Patent ID: 6813718
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software; instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance 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 during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code; instructions for 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 instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.