Patent · US Expired

Method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use

US6813717B2 · kind B2 · utility

96Cited by
69References
126Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 13, 2002
Grant dateNov 2, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06Q30/0241
  • WIPO fieldIT methods for management
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user during an initial period upon entry by the user. The user then contacts the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during subsequent periods without further communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses either manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. Previously stored registration information is compared with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user. The software is disabled if the user is an unauthorized user or if the additional authorization code is not entered.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.