Patent ID: 6986063

Claim:
A method for reducing unauthorized use of computer software, the method comprising: supplying a first activation code with the computer software; requiring entry of the first activation code to at least partially enable the computer software on a computer for use by a computer software used during an initial authorization period; contacting a computer software representative to obtain at least one additional activation code to repeat the enablement of the computer software on the computer for use by the computer software user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the computer software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period such that the enablement of the computer software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the computer software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further contact with the computer software representative following entry of the at least one additional activation code; collecting registration information from at least one of the computer software user and the computer upon contact with the computer software representative; transferring the at least one additional activation code from the computer software representative to at least one of the computer software, the computer software user, and the computer using a digital signature or certificate to resist modification of the activation code; and verifying authenticity of the digital signature or certificate before allowing the computer software to operate on the computer.