Patent ID: 7032240
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a portable authorization device for selectively authorizing a host system to use one or more items of protected information, including software, comprising: coupling the portable authorization device to the host system; receiving a first item of authorization information from a first type of information authority, the first item of authorization information being associated with a first one of the items of protected information and provided by a vendor of the first one of the items of protected information; receiving a second item of authorization information from a second type of information authority, the second item of authorization information being associated with a second one of the items of protected information and provided by a vendor of the second one of the items of protected information; and selectively authorizing the host system to use the one or more items of protected information based upon the first or second items of authorization information being stored therein.