System and method for providing computer-based postage stamps

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating computer-based postage that may be used on any date and with an undetermined addressee includes generating a request to print postage, determining the means for generating the request, determining the master serial number for label stock, tracking the master serial number and printing the postage. The present invention provides for the creation of computer-based postage that may be used in a manner similar to standard postage issued by the USPS. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intended address of the recipient need not be verified at the time the postage is created. Rather the postage may be used at any time in the future with any recipient.

1 . A method for printing postage, comprising: 
 receiving a label stock with at least one pre-printed serial number on a label, the pre-printed serial number related to a master serial number of the label stock, the label stock including one of printing in color-changing ink, labels cut with a special die, micro-printing, and a watermark;    receiving a postage request;    generating an indicium in accordance with the postage request, the indicium providing means for verifying the validity of the postage; and    printing the postage using the indicium and the label stock.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising tracking the use of a label stock serial number.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the master serial number is linked to a specific postage printing device and generating the indicium further includes ensuring the master serial number is used with the specific postage printing device.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the postage request includes a postage amount.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the postage request includes a Licensing Postage Office.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising including the pre-printed serial number in the indicium.