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System with software usage timer and counter for allowing limited use but preventing continued unauthorized use of protected software

  • US 5,014,234 A
  • Filed: 08/25/1986
  • Issued: 05/07/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for preventing continued unauthorized use of protected computer software in a data processing system including a clock, storage means and a counter comprising the steps of:

  • providing an initial time setting for said clock at the time of installation of the software in said data processing system;

    providing a constant representing a predetermined amount of time in said storage means at the time of installation of the software;

    incrementing the counter each time that the protected software is operated;

    making a first determination whenever the protected software is operated as to whether the constant has been provided in the data processing system;

    making a second determination as to whether the counter has reached a predetermined value;

    making a third determination as to whether the current time sensed from said clock exceeds the time when the software was installed by an amount equal to or greater than said constant;

    if any of the first, second or third determinations are true, sending a warning message to the software user indicating unauthorized use, setting the constant to a predetermined multiple of the current time setting, and switching the counter to cause it to commence decrementing from the setting at which it stood when switched;

    decrementing the counter each further time that the software is subsequently operated; and

    causing the software to be disabled when the counter has been decremented to a second predetermined value.

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