Method and apparatus for the protection of proprietary computer software

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus for protecting proprietary computer software against unauthorised use comprises a store (11) for selected data, means (10) for comparing data successively communi­ cated by a program running on a computer (1) with data from the storage means, means such as an indelible memory (15) associated with a microprocessor (14) for storing identifying data, and transmitting means (14) for sending stored iden­ tifying data to the computer. When a match is detected by the comparator, the identifying data are sent to the compu­ ter, which requires this data for continued normal running. A copy of the software cannot run on a computer without associated protection apparatus and unauthorised copies will therefore be unusable unless the protection apparatus can be obtained. For a great degree of protection, a sequence of matches and identifying data messages may be required to allow continued normal running of a program.

Inventors

• 👤 David Nigel Rogers
• 👤 Terence Eric Cyril Poole

Bibliographic Details