as compared to the second preferred access level positions; and wherein the first and second preferred access level positions entitle their holders to at least one research-related direct contact with the first research team selected from the group consisting of: a meeting between a representative of the position holder and at least one member of the first research team; attendance by a representative of the position holder at a conference call with at least one member of the first research team; attendance by a representative of the position holder at a conference conducted by at least one member of the first research team; attendance by a representative of the position holder at a seminar conducted by at least one member of the first research team; and attendance by a representative of the position holder at a corporate access meeting with at least one member of the first research team.