Patent ID: 8015112

Claim:
For a data file distribution and processing system including server software running on a source computer for sending data files to a destination computer via a network link between the source computer and the destination computer, and including processing software running on the destination computer for processing each data file forwarded thereto from said server software to carry out an action, a method for preventing the processing software running on the destination computer from processing data files forwarded to the destination computer other than from the server software, the method comprising the steps of: including within the server software running on the source computer license stamping means for embedding a license stamp into each data file before the server software forwards the data file to said destination computer via said network link; and adapting said processing software executed by said destination computer so that it processes each received data file to carry out said action only when the received data file contains the embedded license stamp, wherein the license stamp embedded in the data file indicates that the data file was forwarded by licensed server software.