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Self-launching encrypted digital information distribution system

  • US 5,903,647 A
  • Filed: 06/07/1995
  • Issued: 05/11/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer system for distributing a software program on the computer system to a purchaser of the program, wherein the software program is initially provided to the computer system in an encrypted format and in an undivided locked state and is decrypted and unlocked during distribution on the computer system, the computer system comprising:

  • means attached o the software program for controlling, on the computer system distribution of the software program;

    means for maintaining the software program in the undivided locked state in order to prevent unauthorized copying of the software program; and

    the controlling means including activation means for launching the controlling means on the computer system when a user selects the software program, the activation means comprising means for unlocking the software program, for permanently detaching at least one copy of the software program from the controlling means, and for loading the detached software program into a computer-readable medium in the computer system in response to a request to purchase the software program.

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