I know I posted a question about why the card companies don't do online redemptions (as I assume it would be cheaper, faster, and easier to fulfill as well as keep the customers informed, and of course avoid the collector having to deal with lost redemptions that are sent in).
I scanned an example of a online redemption card I pulled from an Upper Deck sports card product

So basically you go to the website (this would be a problem for Artbox sets

) set up an account. Then enter the code (you would of course have to scratch the area with the code much like a scratch lottery ticket). You then will get an email acknowleging your online redemption is valid. From there your redemptions are all in your redemption list and they have a notation regarding the status of the card. For example the auto cards have not been returned from player, or the auto's are in stock and will be shipped shortly, etc. You will also see when they have been sent out.
I can't imagine that you can patent online redemptions so no other company can use them? If anyone has any thoughts I would be happy to hear them. I am sure the biggest benefit would be for the overseas collectors. It scares me enough to send them in from the US.