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Real-time license enforcement system and method

  • US 7,676,437 B2
  • Filed: 07/25/2005
  • Issued: 03/09/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method implemented by a computing system that includes a processor and memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, implement the method for restricting concurrent execution at the computing system of a first application and at least a second application in accordance with a first license granted from a first licensor and corresponding to the first application, the method comprising acts of:

  • interrogating the computing system, and in response to the interrogating, receiving information identifying the computing system;

    generating a hardware identification code based at least in part on the information identifying the computing system;

    receiving a license code associated with the first license;

    receiving an activation code that is based at least in part on the hardware identification code and the license code;

    storing license data corresponding to the first license in a data store that is accessible to the computing system and in response to receiving the activation code, the stored license data including at least an issue date corresponding to a date on which the activation code was received, the hardware identification code, the license code, and a license agreement that provides contractual terms corresponding to at least use of the first application in relation to the second application;

    monitoring the stored license data corresponding to the first license and use of the first application and the second application, said second application having a second license granted by a second licensor;

    determining that the monitoring is not occurring or that the monitoring is occurring improperly, and restarting the monitoring;

    determining, as a result of the monitoring, that the first application and the second application are being concurrently executed at the computing system and that the concurrent execution is a license violation according to the monitored license data corresponding to the first license; and

    initiating corrective action in response to the determination that there is a license violation.

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