Patent ID: 7680741

Claim:
A method executed by a computer system that includes a memory and processor for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, comprising, in the processor: receiving in the computer system an initial bill for an un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at a retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fully functional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product; wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version; in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product, sending from the computer system a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product from a point of sale system at the retailer; and receiving in the computer system an additional bill for activating the software product; wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.