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System and method for limiting use of a software program with another software program

  • US 20020099951A1
  • Filed: 01/25/2001
  • Published: 07/25/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • providing a computer including a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor;

    providing a first software program capable of being operably installed on the computer;

    providing a second software program capable of being operably installed on the computer and capable of being used interoperably with the first software program;

    modifying the second software program to include data defining a specific point in time after which the second software program cannot be used interoperably with the first software program;

    digitally signing the second software program including the data defining the specific point in time;

    determining whether the second software program has been altered after the digitally signing;

    verifying that the specific point in time has not passed; and

    using the second software program interoperably with the first software program if and only if the determining determines that the second software program has not been altered after the digitally signing and the verifying verifies that the specific point in time has not passed.

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