Method and apparatus for delegating digital signatures to a signature server
US7210037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/6218
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates delegating operations involved in providing digital signatures to a signature server. The system operates by receiving a request for a digital signature from a user at the signature server, wherein the request includes an item to be signed on behalf of the user by the signature server. In response to the request, the system looks up a private key for the user at the signature server, and signs the item with the private key. Next, the system returns the signed item to the user, so that the user can send the signed item to the recipient. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system authenticates the user prior to signing the item. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system determines whether the user is authorized to sign the item prior to signing the item.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.