Method and system for monitoring the use of rented software

Patent 5925127 Issued on July 20, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

April 9, 2017. 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.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventor

Ahmad, Arshad

Assignee

Microsoft Corporation

Application

No. 831801 filed on 04/09/1997

Examiners

Primary: Palys, Joseph E.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Jones & Askew, LLP

International Class

G06F 011/00

Abstract

A method and system for monitoring the use of a rented software program module. A rented software program module is downloaded from an Internet site operated by an authorized software rental service provider along with a Check-in/Check-out module and a Software Monitor module. The Check-in/Check-out module provides required licensing information for the rented software program module to the Software Monitor module. The Software Monitor module monitors use of the rented software program module while it is in use by the user. Particularly, the Software Monitor prevents use of the rented software program module after the expiration of the licensed usage time or licensed number of uses. The Software Monitor prevents unauthorized copying of the software program module. The desired software program module may be rented on a pay-per-use basis.