Selectively authorizing software functionality after installation of the software
US7716476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2153
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Controlling access to functionality within an installed software product. The invention includes an authorization module that dynamically references authorization information when specific functionality is requested by a requesting entity such as a user or an application program to determine if the requested functionality is authorized to be executed. Further, the invention dynamically provides an opportunity to the requesting entity to purchase unauthorized functionality. In this manner, functionality within the software product may be enabled or disabled at any time (e.g., during installation, post-installation, and re-installation).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.