Self-launching encrypted try before you buy software distribution system
US5883954A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/1063
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer-based self-launching system associated with a software program is provided for demonstrating the software program to a potential purchaser of the program. The self-launching system is attached to a software program and includes the ability to launch itself when a user selects the software program. Upon launching itself, the system enables the software program for execution and allows the user to subsequently sample the software program. The system maintains the software program in a locked state during the sampling in order to prevent unauthorized duplication of the software program. The sampling of the software program is selectively disabled, such as when the user completes the sampling or if the system detects that the user is attempting to copy the sampled application.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.