Patent ID: 6813717
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A method for reducing unauthorized software use, the method comprising:providing a representative to monitor software license compliance; associating a first authorization code with the software, the first authorization code enabling the software on a computer for use by a user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software; supplying the first authorization code with the software; requiring the user to enter the first authorization code to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user during the initial authorization period; requiring the user to contact the representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled on the computer for use by the user during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code; requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.