Case Study: Q Interactive (Coolsavings)

Q Interactive is an online marketing services provider for advertisers and publishers. Using a unique combination of demographic, behavioral and transactional data in a proprietary targeting engine, Q Interactive improves the relevancy of advertising on the Internet. Every year, more than 1500 customers rely on Q Interactive. Q Interactive operates an extensive advertising network with hundreds of high traffic partner sites, as well as its own savings and shopping sites, CoolSavings.com and FreeStyleRewards.com. Q Interactive’s services include Lead Generation, E-mail, Coupons and Loyalty programs. Formerly CoolSavings, Inc., Q Interactive was founded in 1995 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Landmark Communications, Inc.[Source: Q Interactive, May 2006]

Things to read:

Questions to consider:

  • What is the Q Interactive business model(s)?
  • Why would a retailer advertise with Q Interactive instead of marketing their own Web site?
  • How does Q Interactive target offers to specific members?

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Selected registered trademarks:

  • COOLSAVINGS ®
  • REWARDS WHENEVER YOU SHOP
  • COOLSAVINGS COUPON MANAGER ®
  • SQUEALS OF THE DAY ®
  • Search real-time for U.S. trademarks.

Selected patents:

  • 5,761,648 — Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates. (originally granted to Interactive Coupon Network)
  • Search real-time for new U.S. patents granted to CoolSavings.