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Database usage metering and protection system and method

  • US 5,410,598 A
  • Filed: 09/27/1994
  • Issued: 04/25/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of providing, for use by a customer at said customer'"'"'s site, a database that is at least in part encrypted, said method permitting said customer to use at least one part of said database while helping to ensure that owners of rights in portions of said database are properly compensated for use of said database, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (i) providing at least one storage medium at said customer'"'"'s site, said storage medium having at least a portion of said database stored thereon in encrypted form, said database including at least first and second parts, a first owner owning at least one right in said first part, a second owner owning at least one right in said second part;

    (ii) providing a database protection system for use with at least a portion of said database;

    (iii) supplying at least one key for use by said database protection system;

    (iv) limiting said customer'"'"'s use of at least a portion of said database;

    (v) decrypting an encrypted portion of said database at least in part by using said database protection system and said key;

    (vi) receiving a payment associated at least in part with use of (a) said first part, and (b) said second part, of said database; and

    (vii) providing compensation to said first and second owners by apportioning at least part of said payment amongst said first and second owners.

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