×

Method and apparatus for protecting software

  • US 5,199,066 A
  • Filed: 04/18/1989
  • Issued: 03/30/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of protecting a software program recorded within a storage medium for use with or transmission to computer or processor based hardware, the method comprising:

  • inputting a hardware code uniquely associated with the particular hardware with which the software is to be employed;

    inputting a first software code uniquely associated with the particular embodiment of the software being employed;

    performing a first predetermined operation upon the hardware code and the first software code to produce a first intermediate code;

    inputting a unique activation code for the particular embodiment of the software being employed, the activation code being received from a software supplier;

    performing a second predetermined operation upon the first intermediate code and the activation code to produce a second intermediate code;

    comparing the second intermediate code with a second software code uniquely associated with the particular embodiment of the software being employed and stored at a hidden location within the software, the second software code not being ascertainable by the user; and

    enabling the use of the software if the second intermediate code and the second software code are identical.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×