Apple: Now Targeting The Concert And Event Ticket Business?

Having revolutionized the recorded music business, is Apple (AAPL) now targeting the ticketing business?

The blog PatentlyApple.com in a post late last week noted that Apple has received a patent on an electronic concert and event ticket business which would use iTunes to eliminate paper ticketing while enhancing the concert experience. Here’s how the PatentlyApple blog describes the systems sketched out in the patent:

There’s no missing the point that Apple wants to enter the electronic concert and event ticket business via a new application and system simply called “Concert Ticket +.” The system that is laid out in this extraordinarily detailed patent, points to a new iTunes based web service for tickets that will naturally enhance the iTunes music empire. Apple definitely envisions a way to revolutionize the entire current concert ticket process so as to eliminate paper while enhancing the concert or event experience. Today’s patent reviews the basics of this new system as well as review the benefits of such a system which could include the concert goer receiving such things as a live recording of the concert they just attended or access to exclusive artist interviews or refreshments. Surprisingly, the patent goes far beyond concerts as well – so as to cover sporting events, amusement park admissions and rides (think Disney), a wedding invitation system and a lot more. In fact, one of the events that the report covers includes Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference 2010.

A threat to Ticketmaster (TKTM)? Or a partnering opportunity?