Patent ID: 6035403
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for controlling installation of a software product, the method comprising:(a) when fingerprint data has not been previously provided for the software product, storing a user's fingerprint data in association with a separate identifier for the software product, such that in installations of the software product, newly presented fingerprint data is matched against the stored fingerprint data;(b) prior to an installation of the software product and after storing the user's fingerprint data, transmitting the user's fingerprint data and the separate identifier from a local computer of the user to a remote authentication system controlled by an enterprise responsible for distribution of the software product;(c) determining whether the fingerprint data provided allows installation of the software product, such that if the transmitted fingerprint data is not found to match the stored fingerprint data, blocking installation of the software product; and(d) determining whether the number of installations exceeds a pre-set maximum, such that installation is blocked if the number of installations is found to exceed the pre-set maximum.