Importance

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Abstract

A method for reducing unauthorized use of software including digital content by secondary devices such as digital audio players, PDA's, cellular telephones, and DVD players for example, includes an authorized representative entity that generates an authentication code for authorized secondary devices based on registration information associated with the authorized secondary devices. Self-authentication may be provided by a resident authorized representative entity installed on a primary device, such as a computer, and/or installed on the secondary device to enhance privacy of user information. Authentication is performed using the authentication code(s) associated with the software to control access to the software by the secondary device. Access control may include inhibiting transfer from the primary device or use of the software including digital content on any unauthorized secondary device whose hardware information does not at least partially match corresponding information for authorized devices encoded in the authentication code.

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First Claim