Multi-tier electronic software distribution
August 29, 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.Patent ReferencesSoftware usage authorization system with key for decrypting/re-encrypting/re-transmitting moving target security codes from protected software Self-verifying receipt and acceptance system for electronically delivered data objects Network license server Apparatus and method for licensing software on a network of computers Hybrid public key algorithm/data encryption algorithm key distribution method based on control vectors System and apparatus for protecting computer software Transformation of ephemeral material Method for encouraging purchase of executable and non-executable software Systems and methods for protecting software from unlicensed copying and use Tracing with keys and locks InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 921394 filed on 08/29/1997US Classes:705/54, Adding plural layers of rights or limitations by other than the original producer717/177Including distribution of softwareExaminersPrimary: Hua, Ly V.Assistant: Iqbal, Nadeem Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassH04L 009/00AbstractMethods of electronic software distribution are provided in which software products may be wrapped by their publishers in a straightforward, secure manner, but in such a way as to allow for the addition of information by downstream distribution channel partners, e.g., distributors and merchants (resellers). Distribution policies, or business rules, governing the distribution process may be fixed by the software publisher or may be left to the discretion of channel partners. The software product itself, however, is secured against tampering or inadvertent infection by a virus. A tool facilitates the foregoing incremental wrapping process without requiring sophistication in computer technology on the part of channel partners. The publisher may use a conventional setup tool of the publisher's choice to prepare a setup file set for distribution. That is, the wrapping tool need not influence the publisher's choice of setup tools.Other References
Field of SearchNonlinear (e.g., pseudorandom)Using master key (e.g., key-encrypting-key) Control vector or tag Multiple key level Key escrow or recovery Using master key (e.g., key-encrypting-key) By public key method KEY MANAGEMENT Key sequence signal combined with data signal Key distribution center Data stream/substitution enciphering User-to-user key distributed over data link (i.e., no center) Key distribution Speech scrambler detail Including sampling Having particular key generator By public key method HAVING PRODUCTION OF PRINTED COPY (E.G., CRYPTOGRAPHIC PRINTER OR TYPEWRITER) Sales, ordering, or banking system At switching station | |
