US20080282360A1 - Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy - Google Patents

Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080282360A1
US20080282360A1 US12/182,135 US18213508A US2008282360A1 US 20080282360 A1 US20080282360 A1 US 20080282360A1 US 18213508 A US18213508 A US 18213508A US 2008282360 A1 US2008282360 A1 US 2008282360A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
software
user
remote service
code
activated
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/182,135
Inventor
Reuben Bahar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=36102181&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20080282360(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/182,135 priority Critical patent/US20080282360A1/en
Publication of US20080282360A1 publication Critical patent/US20080282360A1/en
Priority to US13/196,158 priority patent/US20110289602A1/en
Priority to US13/451,477 priority patent/US8613110B2/en
Priority to US14/070,207 priority patent/US9298893B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/10Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
    • G06F21/12Protecting executable software
    • G06F21/121Restricting unauthorised execution of programs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06TIMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T2201/00General purpose image data processing
    • G06T2201/005Image watermarking
    • G06T2201/0064Image watermarking for copy protection or copy management, e.g. CGMS, copy only once, one-time copy
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L2209/00Additional information or applications relating to cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communication H04L9/00
    • H04L2209/60Digital content management, e.g. content distribution
    • H04L2209/605Copy protection

Definitions

  • the field of the invention generally relates to methods for preventing the piracy of software applications.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a computer method and system for preventing the piracy of a given software application through use of a communications network, such as the Internet, wherein a given software application, installed on a user system, will function only after a remote service provider transmits a code sequence that will activate the software for use.
  • the present invention relates to a method and system for preventing piracy of individual software applications.
  • a remote service system controlled by a remote service provider, storably receives user data that is transmitted by a user of a given software application.
  • the remote service system associates it to stored archive data which is accessible to the remote service provider. If it is determined that the user is not a pirator of the software, the remote service system will transmit service data which will activate the software and allow the user to utilize its full functionality. In this manner, the remote service provider can limit software piracy, as only legitimate users of the software will be given the service data needed to activate the software.
  • FIG. 1 is an overview diagram pictorially illustrating the flow of information that occurs between a user of a given software application and the remote service system in a preferred embodiment of the method and system for prevention of software piracy according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block flowchart of the information flow that occurs in a preferred embodiment of the method and system for prevention of software piracy according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show the information flow that occurs in a method and system (hereinafter “method”), indicated at reference character 100 in FIG. 1 , for preventing of piracy of a given software application via a communications network, such as the Internet 8 .
  • method a method and system
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the process by which a user would attempt to activate a given software application.
  • the user 1 successfully installs a given software application 5 (hereinafter “software”) on the data storage element 4 of the user's system 2 .
  • the user system 2 is generally defined as the user's computer terminal, which typically consists of a central processing unit, or CPU (not shown), a data storage element 4 , an element for storably receiving transmitted data 3 , an element for transmitting data 6 , and a monitor and keyboard.
  • the software 5 may utilize various anti-piracy measures, two such measures, are especially worth noting in relation to the present invention, and are discussed in greater detail below.
  • the first measure is a program code sequence that identifies the specific software 5 (hereinafter “identification code”), while the second is an additional program code sequence that would be needed to activate the software 5 (hereinafter “activation code”). It is preferred that transmission of both of these code sequences, between the user 1 and remote service system 9 , would be accomplished over the Internet 8 .
  • a “user” can be an individual entity or collaborate entity, such as a business, family, or even friends, who legitimately acquired a license and/or right to use the given software 5 .
  • the remote service system 9 can be the software manufacturer or an independent company, working in conjunction with the software manufacturer, to prevent software piracy.
  • a communications network includes, but is not limited to, all telecommunications networks such as the Internet, i.e. the World Wide Web and BBS systems, hardwire telephony, wireless networks including cellular and PCS systems, satellite networks, etc.
  • communications networks include localized and regional networks such as intranets and local area network (LAN) systems which interconnect a relatively few number of user systems or terminals, typically by means of a centralized server.
  • LAN local area network
  • user 1 Once user 1 establishes an online connection to the remote service provider 9 , user 1 enters and transmits user data 7 , via an element 6 for transmitting user data, to the remote service system 9 over the Internet 8 .
  • the user data 7 is subsequently received by the remote service system 9 via an element 10 for storably receiving user data, and stored in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9 .
  • the transfer of user data 7 to the remote service system 9 would preferably be initiated by user 1 , this need not always be the case.
  • the user data 7 may be automatically detected by an element 11 for detecting user data of the remote service system 9 .
  • the detected user data 7 will likewise be received by the remote service system 9 via element 10 , and subsequently stored by the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9 .
  • user data is defined and understood herein and in all the claims to mean any information originating from and/or available to the user of the software 5 . This includes, but is not limited to personal identification information such as user name, address, location, phone number, etc.
  • user data 7 may consist of any information relating to the software 5 which identifies and distinguishes it from other “same type” or distinct software applications. This can include, but is not limited to information such as an “identification code” (as noted earlier), a product serial number, name, and/or version number.
  • the software 5 should preferably contain an identification code, which is a program code sequence comprised of alphanumeric characters, that would serve to identify each authorized copy of a software application.
  • the identification code may be synonymous with a product's distinct serial number.
  • the identification code will be unique to each software application sold, and will be disclosed to both user 1 and remote service system 9 .
  • the advantage of a unique identification code is that it will allow the remote service system 9 to recognize and keep track of each authentic copy of a software application sold.
  • the identification code could consist of an elongated alphanumeric code sequence, such as a “program file(s)”, it is preferred that it consist of a short code sequence of alphanumeric characters, e.g.
  • user data 7 may also refer to information identifying the user system 2 such as serial and model number as well as the type, function, and performance of the various system hardware components.
  • the remote service system 9 After receiving and storing user data 7 , the remote service system 9 processes the user data 7 via an element 13 for processing user data.
  • Element 13 may be, but is not limited to, software, hardware device(s), or a combination of these two, which would allow for processing of the user data in the manner noted herein. Additionally, element 13 , used to process user data, may likewise include the remote service system's personnel staff who would be able to manually initiate processing of the user data, in the manner noted below.
  • Processing of the user data may include, but is not limited to an “archiving” event wherein a wide range of information that is received by or made available to the remote service system 9 is sorted, arranged, and organized into retrievable data files.
  • Archived data stored in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9 may consist of, but is not limited to, a mass assortment of receivably stored user data (e.g. “identification codes”), service data (discussed below), and promotions, etc.
  • the archived data would relate to distinct users, various software applications, and potential advertisements; all of which may exist independently of one another.
  • archived data may also consist of information indicating the amount of user online activation attempts recorded for each identified software 5 .
  • archived data may include all other information that might be of use to the remote service system 9 in preventing piracy of a given software application.
  • Processing of the user data 7 may also consist of an “associating” event wherein the currently transmitted user data 7 is compared to archived data contained in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9 . It is important to note that “associating” the currently transmitted user data 7 to archived data will allow the remote service system 9 to determine if the user 7 is attempting to activate a pirated version of the software 5 .
  • the “product identification code” of software 5 along with other user data 7 currently being received from the user system 2 , will be compared to existing archived data. If the archived data establishes that the software 5 is legally registered to a completely distinct user, such may indicate that the user currently online is trying to activate a pirated version of the software 5 . This result will occur if the archived data referencing the software 5 does not match the user data 7 currently being transmitted by the user system 2 , and/or if the archived data indicates that there have been repeated and numerous attempts to activate the same software 5 .
  • the remote service provider may contact the registered user(s) to investigate into potential piracy.
  • the remote service system 9 may “blacklist” the specific software 5 , as referenced by its identification code. Blacklisting of a given software application would mean that the identified software would be prohibited from receiving any future activation codes from the remote service system 9 . For all intents and purposes, such an event would render the identified software void and permanently dysfunctional. This is because the software, as sold to the user, would need the activation code in order to function. Absent this code, the identified software would be inoperative and no longer subject to piracy.
  • service data such as the activation code 17
  • the software 5 and/or the user system 2 are responsive to such service data.
  • service data is defined and understood herein and in all the claims to mean any data that the remote service system 9 may legitimately transmit to the user system 2 during the online activation process for the software 5 .
  • Service data 16 may include, but is not limited to instructions, promotional messages, and an activation code(s). The instructions may guide user 1 through the steps for activating the software 5 , while a promotional message program code sequence may offer and display a particular product or service for sale.
  • the activation code 17 is a program code sequence that will serve to activate each individual software application, which absent the activation code 17 , would be dysfunctional.
  • the activation code may either be unique to each individual software 5 sold (hereinafter “unique activation code”) or unique to a group of software (hereinafter “common activation code”) that relate to a common software program, manufacturer, brand name, or version, etc. Of the two, the preferred embodiment would be the “unique activation code” which is unique to each individual software 5 sold.
  • Each authorized copy of software application 5 is designed to be responsive to a distinct activation code. As such, an attempt to pirate distinct software applications would entail a tedious and time consuming task requiring the hacker to uncover the activation code of each individual, authorized software product. Furthermore, a unique activation code will not allow for the activation of any “general” copy of the software which would otherwise be responsive to a common activation code. As an alternative to a unique activation code, a common activation code would activate all “same type” software applications. Developing “same type” software to be responsive to a common activation code may be advantageous given the potential for reducing confusion and troubleshooting errors which could arise during the software manufacturing and online activation stages.
  • the activation code may likewise consist of either a long or short program code sequence.
  • a short code sequence would consist of a concise sequence of alphanumeric characters, e.g. HT3-GY2K-WROP, while a long code sequence would consist of a small or large arrangement of alphanumeric data that result in a “program file(s)”.
  • Use of a long code sequence would be the preferred method of constructing the activation code. This is because a long code sequence (i.e. a program file) would be much harder to replicate than a short code sequence.
  • Software application 5 can initially be supplied missing certain program files necessary for software application 5 to function. Only after these missing program files (e.g., the activation code) are transmitted from the remote service system 9 to the user system 2 , will the software 5 be functional.
  • activation code 17 preferably remains undisclosed to user 1 .
  • the need for the activation code will compel user 1 to register the software 5 online with the remote service system 9 .
  • having the activation code 17 only known to the remote service provider and its business affiliates (such as the software manufacturer) will prevent piracy of the software 5 . This is because users who wish to pirate the software 5 will not be able to replicate the activation code and distribute it along with a medium (e.g. CD ROM) containing a copy of the software 5 .
  • Activation code 17 is preferably designed to be immune from discovery by computer hackers and sophisticated programmers.
  • the objective is to prevent these individuals from “breaking in” to the software 5 and either re-writing or discovering the undisclosed activation code. As noted earlier, this may require constructing the activation code as a long code sequence which results in a program file(s). Additionally, other measures may include code encryption as well as any other programming methods known to those skilled in the relevant technical art.
  • Element 14 may be, but is not limited to, software, hardware device(s), or a combination of the two, which would allow for processing of the service data, in the manner described herein. Additionally, element 14 , used to process service data 16 , may likewise include the remote service system's personnel staff who would be able to manually initiate processing of the service data 16 , in the manner described herein.
  • Extraction of service data 16 from the archived data entails a selection process wherein only the appropriate and necessary service data is singled out from the total archived data and made available for transmission to the user system 2 .
  • Extraction of the service data is necessary given the variety of software applications, and the multitude of distinct service data entries, that may be stored and archived by the remote service system 9 .
  • the activation code “ABC-123” contained in the archived data, would only be extracted when a user 1 who possesses the specific software referencing the identification code “ABC-123” attempts to activate it online.
  • service data containing an activation code relating to Microsoft Word 2000 would not be extracted for a user trying to activate a Norton Anti-virus software application. The reason for this is that different users will require different service data, depending on the requirements of the specific software that they are attempting to activate.
  • the second embodiment for processing the service data 16 pertains to an event which causes the service data 16 to be generated.
  • This event entails a process wherein pre-existing archived data may be formulated into the appropriate service data upon request from the remote service system 9 .
  • Generation of service data can be advantageous, as this method will permit the remote service system 9 to manipulate various data components, existing in the archived data, in order to formulate the service data 16 .
  • the remote service system 9 may combine personal identification information belonging to user 1 with promotional data to formulate a personalized advertisement directed at user 1 .
  • the remote service system 9 could combine user data (such as the directory file location of the user system 2 that contains the installed software 5 ) with the appropriate activation code, to formulate a self executing program file which, upon an access event, would automatically install the service data 16 into the correct file location of the user system 2 .
  • Formulation of the service data may include, but is not limited to, a series of calculations, combinations, and/or sorting out of the appropriate archived data. Generation of the service data may occur at any time prior to or after the remote service system 9 determines that user 1 is not a pirator of software 5 and is eligible to receive the service data 16 .
  • the remote service system 9 transmits service data 16 to the user system 2 .
  • Transmission of the service data 16 may be accomplished in a number of ways. The first two methods involve an event wherein the service data 16 is uploaded into the user system 2 , while the third method requires user 1 to download the service data 16 into user system 2 .
  • the remote service system 9 initiates an uploading event in which the service data is automatically transferred from the remote service system 9 to the user system 2 wherein it is storably received via storage element 3 for storably receiving service data 16 .
  • the remote service system 9 may determine the appropriate file directory location on user system 2 in which to upload the service data. Determination of this location may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, manual selection by user 1 , as transmitted by the user (e.g. user data), or via an interactive search of the file directory of user system 2 .
  • remote service system 9 manually transmits the service data 16 to the user system 2 .
  • Manual transmission of the service data 16 allows remote service system personnel to decide when the transfer sequence should be initiated. Furthermore, manual transmission enables such personnel to manually enter and transmit needed service data 16 which may not have been processed by element 14 within remote service system 9 .
  • the service data 16 is made available to user 1 for downloading into user system 2 .
  • the remote service system 9 transfers the archived data 16 into a file that can be downloaded by user 1 .
  • the downloaded file contains service data and possibly some elements of user data.
  • the file contain a self-executing installation program that is triggered upon an access event by the user. For example, as a result of successfully downloading and accessing the file, service data 16 may automatically be installed into the appropriate file directory of the user system 2 .
  • the software 5 will gain full functionality. Complete activation of the software 5 will allow user 1 to freely utilize it to its full potential. Preferably, user 1 will never need to go through the online activation process (as mentioned herein) again unless user 1 attempts to install the software 5 on another user system, or attempts to re-install it on current user system 2 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, one possible “real time” cycle run of the present invention.
  • user 1 successfully installs a given software application on user system 2 , at block 19 .
  • the software 5 proceeds to block 21 , and informs user 1 that online activation is required in order for it to function.
  • user 1 decides to register the software 5 , user 1 must connect online to the appropriate remote service system 9 , as shown at block 22 .
  • the remote service system 9 may request user 1 to enter and transmit user data 7 to the remote service system 9 , as indicated by block 23 .
  • the remote service system 9 may also attempt to detect any user data 7 that can be detected by virtue of the online connection between the user system 2 and remote service system 9 , as represented by block 24 . If the appropriate and necessary user data 7 is entered and transmitted by user 1 , at block 25 , or detected by the remote service system 9 , at block 26 , then such user dated is stored and processed by the remote service system 9 as indicated at block 27 . It should be noted that, if user 1 fails to provide and transmit the appropriate and necessary user data 7 , and/or if remote service system 9 is unable to detect the appropriate and necessary user data 7 , the cycle will repeat and be taken back to block 23 of FIG. 2 .
  • the processing of user data 7 allows remote service system 9 to determine if the user is a pirator of the software 5 . If remote service system 9 determines that user 1 is not a pirator, at block 28 , then service data 16 is processed, at block 29 . At this point, remote service system 9 transmits service data 16 to user system 2 , at block 30 . Transmission may be accomplished via uploading or downloading methods as described earlier. After service data 16 is storably received by user system 2 , at block 31 , the software 5 will be active and fully operational subject to successful activation by service data 16 , as indicated by block 32 . In the event that service data 16 is not properly received by user system 2 , or fails to activate the software 5 , the cycle will repeat, starting from block 18 .
  • remote service system 9 may refuse to transmit the service data 16 , as shown by block 33 . Additionally, it may investigate into the possibility of piracy, at block 34 , as well as blacklist the identified software 5 , as shown by block 35 .

Abstract

A system and method for preventing piracy of a given software application limits the number of times that such software application is activated. A given software application must be activated in order to become fully functional. The user must provide a unique software identification code, relating to the specific software which the user is attempting to activate, to a remote provider. The remote provider determines the number of times that such specific software has already been activated, and provides an activation code to the user unless the number of activations exceeds a predetermined threshold. Once activated, the software becomes fully operational, and the user is allowed complete access to its functions.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/311,964, filed Dec. 19, 2005, which is a divisional application based upon prior-filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/594,004, filed Jun. 14, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,696, and the benefit of such earlier filing dates is hereby claimed by Applicant under 35 U.S.C. § 120.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The field of the invention generally relates to methods for preventing the piracy of software applications. The invention relates more particularly to a computer method and system for preventing the piracy of a given software application through use of a communications network, such as the Internet, wherein a given software application, installed on a user system, will function only after a remote service provider transmits a code sequence that will activate the software for use.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • The creation of the personal computer has drastically simplified the way in which people manage their business and personal affairs. One of the main reasons why the computer has had such a great impact on our lives is due to the constant development of software applications which allow the computer to perform an array of different tasks and functions. As software applications advance, however, so too does their complexity and the programming skill needed to write and develop them. This has naturally caused many software applications to be quite expensive. Such high costs have often resulted in unauthorized distribution of copied software that has not been paid for or licensed to the user. This type of piracy is especially common among friends, relatives, and business associates. Additionally, people also profit from piracy by producing illegal copies of a software application and distributing them in mass quantities for drastically reduced prices.
  • Due to the availability and low cost of sophisticated computer equipment such as the CD Write/Re-Write drive, software piracy has become a much greater concern over the current years. Today, virtually everyone can get access to such equipment and distribute CD based copies of software applications to whomever they please. Mass distribution of pirated software not only deprives software manufacturers of their deserved earnings, but also allows other software pirators to pirate unlicensed copies of that application and propound the damage exponentially. As such, piracy has often resulted in inflated software prices and irreparable damage to software companies.
  • In an effort to combat the problems of software piracy, many software companies have employed various preventative measures. Some of these include software access codes, activation plugs (i.e., Memo-HASP), registration, and even costly technical support services. Although somewhat effective, these measures have often been defeated with relative ease and little or no expense. For example, software access codes which must be entered to gain access to the software, are disclosed with the software package and are thus, easily copied and distributed to unlicensed users. Activation plugs, such as the ones which attach to the PC's parallel port, have also been easily duplicated by various manufacturers who illegally sell them on the black market. Furthermore, while registration of the software would inform the manufacturer of all users (licensed and unlicensed), pirators rarely register given the absence of a compelling motivation to do so. Lastly, technical support groups are likewise, rarely used by pirators, given their reluctance to disclose their illegal use of the software. As shown by these and other ineffective measures, it would be advantageous for a software manufacturer to control the functionality of a given software application in relation to each of its identified users.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
  • It is the object of the present invention to provide a reliable and effective method and system for preventing piracy of a given software application over a communications network, whereby the software application will not function unless activated by a remote service provider.
  • It is further the object of the present invention to provide a method and system for identifying each separate user of a given software application who installs and intends to effectively utilize the given software application.
  • It is further the object of the present invention to provide a method and system for associating user data to archived data accessible by the remote service provider, in order to determine if the user is a pirator of the software application.
  • Briefly described, and in accordance with preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention relates to a method and system for preventing piracy of individual software applications. A remote service system, controlled by a remote service provider, storably receives user data that is transmitted by a user of a given software application. Upon receiving the user data, the remote service system associates it to stored archive data which is accessible to the remote service provider. If it is determined that the user is not a pirator of the software, the remote service system will transmit service data which will activate the software and allow the user to utilize its full functionality. In this manner, the remote service provider can limit software piracy, as only legitimate users of the software will be given the service data needed to activate the software.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an overview diagram pictorially illustrating the flow of information that occurs between a user of a given software application and the remote service system in a preferred embodiment of the method and system for prevention of software piracy according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block flowchart of the information flow that occurs in a preferred embodiment of the method and system for prevention of software piracy according to the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • In reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the information flow that occurs in a method and system (hereinafter “method”), indicated at reference character 100 in FIG. 1, for preventing of piracy of a given software application via a communications network, such as the Internet 8. Both FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the process by which a user would attempt to activate a given software application.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the user 1 successfully installs a given software application 5 (hereinafter “software”) on the data storage element 4 of the user's system 2. The user system 2 is generally defined as the user's computer terminal, which typically consists of a central processing unit, or CPU (not shown), a data storage element 4, an element for storably receiving transmitted data 3, an element for transmitting data 6, and a monitor and keyboard. While the software 5 may utilize various anti-piracy measures, two such measures, are especially worth noting in relation to the present invention, and are discussed in greater detail below. The first measure is a program code sequence that identifies the specific software 5 (hereinafter “identification code”), while the second is an additional program code sequence that would be needed to activate the software 5 (hereinafter “activation code”). It is preferred that transmission of both of these code sequences, between the user 1 and remote service system 9, would be accomplished over the Internet 8. As used herein, a “user” can be an individual entity or collaborate entity, such as a business, family, or even friends, who legitimately acquired a license and/or right to use the given software 5. Furthermore, the remote service system 9 can be the software manufacturer or an independent company, working in conjunction with the software manufacturer, to prevent software piracy.
  • Upon an initial attempt to access the installed software 5, user 1 will be informed that the software 5 requires online activation before it can be operational. Online activation will render the given software 5 operational, subject to receiving the activation code from the remote service system 9. This requires that the software 5 be designed wherein it is either partially or completely dysfunctional prior to receiving the activation code, as will be discussed below. By connecting to the remote service system 9 through the Internet 8, a user who is not pirating the software 5 will be able to have the software 5 activated online. Although the Internet 8 is used herein when referencing a communications network, the present invention is intended to include all forms of communications network environments known to one skilled in the relevant art. Thus, method 100 is equally applicable to all interconnected computer systems capable of transmitting and receiving data, preferably digital data, which allow users of the network to communicate. In this regard, a communications network includes, but is not limited to, all telecommunications networks such as the Internet, i.e. the World Wide Web and BBS systems, hardwire telephony, wireless networks including cellular and PCS systems, satellite networks, etc. Furthermore, communications networks include localized and regional networks such as intranets and local area network (LAN) systems which interconnect a relatively few number of user systems or terminals, typically by means of a centralized server.
  • Once user 1 establishes an online connection to the remote service provider 9, user 1 enters and transmits user data 7, via an element 6 for transmitting user data, to the remote service system 9 over the Internet 8. The user data 7 is subsequently received by the remote service system 9 via an element 10 for storably receiving user data, and stored in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9. Although the transfer of user data 7 to the remote service system 9 would preferably be initiated by user 1, this need not always be the case. Once user 1 connects to the remote service system 9 via the Internet 8, the user data 7 may be automatically detected by an element 11 for detecting user data of the remote service system 9. In this case, the detected user data 7 will likewise be received by the remote service system 9 via element 10, and subsequently stored by the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9. It is notable that the term “user data” is defined and understood herein and in all the claims to mean any information originating from and/or available to the user of the software 5. This includes, but is not limited to personal identification information such as user name, address, location, phone number, etc. Additionally, user data 7 may consist of any information relating to the software 5 which identifies and distinguishes it from other “same type” or distinct software applications. This can include, but is not limited to information such as an “identification code” (as noted earlier), a product serial number, name, and/or version number.
  • It is worthy to mention that the software 5 should preferably contain an identification code, which is a program code sequence comprised of alphanumeric characters, that would serve to identify each authorized copy of a software application. Given its function, the identification code may be synonymous with a product's distinct serial number. Preferably, the identification code will be unique to each software application sold, and will be disclosed to both user 1 and remote service system 9. The advantage of a unique identification code is that it will allow the remote service system 9 to recognize and keep track of each authentic copy of a software application sold. Although the identification code could consist of an elongated alphanumeric code sequence, such as a “program file(s)”, it is preferred that it consist of a short code sequence of alphanumeric characters, e.g. XJR-U89K-RJ2P1. A short identification code sequence will allow the software 5 to be simply and easily identified. It should finally be noted that user data 7 may also refer to information identifying the user system 2 such as serial and model number as well as the type, function, and performance of the various system hardware components.
  • After receiving and storing user data 7, the remote service system 9 processes the user data 7 via an element 13 for processing user data. Element 13 may be, but is not limited to, software, hardware device(s), or a combination of these two, which would allow for processing of the user data in the manner noted herein. Additionally, element 13, used to process user data, may likewise include the remote service system's personnel staff who would be able to manually initiate processing of the user data, in the manner noted below.
  • Processing of the user data may include, but is not limited to an “archiving” event wherein a wide range of information that is received by or made available to the remote service system 9 is sorted, arranged, and organized into retrievable data files. Archived data stored in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9 may consist of, but is not limited to, a mass assortment of receivably stored user data (e.g. “identification codes”), service data (discussed below), and promotions, etc. Here, the archived data would relate to distinct users, various software applications, and potential advertisements; all of which may exist independently of one another. Second, archived data may also consist of information indicating the amount of user online activation attempts recorded for each identified software 5. Finally, archived data may include all other information that might be of use to the remote service system 9 in preventing piracy of a given software application.
  • Processing of the user data 7 may also consist of an “associating” event wherein the currently transmitted user data 7 is compared to archived data contained in the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9. It is important to note that “associating” the currently transmitted user data 7 to archived data will allow the remote service system 9 to determine if the user 7 is attempting to activate a pirated version of the software 5. Here, the “product identification code” of software 5, along with other user data 7 currently being received from the user system 2, will be compared to existing archived data. If the archived data establishes that the software 5 is legally registered to a completely distinct user, such may indicate that the user currently online is trying to activate a pirated version of the software 5. This result will occur if the archived data referencing the software 5 does not match the user data 7 currently being transmitted by the user system 2, and/or if the archived data indicates that there have been repeated and numerous attempts to activate the same software 5.
  • Multiple online activation attempts of the same software 5, regardless if such attempts are by distinct or the same users, would naturally indicate that the software 5 was pirated and distributed to a multitude of different users. In this situation, the remote service provider may contact the registered user(s) to investigate into potential piracy. Additionally, the remote service system 9 may “blacklist” the specific software 5, as referenced by its identification code. Blacklisting of a given software application would mean that the identified software would be prohibited from receiving any future activation codes from the remote service system 9. For all intents and purposes, such an event would render the identified software void and permanently dysfunctional. This is because the software, as sold to the user, would need the activation code in order to function. Absent this code, the identified software would be inoperative and no longer subject to piracy.
  • When it is determined by the remote service system 9 that user 1 is not a pirator of the software 5, service data, such as the activation code 17, may be transmitted to the user system 2. The software 5 and/or the user system 2 are responsive to such service data. As used in this invention, the term “service data” is defined and understood herein and in all the claims to mean any data that the remote service system 9 may legitimately transmit to the user system 2 during the online activation process for the software 5. Service data 16 may include, but is not limited to instructions, promotional messages, and an activation code(s). The instructions may guide user 1 through the steps for activating the software 5, while a promotional message program code sequence may offer and display a particular product or service for sale. The activation code 17, as noted earlier, is a program code sequence that will serve to activate each individual software application, which absent the activation code 17, would be dysfunctional. The activation code may either be unique to each individual software 5 sold (hereinafter “unique activation code”) or unique to a group of software (hereinafter “common activation code”) that relate to a common software program, manufacturer, brand name, or version, etc. Of the two, the preferred embodiment would be the “unique activation code” which is unique to each individual software 5 sold.
  • One of the main advantages of using a unique activation code is the drastic curtailment of software piracy. Each authorized copy of software application 5 is designed to be responsive to a distinct activation code. As such, an attempt to pirate distinct software applications would entail a tedious and time consuming task requiring the hacker to uncover the activation code of each individual, authorized software product. Furthermore, a unique activation code will not allow for the activation of any “general” copy of the software which would otherwise be responsive to a common activation code. As an alternative to a unique activation code, a common activation code would activate all “same type” software applications. Developing “same type” software to be responsive to a common activation code may be advantageous given the potential for reducing confusion and troubleshooting errors which could arise during the software manufacturing and online activation stages.
  • It is noteworthy to mention that, similar to the identification code, the activation code may likewise consist of either a long or short program code sequence. As noted earlier, a short code sequence would consist of a concise sequence of alphanumeric characters, e.g. HT3-GY2K-WROP, while a long code sequence would consist of a small or large arrangement of alphanumeric data that result in a “program file(s)”. Use of a long code sequence would be the preferred method of constructing the activation code. This is because a long code sequence (i.e. a program file) would be much harder to replicate than a short code sequence. Software application 5 can initially be supplied missing certain program files necessary for software application 5 to function. Only after these missing program files (e.g., the activation code) are transmitted from the remote service system 9 to the user system 2, will the software 5 be functional.
  • An activated software application will be fully operational and allow the user complete access to it. Although not required, activation code 17 preferably remains undisclosed to user 1. The need for the activation code will compel user 1 to register the software 5 online with the remote service system 9. Furthermore, and more importantly, having the activation code 17 only known to the remote service provider and its business affiliates (such as the software manufacturer) will prevent piracy of the software 5. This is because users who wish to pirate the software 5 will not be able to replicate the activation code and distribute it along with a medium (e.g. CD ROM) containing a copy of the software 5. Activation code 17 is preferably designed to be immune from discovery by computer hackers and sophisticated programmers. The objective is to prevent these individuals from “breaking in” to the software 5 and either re-writing or discovering the undisclosed activation code. As noted earlier, this may require constructing the activation code as a long code sequence which results in a program file(s). Additionally, other measures may include code encryption as well as any other programming methods known to those skilled in the relevant technical art.
  • Before software application 5 can be activated, the appropriate service data must be processed and transmitted to the user system 2. Processing of the service data 16 requires that it be either extracted or generated from the archived data stored on the data storage element 12 of the remote service system 9. Extraction or generation of the service data 16 is accomplished by an element 14 for processing service data, as referenced in Method 100 of FIG. 1. Element 14 may be, but is not limited to, software, hardware device(s), or a combination of the two, which would allow for processing of the service data, in the manner described herein. Additionally, element 14, used to process service data 16, may likewise include the remote service system's personnel staff who would be able to manually initiate processing of the service data 16, in the manner described herein.
  • Extraction of service data 16 from the archived data entails a selection process wherein only the appropriate and necessary service data is singled out from the total archived data and made available for transmission to the user system 2. Extraction of the service data is necessary given the variety of software applications, and the multitude of distinct service data entries, that may be stored and archived by the remote service system 9. For example, the activation code “ABC-123”, contained in the archived data, would only be extracted when a user 1 who possesses the specific software referencing the identification code “ABC-123” attempts to activate it online. Stated differently, service data containing an activation code relating to Microsoft Word 2000 would not be extracted for a user trying to activate a Norton Anti-virus software application. The reason for this is that different users will require different service data, depending on the requirements of the specific software that they are attempting to activate.
  • Alternatively, the second embodiment for processing the service data 16 pertains to an event which causes the service data 16 to be generated. This event entails a process wherein pre-existing archived data may be formulated into the appropriate service data upon request from the remote service system 9. Generation of service data can be advantageous, as this method will permit the remote service system 9 to manipulate various data components, existing in the archived data, in order to formulate the service data 16. For example, the remote service system 9 may combine personal identification information belonging to user 1 with promotional data to formulate a personalized advertisement directed at user 1. Additionally, the remote service system 9 could combine user data (such as the directory file location of the user system 2 that contains the installed software 5) with the appropriate activation code, to formulate a self executing program file which, upon an access event, would automatically install the service data 16 into the correct file location of the user system 2. Formulation of the service data may include, but is not limited to, a series of calculations, combinations, and/or sorting out of the appropriate archived data. Generation of the service data may occur at any time prior to or after the remote service system 9 determines that user 1 is not a pirator of software 5 and is eligible to receive the service data 16.
  • Once the service data 16 is extracted or generated via element 14 (i.e., the element for processing service data), the remote service system 9 transmits service data 16 to the user system 2. Transmission of the service data 16 may be accomplished in a number of ways. The first two methods involve an event wherein the service data 16 is uploaded into the user system 2, while the third method requires user 1 to download the service data 16 into user system 2. In the first embodiment for uploading the service data 16, the remote service system 9 initiates an uploading event in which the service data is automatically transferred from the remote service system 9 to the user system 2 wherein it is storably received via storage element 3 for storably receiving service data 16. It may be necessary for the remote service system 9 to determine the appropriate file directory location on user system 2 in which to upload the service data. Determination of this location may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, manual selection by user 1, as transmitted by the user (e.g. user data), or via an interactive search of the file directory of user system 2.
  • In the second embodiment for uploading of service data 16, remote service system 9 manually transmits the service data 16 to the user system 2. Manual transmission of the service data 16 allows remote service system personnel to decide when the transfer sequence should be initiated. Furthermore, manual transmission enables such personnel to manually enter and transmit needed service data 16 which may not have been processed by element 14 within remote service system 9.
  • Finally, in a third embodiment, the service data 16 is made available to user 1 for downloading into user system 2. The remote service system 9 transfers the archived data 16 into a file that can be downloaded by user 1. The downloaded file contains service data and possibly some elements of user data. As noted earlier, it is preferred that the file contain a self-executing installation program that is triggered upon an access event by the user. For example, as a result of successfully downloading and accessing the file, service data 16 may automatically be installed into the appropriate file directory of the user system 2.
  • Following successful upload or installation of the service data 16 (e.g., the activation code 17) into the user system 2, the software 5 will gain full functionality. Complete activation of the software 5 will allow user 1 to freely utilize it to its full potential. Preferably, user 1 will never need to go through the online activation process (as mentioned herein) again unless user 1 attempts to install the software 5 on another user system, or attempts to re-install it on current user system 2.
  • Although many different scenarios can arise during the online activation process of a given software 5, FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, one possible “real time” cycle run of the present invention. Starting from block 18, user 1 successfully installs a given software application on user system 2, at block 19. Following an initial access event of the software 5, as indicated by block 20, the software 5 proceeds to block 21, and informs user 1 that online activation is required in order for it to function. If user 1 decides to register the software 5, user 1 must connect online to the appropriate remote service system 9, as shown at block 22. At this point, the remote service system 9 may request user 1 to enter and transmit user data 7 to the remote service system 9, as indicated by block 23. The remote service system 9 may also attempt to detect any user data 7 that can be detected by virtue of the online connection between the user system 2 and remote service system 9, as represented by block 24. If the appropriate and necessary user data 7 is entered and transmitted by user 1, at block 25, or detected by the remote service system 9, at block 26, then such user dated is stored and processed by the remote service system 9 as indicated at block 27. It should be noted that, if user 1 fails to provide and transmit the appropriate and necessary user data 7, and/or if remote service system 9 is unable to detect the appropriate and necessary user data 7, the cycle will repeat and be taken back to block 23 of FIG. 2.
  • The processing of user data 7 allows remote service system 9 to determine if the user is a pirator of the software 5. If remote service system 9 determines that user 1 is not a pirator, at block 28, then service data 16 is processed, at block 29. At this point, remote service system 9 transmits service data 16 to user system 2, at block 30. Transmission may be accomplished via uploading or downloading methods as described earlier. After service data 16 is storably received by user system 2, at block 31, the software 5 will be active and fully operational subject to successful activation by service data 16, as indicated by block 32. In the event that service data 16 is not properly received by user system 2, or fails to activate the software 5, the cycle will repeat, starting from block 18.
  • Finally, it is noteworthy to mention that, in the event that remote service system 9 determines that user 1 is pirating the software 5, remote service system 9 may refuse to transmit the service data 16, as shown by block 33. Additionally, it may investigate into the possibility of piracy, at block 34, as well as blacklist the identified software 5, as shown by block 35.
  • The program code sequence, and all other technical aspects described above, are all conventional and known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the term “element”, as stated in the specification and all the claims herein, may be construed in the singular and/or the plural tense.
  • The above-described embodiments of the present invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive; the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (12)

1. A computer usable medium having computer readable code comprising:
a) software that requires an activation code to activate at least part of the functionality of the software;
b) program code that requires an identification code which identifies the software;
c) program code that enables the software to receive an activation code for activating at least part of the functionality of the software, said activation code representing that the number of times that said software has been previously activated on distinct user systems in a manner that is independent of the identity of the user is less than a predetermined threshold, said predetermined threshold being at least two.
2. The computer usable medium of claim 1 wherein the program code that requires the identification code does so by requiring entry of the identification code to identify the particular copy of the software to be activated.
3. The computer usable medium of claim 1 further comprising program code that enables the particular copy of the software to initiate contact with a remote service provider and to communicate said identification code to said remote service provider.
4. The computer usable medium of claim 3 wherein said remote service provider examines the identification code in order to determine the number of times that the software has been activated on distinct user systems.
5. The computer usable medium of claim 4 wherein said number of times that said software has been activated on distinct user systems is updated each time that the activation code for such software is provided.
6. A method of protecting against software piracy, said method including the steps of:
a) configuring a software to enable it to receive an activation code for activating at least part of the functionality of said software;
b) distributing said software, said software requiring an activation code to activate at least part of the functionality thereof and wherein said software further has a unique identifier associated therewith to uniquely identify such software;
c) providing an activation code when the number of times that said software has been previously activated on distinct user systems in a manner that is independent of the identity of the user is less than a predetermined threshold, said predetermined threshold being at least two.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said software is further configured to initiate contact with a remote service provider and to communicate said identification code to said remote service provider.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said remote service provider examines the identification code in order to determine the number of times that said software has been activated on distinct user systems.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said number of times that said software has been activated on distinct user systems is updated each time that the activation code for such software is provided.
10. A remote service provider comprising:
a) a data storage element that records the amount of activations for an authorized copy of software, wherein said amount of activations pertains to the number of times that the authorized copy of software has been activated, each authorized copy of software having an identification code associated therewith;
b) a processing element that examines the amount of activations recorded in the data storage element associated with an identification code in order to determine the number of times that the particular authorized copy of software associated with such identification code has been activated and wherein an activation code is provided for activating the authorized copy of software when the number of times that it has been previously activated on distinct user systems in a manner that is independent of the identity of the user is less than a predetermined threshold, said predetermined threshold being at least two.
11. The remote service provider of claim 10 wherein the processing element updates the amount of activations on distinct user systems recorded for an authorized copy of the software each time that the activation code for such authorized copy of the software is provided.
12. The remote service provider of claim 10, wherein said activation code is provided by said processing element.
US12/182,135 2000-06-14 2008-07-30 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy Abandoned US20080282360A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/182,135 US20080282360A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2008-07-30 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US13/196,158 US20110289602A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2011-08-02 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US13/451,477 US8613110B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2012-04-19 Software piracy prevention through remote enforcement of an activation threshold
US14/070,207 US9298893B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2013-11-01 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/594,004 US7024696B1 (en) 2000-06-14 2000-06-14 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US11/311,964 US20060179486A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2005-12-19 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US12/182,135 US20080282360A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2008-07-30 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/311,964 Continuation US20060179486A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2005-12-19 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/196,158 Continuation US20110289602A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2011-08-02 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080282360A1 true US20080282360A1 (en) 2008-11-13

Family

ID=36102181

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/594,004 Expired - Lifetime US7024696B1 (en) 2000-06-14 2000-06-14 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US11/311,964 Abandoned US20060179486A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2005-12-19 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US12/182,135 Abandoned US20080282360A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2008-07-30 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US13/196,158 Abandoned US20110289602A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2011-08-02 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US13/451,477 Expired - Lifetime US8613110B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2012-04-19 Software piracy prevention through remote enforcement of an activation threshold
US14/070,207 Expired - Lifetime US9298893B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2013-11-01 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/594,004 Expired - Lifetime US7024696B1 (en) 2000-06-14 2000-06-14 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US11/311,964 Abandoned US20060179486A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2005-12-19 Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/196,158 Abandoned US20110289602A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2011-08-02 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US13/451,477 Expired - Lifetime US8613110B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2012-04-19 Software piracy prevention through remote enforcement of an activation threshold
US14/070,207 Expired - Lifetime US9298893B2 (en) 2000-06-14 2013-11-01 Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (6) US7024696B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080172726A1 (en) * 2007-01-15 2008-07-17 Microsoft Corporation Tracking and identifying operations from un-trusted clients
US20080201767A1 (en) * 2007-02-21 2008-08-21 Microsoft Corporation Authenticated credential-based multi-tenant access to a service
US20090171747A1 (en) * 2007-12-26 2009-07-02 Microsoft Corporation Product activation/registration and offer eligibility
US20100058482A1 (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-04 Taku Nagumo Image forming apparatus, license determining method, recording medium

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7162035B1 (en) 2000-05-24 2007-01-09 Tracer Detection Technology Corp. Authentication method and system
US7024696B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2006-04-04 Reuben Bahar Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US7249383B1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2007-07-24 Mccully Timothy R Method of detecting piracy of proprietary material
US20040036709A1 (en) * 2002-08-22 2004-02-26 Ibm Corporation System, method, and computer program product in a data processing system for registering with a service utilizing a graphical depiction of a process definition
AU2003900070A0 (en) * 2003-01-07 2003-01-23 Securewrap Pty Ltd Method of and architecture for monitoring digital information
US8181265B2 (en) * 2003-01-31 2012-05-15 Microsoft Corporation Secure machine counting
US7356709B2 (en) * 2003-01-31 2008-04-08 Microsoft Corporation Systems and methods for deterring software piracy in a volume license environment
US7644442B2 (en) * 2003-01-31 2010-01-05 Microsoft Corporation Systems and methods for using machine attributes to deter software piracy in an enterprise environment
KR20100093142A (en) 2003-04-25 2010-08-24 애플 인크. Methods and system for secure network-based distribution of content
US20060031939A1 (en) * 2004-08-09 2006-02-09 Al-Azzawi Jasim S Compact disc with new feature
US8019827B2 (en) * 2005-08-15 2011-09-13 Microsoft Corporation Quick deploy of content
US7987512B2 (en) * 2006-05-19 2011-07-26 Microsoft Corporation BIOS based secure execution environment
US20080005560A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-01-03 Microsoft Corporation Independent Computation Environment and Provisioning of Computing Device Functionality
US20080120690A1 (en) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-22 Microsoft Corporation Client enforced network tunnel vision
US20080148253A1 (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 Microsoft Corporation Automatic software license reconciliation
FR2911465B1 (en) * 2007-01-15 2009-04-17 Communicartes Soc Responsabili SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS
US8671459B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2014-03-11 Malcolm H. Nooning, III Prevention of software piracy using unique internal intelligence with every software application copy
WO2008104020A1 (en) * 2007-03-01 2008-09-04 Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd Device and method for detecting software piracy
US8667604B2 (en) * 2007-09-13 2014-03-04 Microsoft Corporation Protection of software on portable medium
US9336369B2 (en) * 2007-09-28 2016-05-10 Abbyy Development Llc Methods of licensing software programs and protecting them from unauthorized use
US9129098B2 (en) 2007-09-28 2015-09-08 Abbyy Development Llc Methods of protecting software programs from unauthorized use
DE102007051440B4 (en) * 2007-10-25 2018-12-27 Volkswagen Ag Method and device for activating software in a motor vehicle
EP2223256A1 (en) * 2007-11-17 2010-09-01 Uniloc Usa, Inc. System and method for adjustable licensing of digital products
US8082592B2 (en) 2008-01-12 2011-12-20 Harris Technology, Llc Read/write encrypted media and method of playing
EP2260430A2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2010-12-15 Uniloc Usa, Inc. License auditing for distributed applications
US7995196B1 (en) 2008-04-23 2011-08-09 Tracer Detection Technology Corp. Authentication method and system
SG160256A1 (en) * 2008-09-29 2010-04-29 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Software activation and copy protection method
US9946848B2 (en) 2009-02-26 2018-04-17 International Business Machines Corporation Software protection using an installation product having an entitlement file
US9633183B2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2017-04-25 Uniloc Luxembourg S.A. Modular software protection
US8423473B2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2013-04-16 Uniloc Luxembourg S. A. Systems and methods for game activation
US20100324983A1 (en) * 2009-06-22 2010-12-23 Etchegoyen Craig S System and Method for Media Distribution
US20140304833A1 (en) * 2013-04-04 2014-10-09 Xerox Corporation Method and system for providing access to crowdsourcing tasks
US20180307811A1 (en) * 2017-04-19 2018-10-25 Ice Frog Technologies, LLC Prevention of software piracy exploiting end users
CN110990797A (en) * 2019-11-29 2020-04-10 珠海豹趣科技有限公司 Data processing method and device and computer readable storage medium
US11194695B2 (en) * 2020-01-07 2021-12-07 Supercell Oy Method for blocking external debugger application from analysing code of software program

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4740890A (en) * 1983-12-22 1988-04-26 Software Concepts, Inc. Software protection system with trial period usage code and unlimited use unlocking code both recorded on program storage media
US4791565A (en) * 1984-06-20 1988-12-13 Effective Security Systems, Inc. Apparatus for controlling the use of computer software
US5199066A (en) * 1989-04-18 1993-03-30 Special Effects Software, Inc. Method and apparatus for protecting software
US5925127A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-07-20 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for monitoring the use of rented software
US6070171A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-05-30 Palantir Software, Inc. Method and system for copy-tracking distributed software featuring tokens containing a key field and a usage field
US6094723A (en) * 1996-05-10 2000-07-25 Sony Corporation Copy protection system for recording media
US6101606A (en) * 1996-03-22 2000-08-08 Wasy Gmbh System for securing protected software from unauthorized use in computer networks
US6189146B1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2001-02-13 Microsoft Corporation System and method for software licensing
US6226747B1 (en) * 1998-04-10 2001-05-01 Microsoft Corporation Method for preventing software piracy during installation from a read only storage medium
US6243468B1 (en) * 1998-04-29 2001-06-05 Microsoft Corporation Software anti-piracy system that adapts to hardware upgrades
US6460142B1 (en) * 1998-06-04 2002-10-01 24 Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for repeated contact software end-user
US6799277B2 (en) * 1998-06-04 2004-09-28 Z4 Technologies, Inc. System and method for monitoring software
US7024696B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2006-04-04 Reuben Bahar Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network
US7146645B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2006-12-05 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Dedicated applications for user stations and methods for downloading dedicated applications to user stations

Family Cites Families (98)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2523745B1 (en) 1982-03-18 1987-06-26 Bull Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING SOFTWARE DELIVERED BY A SUPPLIER TO A USER
US4484217A (en) 1982-05-11 1984-11-20 Telease, Inc. Method and system for remote reporting, particularly for pay television billing
US4658093A (en) 1983-07-11 1987-04-14 Hellman Martin E Software distribution system
JPS60245097A (en) 1984-05-18 1985-12-04 ブラザー工業株式会社 Software vending machine
US4712238A (en) 1984-06-08 1987-12-08 M/A-Com Government Systems, Inc. Selective-subscription descrambling
US4982430A (en) 1985-04-24 1991-01-01 General Instrument Corporation Bootstrap channel security arrangement for communication network
US4688169A (en) 1985-05-30 1987-08-18 Joshi Bhagirath S Computer software security system
US4685055A (en) 1985-07-01 1987-08-04 Thomas Richard B Method and system for controlling use of protected software
US4864494A (en) 1986-03-21 1989-09-05 Computerized Data Ssytems For Mfg., Inc. Software usage authorization system with key for decrypting/re-encrypting/re-transmitting moving target security codes from protected software
US4780821A (en) 1986-07-29 1988-10-25 International Business Machines Corp. Method for multiple programs management within a network having a server computer and a plurality of remote computers
US4827508A (en) 1986-10-14 1989-05-02 Personal Library Software, Inc. Database usage metering and protection system and method
US4796181A (en) 1986-10-24 1989-01-03 Wiedemer John D Billing system for computer software
US5047928A (en) 1986-10-24 1991-09-10 Wiedemer John D Billing system for computer software
US4817140A (en) 1986-11-05 1989-03-28 International Business Machines Corp. Software protection system using a single-key cryptosystem, a hardware-based authorization system and a secure coprocessor
US4796220A (en) 1986-12-15 1989-01-03 Pride Software Development Corp. Method of controlling the copying of software
US4866769A (en) 1987-08-05 1989-09-12 Ibm Corporation Hardware assist for protecting PC software
US4999806A (en) 1987-09-04 1991-03-12 Fred Chernow Software distribution system
US5390297A (en) 1987-11-10 1995-02-14 Auto-Trol Technology Corporation System for controlling the number of concurrent copies of a program in a network based on the number of available licenses
US5023907A (en) 1988-09-30 1991-06-11 Apollo Computer, Inc. Network license server
CA2053261A1 (en) 1989-04-28 1990-10-29 Gary D. Hornbuckle Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
JPH02293930A (en) 1989-05-08 1990-12-05 Victor Co Of Japan Ltd Preventing system for stealing of recording contents of recording medium
DE4019652A1 (en) 1990-06-20 1992-01-02 Alois Kuhn Protection appts. against unauthorised use of commercial software - combines unique target machine ID with individual security code to produce unique password
US5222134A (en) 1990-11-07 1993-06-22 Tau Systems Corporation Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations
US5103476A (en) 1990-11-07 1992-04-07 Waite David P Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations
WO1992020021A1 (en) 1991-05-08 1992-11-12 Digital Equipment Corporation License management system
US5260999A (en) 1991-06-28 1993-11-09 Digital Equipment Corporation Filters in license management system
US5222133A (en) 1991-10-17 1993-06-22 Wayne W. Chou Method of protecting computer software from unauthorized execution using multiple keys
JP2866236B2 (en) 1991-10-29 1999-03-08 沖電気工業株式会社 Print paper detection circuit
US5956505A (en) 1991-12-24 1999-09-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Remote activation of software features in a data processing device
US5291598A (en) 1992-04-07 1994-03-01 Gregory Grundy Method and system for decentralized manufacture of copy-controlled software
US5528490A (en) * 1992-04-10 1996-06-18 Charles E. Hill & Associates, Inc. Electronic catalog system and method
US5287408A (en) 1992-08-31 1994-02-15 Autodesk, Inc. Apparatus and method for serializing and validating copies of computer software
CA2145068A1 (en) 1992-09-21 1994-03-31 Ric Bailier Richardson System for software registration
US5319705A (en) 1992-10-21 1994-06-07 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for multimedia access control enablement
US5343526A (en) 1992-10-30 1994-08-30 At&T Bell Laboratories Method for establishing licensor changeable limits on software usage
US6294793B1 (en) 1992-12-03 2001-09-25 Brown & Sharpe Surface Inspection Systems, Inc. High speed optical inspection apparatus for a transparent disk using gaussian distribution analysis and method therefor
US5509070A (en) 1992-12-15 1996-04-16 Softlock Services Inc. Method for encouraging purchase of executable and non-executable software
US5483658A (en) 1993-02-26 1996-01-09 Grube; Gary W. Detection of unauthorized use of software applications in processing devices
US5337357A (en) 1993-06-17 1994-08-09 Software Security, Inc. Method of software distribution protection
US5440635A (en) 1993-08-23 1995-08-08 At&T Corp. Cryptographic protocol for remote authentication
US5495411A (en) 1993-12-22 1996-02-27 Ananda; Mohan Secure software rental system using continuous asynchronous password verification
US5835911A (en) * 1994-02-08 1998-11-10 Fujitsu Limited Software distribution and maintenance system and method
US5559884A (en) * 1994-06-30 1996-09-24 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for generating and auditing a signature for a computer program
US5574864A (en) * 1994-09-09 1996-11-12 Compaq Computer Corporation Method of implementing EISA bus devices on a host bus by disabling bridge circuitry between host and EISA buses
JPH08263438A (en) 1994-11-23 1996-10-11 Xerox Corp Distribution and use control system of digital work and access control method to digital work
US6006328A (en) * 1995-07-14 1999-12-21 Christopher N. Drake Computer software authentication, protection, and security system
US5845077A (en) 1995-11-27 1998-12-01 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for identifying and obtaining computer software from a remote computer
US5790664A (en) 1996-02-26 1998-08-04 Network Engineering Software, Inc. Automated system for management of licensed software
US20060265337A1 (en) 1996-02-26 2006-11-23 Graphon Corporation Automated system for management of licensed digital assets
US20010011253A1 (en) 1998-08-04 2001-08-02 Christopher D. Coley Automated system for management of licensed software
US6067582A (en) * 1996-08-13 2000-05-23 Angel Secure Networks, Inc. System for installing information related to a software application to a remote computer over a network
US7319987B1 (en) 1996-08-29 2008-01-15 Indivos Corporation Tokenless financial access system
US5754763A (en) * 1996-10-01 1998-05-19 International Business Machines Corporation Software auditing mechanism for a distributed computer enterprise environment
IL119486A0 (en) * 1996-10-24 1997-01-10 Fortress U & T Ltd Apparatus and methods for collecting value
US5796952A (en) * 1997-03-21 1998-08-18 Dot Com Development, Inc. Method and apparatus for tracking client interaction with a network resource and creating client profiles and resource database
US6006190A (en) * 1997-04-28 1999-12-21 Tartaroukos Llc Computer implemented method and a computer system for enforcing software licenses
US6009525A (en) 1997-08-29 1999-12-28 Preview Systems, Inc. Multi-tier electronic software distribution
US6233567B1 (en) 1997-08-29 2001-05-15 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for software licensing electronically distributed programs
EP0903886B1 (en) 1997-09-18 2006-03-15 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Information transmission method and apparatus for combining multiplexing and encryption
US5974150A (en) 1997-09-30 1999-10-26 Tracer Detection Technology Corp. System and method for authentication of goods
US6208995B1 (en) * 1997-11-24 2001-03-27 International Business Machines Corporation Web browser download of bookmark set
US6742030B1 (en) * 1997-11-24 2004-05-25 International Business Machines Corporation Method to keep a persistent trace of weblink use per user
US6643775B1 (en) * 1997-12-05 2003-11-04 Jamama, Llc Use of code obfuscation to inhibit generation of non-use-restricted versions of copy protected software applications
US6134659A (en) 1998-01-07 2000-10-17 Sprong; Katherine A. Controlled usage software
US6098053A (en) * 1998-01-28 2000-08-01 Citibank, N.A. System and method for performing an electronic financial transaction
US6332154B2 (en) * 1998-09-11 2001-12-18 Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing media-independent self-help modules within a multimedia communication-center customer interface
US6173283B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2001-01-09 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method, apparatus, and product for linking a user to records of a database
US6009401A (en) 1998-04-06 1999-12-28 Preview Systems, Inc. Relicensing of electronically purchased software
US7503072B2 (en) 1998-04-29 2009-03-10 Microsoft Corporation Hardware ID to prevent software piracy
US6363486B1 (en) 1998-06-05 2002-03-26 Intel Corporation Method of controlling usage of software components
US6169976B1 (en) 1998-07-02 2001-01-02 Encommerce, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating the use of licensed products
US6463078B1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2002-10-08 Microsoft Corporation Method for switching protocols transparently in multi-user applications
US6226618B1 (en) * 1998-08-13 2001-05-01 International Business Machines Corporation Electronic content delivery system
US6158005A (en) 1998-09-10 2000-12-05 Audible, Inc. Cloning protection scheme for a digital information playback device
US6098106A (en) * 1998-09-11 2000-08-01 Digitalconvergence.Com Inc. Method for controlling a computer with an audio signal
US6725260B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-04-20 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for configuring configurable equipment with configuration information received from a remote location
US6330670B1 (en) 1998-10-26 2001-12-11 Microsoft Corporation Digital rights management operating system
US6343280B2 (en) * 1998-12-15 2002-01-29 Jonathan Clark Distributed execution software license server
US6418472B1 (en) 1999-01-19 2002-07-09 Intel Corporation System and method for using internet based caller ID for controlling access to an object stored in a computer
US6449645B1 (en) 1999-01-19 2002-09-10 Kenneth L. Nash System for monitoring the association of digitized information having identification indicia with more than one of uniquely identified computers in a network for illegal use detection
US7073063B2 (en) 1999-03-27 2006-07-04 Microsoft Corporation Binding a digital license to a portable device or the like in a digital rights management (DRM) system and checking out/checking in the digital license to/from the portable device or the like
US6920567B1 (en) 1999-04-07 2005-07-19 Viatech Technologies Inc. System and embedded license control mechanism for the creation and distribution of digital content files and enforcement of licensed use of the digital content files
US6557105B1 (en) 1999-04-14 2003-04-29 Tut Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for cryptographic-based license management
US6697948B1 (en) 1999-05-05 2004-02-24 Michael O. Rabin Methods and apparatus for protecting information
EP1056010A1 (en) 1999-05-28 2000-11-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Data integrity monitoring in trusted computing entity
US6467088B1 (en) 1999-06-30 2002-10-15 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Reconfiguration manager for controlling upgrades of electronic devices
US6587842B1 (en) 1999-10-01 2003-07-01 Keith Watts Software-based protection system for software products distributed on copyable media, or downloaded over a communications link
US6536005B1 (en) 1999-10-26 2003-03-18 Teradyne, Inc. High-speed failure capture apparatus and method for automatic test equipment
GB2355821A (en) 1999-10-29 2001-05-02 Futuremark Oy Computer upgrading and technical support
US7072728B2 (en) * 1999-11-19 2006-07-04 Dell Products L.P. Method for assembling hardware components in a computer system
US6804257B1 (en) 1999-11-25 2004-10-12 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for framing and protecting variable-lenght packet streams
US20010034846A1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2001-10-25 Peter Beery Digital data and software security protection
US6907401B1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2005-06-14 Verizon Corporate Services Group Inc. Portal switch for electronic commerce
US6880086B2 (en) 2000-05-20 2005-04-12 Ciena Corporation Signatures for facilitating hot upgrades of modular software components
US6829596B1 (en) 2000-05-23 2004-12-07 Steve Frazee Account/asset activation device and method
US6976009B2 (en) 2001-05-31 2005-12-13 Contentguard Holdings, Inc. Method and apparatus for assigning consequential rights to documents and documents having such rights
US7606938B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2009-10-20 Enterasys Networks, Inc. Verified device locations in a data network
US7644442B2 (en) 2003-01-31 2010-01-05 Microsoft Corporation Systems and methods for using machine attributes to deter software piracy in an enterprise environment

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4740890A (en) * 1983-12-22 1988-04-26 Software Concepts, Inc. Software protection system with trial period usage code and unlimited use unlocking code both recorded on program storage media
US4791565A (en) * 1984-06-20 1988-12-13 Effective Security Systems, Inc. Apparatus for controlling the use of computer software
US5199066A (en) * 1989-04-18 1993-03-30 Special Effects Software, Inc. Method and apparatus for protecting software
US6101606A (en) * 1996-03-22 2000-08-08 Wasy Gmbh System for securing protected software from unauthorized use in computer networks
US6094723A (en) * 1996-05-10 2000-07-25 Sony Corporation Copy protection system for recording media
US5925127A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-07-20 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for monitoring the use of rented software
US6189146B1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2001-02-13 Microsoft Corporation System and method for software licensing
US6226747B1 (en) * 1998-04-10 2001-05-01 Microsoft Corporation Method for preventing software piracy during installation from a read only storage medium
US6243468B1 (en) * 1998-04-29 2001-06-05 Microsoft Corporation Software anti-piracy system that adapts to hardware upgrades
US6070171A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-05-30 Palantir Software, Inc. Method and system for copy-tracking distributed software featuring tokens containing a key field and a usage field
US6460142B1 (en) * 1998-06-04 2002-10-01 24 Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for repeated contact software end-user
US6799277B2 (en) * 1998-06-04 2004-09-28 Z4 Technologies, Inc. System and method for monitoring software
US7146645B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2006-12-05 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Dedicated applications for user stations and methods for downloading dedicated applications to user stations
US7024696B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2006-04-04 Reuben Bahar Method and system for prevention of piracy of a given software application via a communications network

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080172726A1 (en) * 2007-01-15 2008-07-17 Microsoft Corporation Tracking and identifying operations from un-trusted clients
US7937762B2 (en) 2007-01-15 2011-05-03 Microsoft Corporation Tracking and identifying operations from un-trusted clients
US20080201767A1 (en) * 2007-02-21 2008-08-21 Microsoft Corporation Authenticated credential-based multi-tenant access to a service
US8201231B2 (en) * 2007-02-21 2012-06-12 Microsoft Corporation Authenticated credential-based multi-tenant access to a service
US20090171747A1 (en) * 2007-12-26 2009-07-02 Microsoft Corporation Product activation/registration and offer eligibility
US20100058482A1 (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-04 Taku Nagumo Image forming apparatus, license determining method, recording medium
US9131169B2 (en) * 2008-08-29 2015-09-08 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Apparatus, license determining method, recording medium

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7024696B1 (en) 2006-04-04
US20150128296A1 (en) 2015-05-07
US20130055415A1 (en) 2013-02-28
US8613110B2 (en) 2013-12-17
US9298893B2 (en) 2016-03-29
US20160026778A9 (en) 2016-01-28
US20060179486A1 (en) 2006-08-10
US20110289602A1 (en) 2011-11-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9298893B2 (en) Activation code system and method for preventing software piracy
US7146645B1 (en) Dedicated applications for user stations and methods for downloading dedicated applications to user stations
JP3763393B2 (en) COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, TERMINAL DEVICE, RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING REPRODUCTION PROGRAM, SERVER DEVICE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING SERVER PROGRAM
US7565323B2 (en) Hardware ID to prevent software piracy
EP0978023B1 (en) System and method for distributing software over a network
US6502195B1 (en) Computer readable storage medium for providing repeated contact with software end-user
EP1243998B1 (en) A technique for license management and online software license enforcement
CN101156166B (en) Systems and methods for using machine attributes to deter software piracy in an enterprise environment
US20050027657A1 (en) Distinguishing legitimate hardware upgrades from unauthorized installations of software on additional computers
US20010034712A1 (en) System and method for monitoring software
US7421412B2 (en) Computerized method and system for monitoring use of a licensed digital good
JPH10214297A (en) Closed-membership service system using internet, and method therefor
CN108256351B (en) File processing method and device, storage medium and terminal
JP4638158B2 (en) Copyright protection system
WO1998053384A1 (en) Method and apparatus for activating programs/features in a computer
CN113779511A (en) Software authorization method, device, server and readable storage medium
EP1093604A1 (en) Bait software
JP4510368B2 (en) Copyright protection system and recording medium recording the program
WO2003027864A1 (en) Systems and methods for preventing unauthorized copying of software downloaded from a remote server
US20040225900A1 (en) Method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use
WO2002031618A2 (en) Method and system for controlling usage and protecting against copying of digital multimedia content and associated players/readers
KR20030084123A (en) Method for certifing software through network
JPH0476745A (en) Application using right checking system through network

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION