Method and apparatus for monitoring software using encryption
US6446211B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0241
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for securing software to reduce unauthorized use and provide repeated contact with a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, or marketing information include repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for an authorization code for continued use of the software. Authorization codes and registration information may be used with encryption to transfer information from the authorized representative to resist tampering by unauthorized users. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry. Authorization intervals may vary depending upon the particular application. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides authorization information which allows continued use of the software for a period based on value of the software. The value of the software may be based on price or the availability of a subsequent version of the software. Authorization intervals of decreasing length may be supplied for software of increasing v…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.