Patent ID: 8266063

Claim:
A computerized apparatus configured to control access to a proprietary software application resident on the computerized apparatus after being sold to a purchaser, the apparatus comprising: an input device; a storage device having the software application stored thereon; a processing apparatus in communication with the storage device; and a network interface in communication with the processing apparatus; wherein said access is controlled according to the method comprising: receiving an initial request from the purchaser via the input device of the apparatus to utilize the application; substantially automatically accessing a remote third party authorization entity via the network interface in order to obtain an authorization to access the application; recording information relating to the obtained authorization on the computerized apparatus for subsequent use; accessing the application pursuant to the initial request using at least the authorization; and receiving a subsequent request for access to the application from the purchaser; and granting access to the application pursuant to the subsequent request based at least in part on the recorded information and without having to contact said third party again.