Patent US6044471A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6044471A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for securing software to reduce unauthorized use
Assignee: Z4 Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1998-06-04
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Granted: 2000-03-28
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Expires: 2018-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for securing software to reduce unauthorized use include associating a password or series of passwords with each copy of group of authorized software and requiring entry of a first password obtained from the developer or authorized representative of the software after exchanging registration information. The method and apparatus may also subsequently require entry of a second password from the series associated with the software to continue using the software. A password or authorization code series may be associated with each authorized copy or with a group of copies such as those distributed to a particular organization or site. Preferably, subsequent passwords or authorization codes are obtained from an authorized software developer, manufacturer, or distributor which gathers current information from the user to monitor compliance with licensing restrictions. The number and frequency of required password updates may be regular or irregular depending upon the application, user, or software manufacturer. A code which disables the software may be communicated if the manufacturer determines that the user is an unauthorized user.
Inventors
- 👤 David S. Colvin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06F21/12; G06F21/121; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0207; G06Q30/0241
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with the software for each authorized user prior to distribution of the software, requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; and subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with the software for each authorized user prior to distribution of the software, requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; and subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the authorized user is a group having a separate copy of the software for each of at least two end users.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising including not more than one of the passwords with the software for distribution to each authorized user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising obtaining at least one password from an authorized representative of the software.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of obtaining comprises electronically communicating with the authorized representative.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: requiring communication of registration information associated with the end user to an authorized representative of the software prior to communicating the password to the software.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of securing software comprising: disabling operation of the software until a password in obtained; enabling operation of the software for a predetermined interval after the password is obtained; and repeatedly requiring a new password for continued operation of the software beyond expiration of the predetermined interval wherein the new password is determined using a previous password.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of securing software comprising: disabling operation of the software until a password in obtained; enabling operation of the software for a predetermined interval after the password is obtained; and repeatedly requiring a new password for continued operation of the software beyond expiration of the predetermined interval wherein the new password is determined using a previous password.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software; and repeating the step of subsequently requiring entry of another password at scheduled intervals for continued operation of the software.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software; and repeating the step of subsequently requiring entry of another password at scheduled intervals for continued operation of the software.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software; and repeating the step of subsequently requiring entry of another password at regular intervals.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising: requiring entry of a first password upon first use of the software; subsequently requiring entry of another password to continue using the software; and repeating the step of subsequently requiring entry of another password at regular intervals.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with the software; requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain a password previously associated with the software; communicating a password previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software is not functional until the password has been communicated; and subsequently requiring a new password, the new password being obtained from the series of passwords previously associated with the software.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with the software; requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain a password previously associated with the software; communicating a password previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software is not functional until the password has been communicated; and subsequently requiring a new password, the new password being obtained from the series of passwords previously associated with the software.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of communicating comprises electronically communicating the password.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method claim 10 wherein the step of communicating is performed automatically by the software and the authorized representative.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising: obtaining registration information associated with the end user as a precondition for performing the step of communicating the password.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of obtaining registration information is performed substantially simultaneously with the step of communicating the password.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of obtaining registration information is performed substantially simultaneously with the step of communicating the password.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising: obtaining registration information associated with the end user; and encoding the registration information so it is not readily discernible.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of communicating comprises communicating the password to the end user enabling the end user to supply the password to the software.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of associating a password comprises associating a series of passwords with the software.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of requiring a new password is performed at regular intervals.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of requiring a new password is performed at intervals based on elapsed execution time of the software.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of requiring a new password is performed at intervals based on elapsed time.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the step of requiring a new password is performed at predetermined intervals.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain a password previously associated with the software; communicating a password previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software is not functional until the password has been communicated; periodically requiring registration information associated with the end user to obtain a new password, the new password being required for continued operation of the software.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain a password previously associated with the software; communicating a password previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software is not functional until the password has been communicated; periodically requiring registration information associated with the end user to obtain a new password, the new password being required for continued operation of the software.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: requiring a password for the software to become operational; repeatedly requiring registration information associated with the end user to obtain a new password, the new password being required for continued operation of the software; and comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information associated with the software to determine whether the end user is an authorized user.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: requiring a password for the software to become operational; repeatedly requiring registration information associated with the end user to obtain a new password, the new password being required for continued operation of the software; and comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information associated with the software to determine whether the end user is an authorized user.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
58 words
A method comprising: requiring an authorization code for software to become operational; repeatedly requiring registration information to obtain a new authorization code for continued operation of the software; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; and providing a new authorization code only if at least a portion of the registration information matches previously obtained registration information.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
58 words
A method comprising: requiring an authorization code for software to become operational; repeatedly requiring registration information to obtain a new authorization code for continued operation of the software; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; and providing a new authorization code only if at least a portion of the registration information matches previously obtained registration information.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
46 words
A method comprising: disabling software from being functional until a first authorization code is entered; repeatedly requiring a new authorization code after expiration of each of a plurality of varying intervals for continued operation of the software, the new authorization code being obtained from the representative.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
46 words
A method comprising: disabling software from being functional until a first authorization code is entered; repeatedly requiring a new authorization code after expiration of each of a plurality of varying intervals for continued operation of the software, the new authorization code being obtained from the representative.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of securing software comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software, at lease one password being generated prior to the distribution of the software; enabling operation of the software after a password has been entered; periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtained after providing registration information associated with a user; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; providing a new password which allows continued operation of the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an authorized user; and providing a new password which disables the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of securing software comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software, at lease one password being generated prior to the distribution of the software; enabling operation of the software after a password has been entered; periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtained after providing registration information associated with a user; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; providing a new password which allows continued operation of the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an authorized user; and providing a new password which disables the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for repeatedly requiring communication of a new password for continued operation of the software.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for repeatedly requiring communication of a new password for continued operation of the software.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer readable storage medium of claim 28 further comprising: instructions for obtaining registration information associated with the end user.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for periodically requiring entry of a new password for continued operation of the software.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
81 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for periodically requiring entry of a new password for continued operation of the software.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
70 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring a password associated with the software; instructions for enabling the software after the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for disabling the software after a predetermined password is communicated to the software.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
70 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring a password associated with the software; instructions for enabling the software after the password has been communicated to the software; and instructions for disabling the software after a predetermined password is communicated to the software.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
98 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring a password associated with the software; instructions for enabling the software after the password has been communicated to the software; instructions for subsequently requiring a new password to be communicated to the software for continued operation of the software; and instructions for automatically contacting an authorized representative of the software to communicate registration information and obtaining authorization for continued operation of the software.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
98 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring a password associated with the software; instructions for enabling the software after the password has been communicated to the software; instructions for subsequently requiring a new password to be communicated to the software for continued operation of the software; and instructions for automatically contacting an authorized representative of the software to communicate registration information and obtaining authorization for continued operation of the software.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
110 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; instructions for periodically requiring entry of a new password for continued operation of the software; instructions for automatically contacting an authorized representative of the software to communicate registration information and obtaining authorization for continued operation of the software; and instructions for encoding the registration information.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
110 words
A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the storage medium comprising: instructions for requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative to obtain a password associated with the software; instructions for disabling the software until the password has been communicated to the software; instructions for periodically requiring entry of a new password for continued operation of the software; instructions for automatically contacting an authorized representative of the software to communicate registration information and obtaining authorization for continued operation of the software; and instructions for encoding the registration information.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of securing software to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with each unit of software; requiring communication of registration information to an authorized representative for the software to receive a first password from the series of passwords associated with the software, the registration information being associated with an end user of the software; periodically repeating the step of requiring communication of registration information to the authorized representative to obtain a subsequent password from the series of passwords for continued operation of the software, each password enabling operation of the software for a predetermined interval.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of securing software to reduce use of the software by unauthorized users, the method comprising: associating a series of passwords with each unit of software; requiring communication of registration information to an authorized representative for the software to receive a first password from the series of passwords associated with the software, the registration information being associated with an end user of the software; periodically repeating the step of requiring communication of registration information to the authorized representative to obtain a subsequent password from the series of passwords for continued operation of the software, each password enabling operation of the software for a predetermined interval.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising requiring periodic communication of registration information associated with a user of the software to a remotely located password administrator to obtain a password which enables continued operation of the software wherein the password is determined based on a previously obtained password.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use of the software, the method comprising requiring periodic communication of registration information associated with a user of the software to a remotely located password administrator to obtain a password which enables continued operation of the software wherein the password is determined based on a previously obtained password.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for reducing unauthorized use of software, the method comprising: requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative of the software upon initial use of the software by the end user to obtain an authorization code; communicating registration information associated with the end user to the authorized representative; and providing an authorization code which disables the software if the registration information indicates that the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for reducing unauthorized use of software, the method comprising: requiring an end user to contact an authorized representative of the software upon initial use of the software by the end user to obtain an authorization code; communicating registration information associated with the end user to the authorized representative; and providing an authorization code which disables the software if the registration information indicates that the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for reducing unauthorized use of software, the method comprising: requiring registration information to be entered during initial use of the software; communicating the registration information to an authorized representative of the software; determining whether the software has been previously registered; if the software has been previously registered, determining whether the registration information matches at least a portion of the previous registration information; communicating an authorization code to the software upon receiving the registration information if the software has not been previously registered or if the registration information matches at least a portion of the previous registration information, the authorization code allowing continued operation of the software for a first predetermined period; after the first predetermined period has expired, requiring a subsequent authorization code for continued operation of the software, the subsequent authorization code being communicated only if registration information indicates the end user is an authorized user based on previously received registration information.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for reducing unauthorized use of software, the method comprising: requiring registration information to be entered during initial use of the software; communicating the registration information to an authorized representative of the software; determining whether the software has been previously registered; if the software has been previously registered, determining whether the registration information matches at least a portion of the previous registration information; communicating an authorization code to the software upon receiving the registration information if the software has not been previously registered or if the registration information matches at least a portion of the previous registration information, the authorization code allowing continued operation of the software for a first predetermined period; after the first predetermined period has expired, requiring a subsequent authorization code for continued operation of the software, the subsequent authorization code being communicated only if registration information indicates the end user is an authorized user based on previously received registration information.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: Associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; and communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: Associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; and communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the step of communicating comprises electronically communicating the password.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the step of communicating is performed automatically by the software and the representative.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 38 further comprising: obtaining registration information associated with the end user as a precondition for performing the step of communicating the password.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; requiring an end user to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software; and periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtaining from an authorized representative.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; requiring an end user to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software; and periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtaining from an authorized representative.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
108 words
A method comprising: requiring a password to enable operation of software for a predetermined interval; disabling the software upon expiration of the predetermined interval; periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtained from an authorized representative after providing registration information associated with the end user; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; providing a new password which allows continued operation of the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an authorized user; and providing a new password which disables the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
108 words
A method comprising: requiring a password to enable operation of software for a predetermined interval; disabling the software upon expiration of the predetermined interval; periodically requiring a new password for continued operation of the software, the new password being obtained from an authorized representative after providing registration information associated with the end user; comparing the registration information with previously obtained registration information; providing a new password which allows continued operation of the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an authorized user; and providing a new password which disables the software if the step of comparing indicates the end user is an unauthorized user.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires; obtaining registration information associated with the end user as a precondition for performing the step of communicating the password; and modifying the password based on the registration information.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software; communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires; obtaining registration information associated with the end user as a precondition for performing the step of communicating the password; and modifying the password based on the registration information.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software, the password being determined using a previous password; and communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of securing software to reduce unauthorized use, the method comprising: associating a plurality of passwords with the software and distributing one of the plurality of passwords concurrently with the software; repeatedly requiring an end user to contact a representative to obtain another one of the passwords previously associated with the software, the password being determined using a previous password; and communicating one of the passwords previously associated with the software to the software, wherein the software remains functional only until the password expires.
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