Method and apparatus for software license management
September 19, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesApparatus and method for cryptographic identity verification Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs Software protection system Software protection device Anti-piracy system using separate storage and alternate execution of selected proprietary and public portions of computer programs Software distribution system System for preventing software piracy employing multi-encrypted keys and single decryption circuit modules Software protection system with trial period usage code and unlimited use unlocking code both recorded on program storage media Apparatus for controlling the use of computer software Modular software security Inventors
ApplicationNo. 530048 filed on 09/19/1995US Classes:705/59LicensingExaminersPrimary: Tarcza, Thomas H.Assistant: Laufer, Pinchus M. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassG06F 013/00AbstractA license key with method of implementation is disclosed. The license key is used for accessing a licensed product on an enterprise computer system. Typically, the enterprise computer system includes a plurality of computer systems, but the computer systems are not necessarily interconnected. A first identifier code from the enterprise computer system, such as the system serial number, is used for allowing the license key to identify the enterprise. A second identifier code from a computer within the enterprise system is used, which is typically a serial number from the computer to identify it to the license key as being part of the enterprise system. Lastly, a third identifier code is used, which is selected from the licensed product to be used on the enterprise system and is tied to the enterprise system number, thereby allowing the licensed program to be accessed on the enterprise system with only a single key, irrespective of the number of computers accessing the licensed program. The setup of the license key, along with calling the identifier codes from the enterprise system, each computer, and the license product, is performed by a license manager, which also provides other services based upon the license key. The license manager provides either usage control, access control, or both, based upon information generated by the license key and found within a product information packet provided with the licensed product and based upon the enterprise system.Other References
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