Patent ID: 6587842
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A copy-protection system for limiting the copying of computer software transferable from a computer software product distribution site to a computer system, wherein the computer software is to be stored on the computer system, wherein the computer system includes a unique system-identifying attribute, a persistent storage file system, and a device for receiving the computer software, the copy-protection system comprising:a. means for identifying the unique system-identifying attribute of the computer system; b. means for generating a protection file to establish a key associated only with the unique system-identifying attribute of the computer system, wherein said means for generating a protection file includes a plurality of file protection sub-programs preceding it, and wherein said protection file includes means to prevent tampering including a message digest that is encrypted; c. means for associating said protection file with the computer software to be protected from copying such that said protection file can only be opened using the computer system based on a comparison of the key associated with the protection file and the unique system-identifying attribute of the computer system; and d. means for transferring the computer software with associated protection file to the persistent storage file system through the device for receiving the computer software.