More evidence that Google's rumored classifieds project is not mere rumor: Google has applied to patent it, writes InternetNews, citing Classified Intelligence analyst John Zappe, who apparently found the patent application, which includes an interface for posting classified ads and screen shots for a "Google Purchases" payment system and the Classifieds.Google.com URL.

Google's entry into classifieds would challenge newspapers, eBay and craigslist, among other online classifieds sites.

Provisionally called Google Automat, the classifieds program would allow newbie sellers – likely using the recently revealed Google Base database - to develop and post classified ads that are accessible via search and could also be placed on websites as AdSense ads.

Zappe called Automat "a brilliant tool to attract casual sellers and small, traditional businesses who, up to now, have mostly avoided keyword advertising." In September, Classified Intelligence said Google was soliciting direct feeds of job postings, among other listings.