Patent ID: 7246379

Claim:
A method of validating software code provided to a user entity by a software provider, wherein: the user entity encrypts first data, provides it to the software provider, and receives back a valid indication that the code is valid only if the software provider has been able to correctly decrypt the encrypted first data, such decryption only being possible using an appropriate decryption key provided by a party with rights in the software code; the encryption of the first data by the user entity is effected using, as encryption parameters, both an encryption key string comprising said software code or a representation thereof and public data of said party; the said appropriate decryption key is provided by said party to the software provider only if the software code provided to the user entity is valid, generation of this key by the party using both private data related to said public data, and the encryption key string or a corresponding reference string based on a reference version of the software code.