Coindesk Logo

UPS Might Be Making a Locker That Accepts Bitcoin

UPS Might Be Making a Locker That Accepts Bitcoin

UPS Might Be Making a Locker That Accepts Bitcoin

A new patent application filed by UPS indicates that bitcoin could be used as a payment system.

A new patent application filed by UPS indicates that bitcoin could be used as a payment system.

A new patent application filed by UPS indicates that bitcoin could be used as a payment system.

AccessTimeIconFeb 1, 2018, 9:00 PM
Updated Aug 18, 2021, 8:05 PM

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Global shipping giant UPS may be looking at accepting bitcoin through an item-exchange locker service, newly published patent filings show.

UPS is eyeing a system of locker banks that can take digital forms of payment, according to an application released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Thursday. In addition to traditional payment systems, the patent filing lists bitcoin as a possible currency to pay with.

The filing outlines a system of lockers where a party trading or selling an item can leave it in the locker for a buyer to pick up at their convenience. Some of these lockers may be configured to accept payments if the parties are renting the locker.

The filing outlines different methods by renters can pay for the locker, specifically stating:

“In example embodiments, the locker bank may include a point-of-sale (POS) system for accepting payment from users in the form of: (1) a cash transaction; (2) a credit or debit card transaction; (3) a gift certificate; (4) an electronic payment, such as payment by Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Bitcoin; and/or (5) any other suitable type of payment.”

The patent application mentions bitcoin again later, as a way to refund customers, among more traditional payment methods like credit.

The filing is the latest example of a patent application that lists bitcoin as a possible payment method. While this isn't indicative that companies are moving en-masse to accept the cryptocurrency, its inclusion as an option highlights its profile as a digitized medium of exchange.

In 2017, more than 20 patent filings released by the USPTO mentioned bitcoin as a possible payment system. While the number dropped slightly from 2016, more than 50 patent filings released by the agency in the last two years reflect this line of thinking.

Image Credit: Cineberg / Shutterstock.com

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.