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Patent Title: Internet assisted mail

Assignee: IBM
Patent Number: US6285777
Issue Date: 09-04-2001
Application Number:
File Date:11-26-1997

Abstract: A communication system that transmits and receives combinations of paper mail and electronic mail. The communication system permits a user of the system to send an internet message via post mail including the mailing address for delivery. The post mail office forwards the internet message via e-mail to the internet post office that is the closest to the addressee. This post office that is local to the addressee downloads this message, prints a hard copy on a paper, encloses it in an envelop and sends the hard copy to the addressee via usual local mail. The communication system also permits a user of the system to send paper mail to the post office. The post office scans the paper mail and forwards the scanned information data either to the addressee directly via internet or via a post office that is local to the addressee.

Notes:

Link to USPTO

IBM Pledge dated 1/11/2005