TM Media Group did not specify the nature of its stated 20 types of payment methods. It is unclear based on today's announcement how the company plans to license out its technology, or if it is actively seeking any licensing opportunities.

According to TM Media Group's official site, which features an image of an unidentified man (pictured left), the company operates in numerous entertainment fields, including online gaming. Among TM Media Group's holdings are the Flash-based Street Credit Collectible Card Game--billed as the first urban genre online collectible card game and currently undergoing closed beta testing--and the Wigga Wreckords distribution label.

"TM Media Group continues to focus our research and development efforts in order to bring innovative online video games to the marketplace," said TM Media Group CEO Matt Harmon. "Online Role-Playing communities, including SecondLife and World of Warcraft, have garnered large followings over the past several years. This patent will allow TM Media Group to monetize our methodologies through licensing opportunities and, we believe, bring long term value to customers and shareholders."

Based on the information currently disclosed, there is no indication of what specifically differentiates TM Media Group's commerce system from those of numerous existing online games that accept payment for gameplay-related content. Nor is it apparent what separates TM Media Group's approach from that of other services which provide players with cash awards, such as Tournament.com.

Shacknews attempted to locate the patent application, but it had been filed too recently for inclusion on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website. Shacknews also contacted TM Media Group with further inquiries regarding the specific text of the patent, the company's plans for third party licensing, and the technology behind the system, but had not received a response as of press time.

Chris Remo contributed to this story.