Interactive marketing company 24/7 Real Media announced on
Thursday that it has been granted a US patent that covers the
delivery of sequenced advertisements over the internet, interactive
TV and mobile phones.18 Aug 2003
The patent broadly covers methods for delivering sequenced advertisements over communications networks. Sequenced ads are basically a series of related ads with a 'storyboard' effect.
In July this year the company courted controversy when it announced that those companies selling paid search engine listings are infringing another of its patents – so should pay for a licence.
It has also identified alleged abuse of its patent dealing with a system that allows cable TV operators to send targeted advertising and product offerings to subscribers based on data stored in the subscribers' set-top boxes.