US5287407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer software protection
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1991-05-23
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Granted: 1994-02-15
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Expires: 2011-05-23
Abstract
Abstract A master copy of a software file has within it a predetermined block of data. When a copy of the file is made that block of data within the copied file is located and overwritten with data identifying the copied file. When an unauthorized copy is found, the data identifying the copy can be read and the source of the unauthorized copy may be traced. The invention is particularly suited to use with software distribution over a computer network in which details such as the time the copied file was made and the name of the authorized user can be embedded within the copy.
Inventors
- 👤 Keith Holmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:59
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/16; G06F21/106; G06F21/1063; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of producing a copied file from a master file in a data processing system comprising the steps of: copying a master file to produce a copied file, searching to locate a predetermined block of data within said copied file, and overwriting said predetermined block of data with data identifying said copied file.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of producing a copied file from a master file in a data processing system comprising the steps of: copying a master file to produce a copied file, searching to locate a predetermined block of data within said copied file, and overwriting said predetermined block of data with data identifying said copied file.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data identifying said copied file includes one or more data identifying the time at which said copied file was made and the authorized user of said copied file.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said master file is stored on a first data processing system and said copied file is transmitted to a second data processing system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said data identifying said copied file includes one or more data identifying the time at which said copied file was made and the authorized user of said copied file.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said data identifying said copied file includes one or more data identifying said first data processing system and data identifying said second data processing system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said data identifying said copied file includes one or more data identifying the time at which said copied file was made and the authorized user of said copied file.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein said data identifying said copy file includes a portion common to differing copy files.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said data identifying said copied file includes a checksum of said data identifying said copied file.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said data identifying said copied file is encrypted.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
41 words
A method of identifying a copied file comprising the steps of: providing a block of data containing identifying data in the copied file; searching the copied file to locate the identifying data; and reading the identifying data in the copied file.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
41 words
A method of identifying a copied file comprising the steps of: providing a block of data containing identifying data in the copied file; searching the copied file to locate the identifying data; and reading the identifying data in the copied file.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
70 words
A master file having a predetermined block of data which may be used to identify specific copies of said master file, said predetermined block containing information identifying the master file as the original copy, said predetermined block of data adapted to be overwritten when a copy of said master file is produced, and said overwritten predetermined block of data in said copy identifying that specific copy of said master file.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
70 words
A master file having a predetermined block of data which may be used to identify specific copies of said master file, said predetermined block containing information identifying the master file as the original copy, said predetermined block of data adapted to be overwritten when a copy of said master file is produced, and said overwritten predetermined block of data in said copy identifying that specific copy of said master file.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
54 words
A data processing system for producing a copied file from a master file characterized by means of producing a copied file from a master file, means for searching to locate a predetermined block of data within said master file, and means for overwriting said predetermined block of data with data identifying said copied file.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
54 words
A data processing system for producing a copied file from a master file characterized by means of producing a copied file from a master file, means for searching to locate a predetermined block of data within said master file, and means for overwriting said predetermined block of data with data identifying said copied file.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data processing system for identifying a copied file characterized by means for searching said copied file to locate data identifying the copied file, and means for reading the data identifying said copied file.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data processing system for identifying a copied file characterized by means for searching said copied file to locate data identifying the copied file, and means for reading the data identifying said copied file.
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-02-14 | 1997-08-16 | 1998-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-02-14 | 2001-08-16 | 2002-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-02-14 | 2005-08-16 | 2006-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |