Patent ID: 7319922

Claim:
A protective device for an electrical power distribution network, with the protective device having means for processing of measured values from measurement appliances for the power distribution network, means for initiating switching commands by primary appliances for the power distribution network, as well as a programmable protective function which, when it is carried out, determines the switching commands on the basis of the measured values, wherein the protective device has programmable logic which can be programmed in order to carry out the protective function, wherein the programmable logic is programmed in order to carry out a first protective function, and the protective device has means for programming the programmable logic in order to carry out a second protective function, and wherein a license management means is provided for determining and managing a license status, which includes information for the protective device as to what protective function may be used or should be carried out in what time period, wherein the license management means is a computer program for determining and managing the license status, which offers a user interface for modification of the license status, wherein the user interface is accessible to a network operator via a communication network, and wherein the selection of a specific protective function is linked to a payment of a license fee.