Search Marketing Technology Patent Awarded to Local.com

Local.com Corp., Irvine, CA, has received a U.S. patent for its 411 local search engine technology used for pay-per-click and pay-per-call advertising

The patent covers the methodology for providing businesses with referral advertising, using directory assistance and wireless messaging systems for inquiries generated through Internet search engines.

Search results are delivered to consumers via operator-assisted calls, messaging systems, including voice-response enabled systems.

Advertiser listings can be organized by location, referral amount paid and keyword.