On-line try before you buy software distribution system
US5883955A · 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 on-line system is provided for demonstrating software programs to a potential purchaser. The system receives from an on-line system a software program to be demonstrated, and maintains the software program in a locked state in order to prevent unauthorized duplication of the software program. The software program is enabled for execution upon selection by a user, and the user is allowed to subsequently operate or sample the software program. The system maintains the software program in the 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.