Central database system for automatic software program sales
US5887060A · kind A · utility
40Cited by
66References
28Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/16
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A computer-based system is provided for automatic sales of software programs. The system accesses a software program within a computer database and maintains the software program in a locked state in order to prevent unauthorized duplication of the software program. In response to a request to purchase the software program, the system unlocks a copy of the software program and distributes the unlocked copy. The system records how many copies of the software program have been distributed in response to the purchase requests for billing purposes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.