Patent ID: 6169976
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for regulating use of a licensed product, comprising the steps of: registering a sale of the licensed product by storing sales information licensee and the licensed product; generating access information that uniquely identifies the licensee and the licensed product; sending, to a remote location that is separate from the licensee, a message that identifies the licensed product and which authorizes the delivery of the licensed product to the licensee; in response to receiving a request from the licensee to activate the licensed product, in which the request contains the access information, generating key information based on the sales information, wherein the key information comprises information identifying the licensee, an installation key and an encrypted activation key; communicating the installation key and the encrypted activation key to the licensee; and allowing the licensee to access or use the licensed product only after providing the installation key, the encrypted activation key and a portion of the sales information to the licensed product.