Patent ID: 6850912

Claim:
A method for the distributing security modules in a secure manner from a manufacturing location via a distribution location to a user location, comprising the steps: a) generating and storing an electronic key in a security module at the manufacturing location; b) transmitting the electronic key together with the security module to the distribution location, with the electronic key being visible in externally readable form at said security module; c) generating an identification code allocated to the electronic key at the distribution location and transmitting the identification code from the distribution location to a central data bank and storing the identification code at the central data bank, and after generating the identification code, making the electronic key in externally readable form unreadable at the distribution location and shipping the security module from the distribution location with the identification code in externally readable form; d) using the security module at the user location, and generating a verification code from the identification code and the electronic key stored in the security module; e) at a service center, verifying that the verification code, and the identification code and the electronic key obtained from the central data bank, belong together; and f) upon verification by the service center, registering said security module for use at said user location.