US5903647A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-launching encrypted digital information distribution system
Assignee: Digital River Inc
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
•
Granted: 1999-05-11
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A computer-based self-launching system associated with a software program or other digital information is provided for distributing the software program or other digital information to a potential purchaser. The self-launching system is attached to a software program or other digital information and includes the ability to launch itself when a user selects the software program or other digital information. Upon launching itself, the system unlocks the software program or other digital information in response to a purchase request.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel A. Ronning
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:24
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2137
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A computer system for distributing a software program on the computer system to a purchaser of the program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the computer system in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the computer system, the computer system comprising: means attached o the software program for controlling, on the computer system distribution of the software program; means for maintaining the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means on the computer system when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for unlocking the software program, for permanently detaching at least one copy of the software program from the controlling means, and for loading the detached software program into a computer-readable medium in the computer system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A computer system for distributing a software program on the computer system to a purchaser of the program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the computer system in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the computer system, the computer system comprising: means attached o the software program for controlling, on the computer system distribution of the software program; means for maintaining the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means on the computer system when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for unlocking the software program, for permanently detaching at least one copy of the software program from the controlling means, and for loading the detached software program into a computer-readable medium in the computer system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means for generating a code identifying the software program.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying an icon which identifies the software program.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means for receiving the software program and the attached controlling means from an on-line system.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for distributing a software program on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computers, the method comprising the steps, executed by the user-selected computers, of: providing a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program; maintaining the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and launching the self-launching software distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the software program, comprising the step of unlocking the software program, permanently detaching at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system, and loading the detached software program into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for distributing a software program on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computers, the method comprising the steps, executed by the user-selected computers, of: providing a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program; maintaining the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and launching the self-launching software distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the software program, comprising the step of unlocking the software program, permanently detaching at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system, and loading the detached software program into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the launching step further comprises the step of generating a code identifying the software program.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the launching step further comprises the step of displaying an icon which identifies the software program.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising the step executed by the computer of receiving the software program and the attached self-launching system from an on-line system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
202 words
A computer program product for distributing a software program on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the software program,. wherein the software program is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the user-selected computer to execute a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: means for causing the computer to maintain the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and activation means for causing the user-selected computer to launch the self-launching software distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the user-selected computer to unlock the software program, to permanently detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system, and to load the detached software program into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
202 words
A computer program product for distributing a software program on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the software program,. wherein the software program is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the user-selected computer to execute a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: means for causing the computer to maintain the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and activation means for causing the user-selected computer to launch the self-launching software distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the user-selected computer to unlock the software program, to permanently detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system, and to load the detached software program into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
164 words
A computer system for distributing digital information on the computer system to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to the computer system in an encrypted, format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the computer system, the computer system comprising: means attached to the digital information for controlling, on the computer system, distribution of the digital information; means for maintaining the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means on the computer system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for unlocking the digital information, for permanently detaching at least one copy of the digital information from the controlling means, and for loading the digital information into a computer-readable medium in the computer system in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
164 words
A computer system for distributing digital information on the computer system to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to the computer system in an encrypted, format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the computer system, the computer system comprising: means attached to the digital information for controlling, on the computer system, distribution of the digital information; means for maintaining the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means on the computer system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for unlocking the digital information, for permanently detaching at least one copy of the digital information from the controlling means, and for loading the digital information into a computer-readable medium in the computer system in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10, further comprising means for generating a code identifying the digital information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 10, further comprising means for displaying an icon which identifies the digital information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 10, further comprising means for receiving the digital information and the attached controlling means from an on-line system.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for distributing digital information on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, providing a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information; maintaining the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and launching the self-launching digital information distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the digital information, comprising the step of unlocking the digital information, permanently detaching at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system, and loading the detached digital information into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for distributing digital information on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, providing a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information; maintaining the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and launching the self-launching digital information distribution system on the user-selected computer when a user selects the digital information, comprising the step of unlocking the digital information, permanently detaching at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system, and loading the detached digital information into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the launching step further comprises the step of generating a code identifying the digital information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the launching step further comprises the step of displaying an icon which identifies the digital information.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising the step executed by the computer of receiving the digital information and the attached self-launching system from an on-line system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
201 words
A computer program product for distributing digital information on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the user-selected computer to execute a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: means for causing the user-selected computer to maintain the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and activation means for causing the user-selected computer to launch the self-launching digital information distribution system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for causing the user-selected computer to unlock the digital information, to permanently detach at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system, and to load the detached digital information into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
201 words
A computer program product for distributing digital information on a user-selected computer to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to the user-selected computer in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the user-selected computer, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the user-selected computer to execute a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: means for causing the user-selected computer to maintain the digital information in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information; and activation means for causing the user-selected computer to launch the self-launching digital information distribution system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for causing the user-selected computer to unlock the digital information, to permanently detach at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system, and to load the detached digital information into the user-selected computer in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
186 words
A computer system for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the computer system in a locked state and is unlocked during, distribution of the software program, the computer system comprising: means attached to the software program for controlling; on the computer system, distribution of the software program; protection means for maintaining the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the protection means comprising: an image file loaded in a computer-readable medium and having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the software program being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the controlling means in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
186 words
A computer system for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the computer system in a locked state and is unlocked during, distribution of the software program, the computer system comprising: means attached to the software program for controlling; on the computer system, distribution of the software program; protection means for maintaining the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the protection means comprising: an image file loaded in a computer-readable medium and having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the software program being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the controlling means in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer system of claim 19 wherein the controlling means is stored in the image file with the software program.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to a computer in a locked state and is unlocked during distribution of the software program, the method comprising the steps, executed by the computer, of: providing a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program; maintaining the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the maintaining step using an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk and having the software program stored therein, the maintaining step using an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and launching the self-launching software distribution system when a user selects the software program, comprising the step of using the image driver to unlocks the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to a computer in a locked state and is unlocked during distribution of the software program, the method comprising the steps, executed by the computer, of: providing a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program; maintaining the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the maintaining step using an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk and having the software program stored therein, the maintaining step using an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and launching the self-launching software distribution system when a user selects the software program, comprising the step of using the image driver to unlocks the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computerized method of claim 21 wherein the self-launching software distribution system is stored in the image file with the software program.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
202 words
A computer program product for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to a the software program, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the computer to execute a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: protection means for causing the computer to maintain the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the protection means comprising: an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the software program being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and activation means for causing the computer to launch the self-launching software distribution system when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
202 words
A computer program product for distributing a software program to a purchaser of the software program, wherein the software program is initially provided to a the software program, the computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the computer to execute a self-launching software distribution system attached to the software program, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: protection means for causing the computer to maintain the software program in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program, the protection means comprising: an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the software program being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to control access to the software program in the image file; and activation means for causing the computer to launch the self-launching software distribution system when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the software program and to detach at least one copy of the software program from the self-launching software distribution system in response to a request to purchase the software program.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program product of claim 23 wherein the self-launching software distribution system is stored in the image file with the software program.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
215 words
A computer program product for distributing digital information to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to a computer in a locked state and is unlocked during distribution of the digital information, the program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the computer to execute a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: protection means for causing the computer to maintain the digital information in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information, the protection means comprising: an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the digital information being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to selectively control access to the digital information in the image file; and activation means for causing the computer to launch the self-launching digital information distribution system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the digital information and to detach at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
215 words
A computer program product for distributing digital information to a purchaser of the digital information, wherein the digital information is initially provided to a computer in a locked state and is unlocked during distribution of the digital information, the program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing the computer to execute a self-launching digital information distribution system attached to the digital information, the computer readable program code means in the computer program product comprising: protection means for causing the computer to maintain the digital information in the locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the digital information, the protection means comprising: an image file having an internal configuration of a specially formatted disk, the digital information being stored in the image file; and an image driver configured to selectively control access to the digital information in the image file; and activation means for causing the computer to launch the self-launching digital information distribution system when a user selects the digital information, the activation means comprising means for causing the image driver to unlock the digital information and to detach at least one copy of the digital information from the self-launching digital information distribution system in response to a request to purchase the digital information.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program product of claim 25 wherein the self-launching digital information distribution system is stored in the image file with the digital information.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3990710A
Cited
US3798605A
Cited
US4200770A
Cited
US4218582A
Cited
US4405829A
Cited
US4424414A
Cited
US4465901A
Cited
US4264782A
Cited
JPS57127249A
Cited
US4446519A
Cited
US4490810A
Cited
US4458315A
Cited
US4649510A
Cited
US4567512A
Cited
US4528643A
Cited
US4672554A
Cited
US4674055A
Cited
US4658093A
Cited
US4590557A
Cited
JPS6077218A
Cited
US5103392A
Cited
US4558413A
Cited
US4740890A
Cited
US4654799A
Cited
US4780905A
Cited
US4888798A
Cited
US4685055A
Cited
US4787050A
Cited
US4864516A
Cited
US5014234A
Cited
US5010571A
Cited
US4827508A
Cited
US5047928A
Cited
US5109413A
Cited
US4796220A
Cited
US4949257A
Cited
US4999806A
Cited
US5016009A
Cited
US5199066A
Cited
US5388211A
Cited
US5006849A
Cited
US5166886A
Cited
JPH0383132A
Cited
US5241671A
Cited
US5241671C1
Cited
US5267171A
Cited
US5355302A
Cited
US5237157A
Cited
US5103476A
Cited
US5222134A
Cited
US5515538A
Cited
US5293422A
Cited
US5327563A
Cited
US5341429A
Cited
US5509070A
Cited
US5269698A
Cited
US5530865A
Cited
US5671281A
Cited
US5625690A
Cited
US5495411A
Cited
US5666411A
Cited
US5487143A
Cited
US5563946A
Cited
US5689560A
Cited
US5564038A
Cited
US5579479A
Cited
US5526485A
Cited
US5715403A
Cited
US5675645A
Cited
US5654905A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-05-10 | 2002-11-09 | 2003-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-10 | 2006-11-09 | 2007-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-10 | 2010-11-09 | 2011-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |