System with software usage timer and counter for allowing limited use but preventing continued unauthorized use of protected software
US5014234A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1986 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2137
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided to prevent continued unauthorized use of protected software and to maintain control of sites where software is installed. The method allows unauthorized copies of the protected software to be installed and to operate for a limited time. However, if the user does not register the software within a prescribed period of time, the protected software will be disabled. Prior to disabling, the software will operate for a period of time during which messages are provided to the user, warning that the software should be registered. Both a counter for counting the number of times that the protected software is used, and a timer for measuring the elapsed time since installation of the software, are used in determining how long the protected software will be permitted to operate before either registration or disabling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.