US Patent No: 4,458,315

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for detecting and preventing the unauthorized use of computer programs. The program to be protected is arranged to store first key information and a key means which is physically separate from the program is provided to the customer with each program which is sold. The key means stores second key information, and is adapted for association with a computer in which the program is to be processed. Either the first program routine, or one which is performed before a significant part of the program, is arranged to access the first and second key information and to perform a comparison operation. If the first and second information bear a predetermined relationship to each other, then it is known that the appropriate key means has been deployed by the customer on the computer, and that the use of the program is authorized. However, if the first and second key information do not bear said predetermined relationship, it is concluded that use of the program is not authorized, and processing of the program may be terminated.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
PENTA SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, IN., A CORP OF MDBALTIMORE, MD1

International Classification(s)

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  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Uchenick, Gordon Baltimore, MD 1 261

Cited Art

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Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
PERSONALIZED MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS, L.L.C. (53)
7,856,650 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1993
7,831,204 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,769,344 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,865,920 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,861,278 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,849,493 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,769,170 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,953,223 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,849,479 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,840,976 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,805,748 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,797,717 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,783,252 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,784,082 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,856,649 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,830,925 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,801,304 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,752,649 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
8,395,707 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
8,112,782 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
8,046,791 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,926,084 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,827,587 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,810,115 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,764,685 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,752,650 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,861,263 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,827,586 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,823,175 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,814,526 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,805,738 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,734,251 Signal processing apparatus and methods 2 1995
8,191,091 Signal processing apparatus and methods 5 1995
7,992,169 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,966,640 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,958,527 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,940,931 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,908,638 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,889,865 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,870,581 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,864,248 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,864,956 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,860,131 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,844,995 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,836,480 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
7,817,208 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,818,761 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,818,776 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,818,778 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,805,749 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,793,332 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
7,774,809 Signal processing apparatus and method 0 1995
7,761,890 Signal processing apparatus and methods 1 1995
 
INTERTRUST TECHNOLOGIES CORP. (50)
6,157,721 Systems and methods using cryptography to protect secure computing environments 378 1996
5,943,422 Steganographic techniques for securely delivering electronic digital rights management control information over insecure communication channels 651 1996
5,892,900 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 1511 1996
5,910,987 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 608 1996
5,917,912 System and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 518 1997
5,915,019 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 513 1997
5,920,861 Techniques for defining using and manipulating rights management data structures 482 1997
5,982,891 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 689 1997
6,112,181 Systems and methods for matching, selecting, narrowcasting, and/or classifying based on rights management and/or other information 596 1997
6,253,193 Systems and methods for the secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 487 1998
6,185,683 Trusted and secure techniques, systems and methods for item delivery and execution 549 1998
6,240,185 Steganographic techniques for securely delivering electronic digital rights management control information over insecure communication channels 273 1999
7,233,948 Methods and apparatus for persistent control and protection of content 120 1999
6,138,119 Techniques for defining, using and manipulating rights management data structures 339 1999
6,363,488 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 360 1999
7,133,845 System and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 71 1999
6,389,402 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 306 1999
6,237,786 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 320 1999
7,069,451 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 44 1999
6,427,140 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 299 1999
7,133,846 Digital certificate support system, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce transaction and rights management 85 1999
6,658,568 Trusted infrastructure support system, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce transaction and rights management 325 1999
7,165,174 Trusted infrastructure support systems, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce transaction and rights management 55 1999
7,092,914 Methods for matching, selecting, narrowcasting, and/or classifying based on rights management and/or other information 32 2000
7,243,236 Systems and methods for using cryptography to protect secure and insecure computing environments 16 2000
7,430,670 Software self-defense systems and methods 44 2000
7,143,290 Trusted and secure techniques, systems and methods for item delivery and execution 25 2000
7,062,500 Techniques for defining, using and manipulating rights management data structures 64 2000
7,095,854 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 29 2000
6,292,569 Systems and methods using cryptography to protect secure computing environments 269 2000
6,948,070 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 85 2000
7,076,652 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 79 2001
6,449,367 Steganographic techniques for securely delivering electronic digital rights management control information over insecure communication channels 210 2001
7,120,800 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 66 2001
7,120,802 Systems and methods for using cryptography to protect secure computing environments 22 2001
7,124,302 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 70 2001
7,051,212 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 31 2002
6,618,484 Steganographic techniques for securely delivering electronic digital rights management control information over insecure communication channels 123 2002
7,143,066 Systems and methods for matching, selecting, narrowcasting, and/or classifying based on rights management and/or other information 50 2002
7,110,983 Methods for matching, selecting, narrowcasting, and/or classifying based on rights management and/or other information 41 2002
6,938,021 Methods for matching, selecting, narrowcasting, and/or classifying based on rights management and/or other information 96 2002
8,307,212 Steganographic techniques for securely delivering electronic digital rights management control information over insecure communication channels 0 2003
7,100,199 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 38 2003
7,415,617 Trusted infrastructure support systems, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce, electronic transactions, commerce process control and automation, distributed computing, and rights management 38 2004
7,392,395 Trusted and secure techniques, systems and methods for item delivery and execution 11 2005
7,281,133 Trusted and secure techniques, systems and methods for item delivery and execution 16 2005
7,844,835 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 4 2005
8,185,473 Trusted infrastructure support systems, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce, electronic transactions, commerce process control and automation, distributed computing, and rights management 1 2006
7,917,749 Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection 0 2006
7,925,898 Systems and methods using cryptography to protect secure computing environments 1 2006
 
IGT (16)
RE39400 Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security 4 1996
RE39401 Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security 5 1996
RE39368 Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security 6 1996
RE39369 Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security 4 1996
RE39370 Electronic casino gaming system with improved play capacity, authentication and security 4 1996
7,267,612 Gaming apparatus with portrait-mode display 1 2002
7,063,615 Electronic gaming apparatus with authentication 23 2003
7,581,256 Process verification 10 2003
7,470,182 Computerized gaming system, method and apparatus 17 2004
7,837,556 Decoupling of the graphical presentation of a game from the presentation logic 2 2005
7,831,047 Digital identification of unique game characteristics 1 2006
7,783,040 Encryption in a secure computerized gaming system 0 2006
7,520,811 Method and apparatus for software authentication 3 2007
7,988,554 Game development architecture that decouples the game logic from the graphics logic 1 2007
8,251,807 Game development architecture that decouples the game logic from the graphics logic 0 2007
7,996,916 Process verification 0 2009
 
DIGITAL RIVER, INC. (12)
5,903,647 Self-launching encrypted digital information distribution system 55 1995
5,883,954 Self-launching encrypted try before you buy software distribution system 52 1995
5,883,955 On-line try before you buy software distribution system 110 1995
5,870,543 System for preventing unauthorized copying of active software 46 1997
5,907,617 Try before you buy software distribution and marketing system 78 1997
5,887,060 Central database system for automatic software program sales 32 1997
7,058,597 Apparatus and method for adaptive fraud screening for electronic commerce transactions 9 1999
7,617,124 Apparatus and method for secure downloading of files 3 2000
7,165,051 Electronic commerce system and method for detecting fraud 19 2005
8,271,396 Electronic commerce system and method for detecting fraud 2006
7,881,972 Electronic commerce system and method for detecting fraud 1 2006
8,050,980 Secure downloading of a file from a network system and method 1 2009
 
NINTENDO CO., LTD. (12)
4,799,635 System for determining authenticity of an external memory used in an information processing apparatus 85 1985
4,860,128 Recordable data device having identification symbols formed thereon and cooperating data processing system having registering symbols 27 1986
4,926,372 Memory cartridge bank selecting 31 1987
4,949,298 Memory cartridge having a multi-memory controller with memory bank switching capabilities and data processing apparatus 48 1987
5,014,982 Memory cartridge and game apparatus using the same 64 1988
5,276,831 Memory cartridge having a multi-memory controller with memory bank switching capabilities and data processing apparatus 36 1990
5,226,136 Memory cartridge bank selecting apparatus 52 1990
RE34161 Memory cartridge and information processor unit using such cartridge 32 1991
5,426,762 System for determining a truth of software in an information processing apparatus 18 1993
6,071,191 Systems and methods for providing security in a video game system 15 1997
6,190,257 Systems and method for providing security in a video game system 30 1999
6,394,905 Systems and methods for providing security in a video game system 64 2000
 
SL PATENT HOLDINGS LLC (12)
7,089,212 System and method for controlling access to protected information 3 2004
7,065,508 System and method for operating a licensing server 9 2004
7,962,417 System and method for distributing protected information 0 2004
7,085,743 System and method for creating and running protected information 3 2004
7,319,988 System and method for processing protected audio information 1 2004
7,158,954 System and method for processing protected video information 0 2004
8,140,435 System and method for processing protected text information 0 2004
7,092,908 System and method for selling protected information in an oem context 1 2004
7,353,205 Method for causing a digital product to revert to a demo mode 1 2004
7,555,463 System and method for selectively changing parameter settings based on lineage analysis of digital information 0 2006
7,831,516 System and method for redistributing and licensing access to protected information among a plurality of devices 0 2006
8,332,328 System and method for redistributing and licensing access to protected information among a plurality of devices 0 2010
 
IGT (8)
7,043,641 Encryption in a secure computerized gaming system 65 2000
7,988,559 Computerized gaming system, method and apparatus 3 2001
7,203,841 Encryption in a secure computerized gaming system 38 2001
7,162,036 Digital identification of unique game characteristics 10 2001
7,116,782 Encryption in a secure computerized gaming system 49 2001
7,931,533 Game development architecture that decouples the game logic from the graphics logics 5 2002
7,618,317 Method for developing gaming programs compatible with a computerized gaming operating system and apparatus 22 2002
7,867,084 Pass-through live validation device and method 0 2006
 
SHIELDIP, INC. (8)
6,697,948 Methods and apparatus for protecting information 137 1999
7,406,593 Method and apparatus for protecting information and privacy 2 2003
7,131,144 Methods and apparatus for protecting information 11 2003
7,073,197 Methods and apparatus for protecting information 15 2003
7,287,159 Detection and identification methods for software 6 2004
7,747,873 Method and apparatus for protecting information and privacy 3 2005
7,991,995 Method and apparatus for protecting information and privacy 1 2008
8,327,453 Method and apparatus for protecting information and privacy 0 2010
 
SCA IPLA HOLDINGS INC. (6)
7,376,073 Optical storage medium having distortion regions, and a method of modifying an optical storage medium to include distortion regions 4 2001
7,562,396 Systems and methods for media authentication 2 2002
7,716,485 Systems and methods for media authentication 1 2004
7,643,393 Systems and methods for optical media modification 1 2004
7,944,806 Method for modifying optical path on optical recording medium having distortion regions 0 2008
8,095,798 Systems and methods for media authentication 0 2010
 
EMC CORPORATION (5)
5,949,601 Read/write protect scheme for a disk cartridge and drive 29 1997
6,104,561 Read/write protect scheme for a disk cartridge and drive 21 1999
6,532,451 Nested strong loader apparatus and method 49 1999
6,724,554 Read/write protect scheme for a disk cartridge and drive 7 2000
7,383,442 Nested strong loader apparatus and method 4 2002
 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (4)
4,817,140 Software protection system using a single-key cryptosystem, a hardware-based authorization system and a secure coprocessor 336 1986
4,866,769 Hardware assist for protecting PC software 199 1987
5,109,413 Manipulating rights-to-execute in connection with a software copy protection mechanism 226 1989
5,758,068 Method and apparatus for software license management 142 1995
 
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA (4)
5,222,231 Data processing system having a resume function and an operating method thereof 14 1990
5,475,762 Computer with password processing function and password processing method of computer 16 1994
5,430,867 Data processing system having a resume function and an operating method thereof 14 1994
5,544,083 Password management method and apparatus 13 1994
 
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING RESOURCES, INC. (3)
4,977,594 Database usage metering and protection system and method 645 1989
5,050,213 Database usage metering and protection system and method 560 1990
5,410,598 Database usage metering and protection system and method 567 1994
 
SAFENET, INC. (3)
6,523,119 Software protection device and method 59 1996
6,128,741 Compact transparent dongle device 13 1998
7,024,564 Software protection device and method 10 2002
 
SOFTEL, INC. (3)
5,497,479 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software 165 1995
5,649,187 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software 75 1995
5,613,089 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software 40 1996
 
FRAUD CONTROL SYSTEMS.COM CORPORATION (2)
8,229,844 Method of billing a purchase made over a computer network 0 2008
8,190,513 Method of billing a purchase made over a computer network 0 2008
 
RIDDELL, H. GEORGE (2)
5,103,476 Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations 388 1990
5,222,134 Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations 387 1991
 
SOFTWARE SECURITY, INC. (2)
4,562,306 Method and apparatus for protecting computer software utilizing an active coded hardware device 183 1983
5,081,676 Method and apparatus for protecting multiple copies of computer software from unauthorized use 38 1990
 
ST. PATENT HOLDINGS LLC (2)
7,330,837 Method for adapting a software product to an environment 0 2001
7,209,901 Method for selling, protecting, and redistributing digital goods 0 2001
 
ZOFILLIP PRO GROUP LLC (2)
5,933,498 System for controlling access and distribution of digital property 598 1997
6,314,409 System for controlling access and distribution of digital property 415 1998
 
AMDAHL CORPORATION (1)
5,276,884 Controlling the initiation of logical systems in a data processing system with logical processor facility 16 1991
 
BITSTREAM INC. (1)
6,138,237 Apparatuses, methods, and media for authoring, distributing, and using software resources with purposely restricted use 60 1997
 
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (1)
4,646,234 Anti-piracy system using separate storage and alternate execution of selected proprietary and public portions of computer programs 90 1984
 
CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (1)
5,148,534 Hardware cartridge representing verifiable, use-once authorization 47 1991
 
COMPUTERIZED DATA SSYTEMS FOR MFG., INC. (1)
4,864,494 Software usage authorization system with key for decrypting/re-encrypting/re-transmitting moving target security codes from protected software 166 1986
 
CP8 TECHNOLOGIES (1)
4,683,553 Method and device for protecting software delivered to a user by a supplier 195 1986
 
DELL USA, L.P. (1)
5,099,516 Digital computer code word identification system 40 1989
 
EFFECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
4,791,565 Apparatus for controlling the use of computer software 154 1984
 
FANUC LTD (1)
4,884,211 Numerical control unit file protection system 5 1988
 
FUJITSU LIMITED (1)
6,604,153 Access protection from unauthorized use of memory medium with storage of identifier unique to memory medium in data storage device 6 2002
 
GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
4,598,170 Secure microprocessor 24 1984
 
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY (1)
5,023,907 Network license server 506 1988
 
HITACHI MAXELL, LTD. (1)
4,864,542 Memory cartridge having stored data protecting function and memory protecting method 40 1988
 
INPUT OPTICS, INC. (1)
4,891,838 Computer accessing system 111 1985
 
INTEL CORPORATION (1)
6,108,785 Method and apparatus for preventing unauthorized usage of a computer system 16 1997
 
INTERNET COMMERCE SERVICES CORPORATION (1)
5,864,620 Method and system for controlling distribution of software in a multitiered distribution chain 112 1996
 
KASPERSKY LAB, ZAO (1)
7,530,106 System and method for security rating of computer processes 11 2008
 
MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. (1)
5,004,232 Computer game cartridge security circuit 74 1989
 
MAGNACHIP SEMICONDUCTOR, LTD. (1)
5,313,520 Method and device for protecting data of ROM 10 1993
 
MANITOBA TELEPHONE SYSTEM, THE (1)
4,897,875 Key management system for open communication environments 44 1987
 
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. (1)
6,289,102 Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of information recorded on an information recording medium 92 1997
 
NCR CORPORATION (1)
4,723,284 Authentication system 82 1983
 
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD. (1)
5,710,813 Digital voice recording/reproducing apparatus 26 1995
 
PERSONALIZED MEDIA PMC COMMUNICATIONS, L.L.C. (1)
8,060,903 Signal processing apparatus and methods 0 1995
 
PITNEY BOWES INC. (1)
5,113,518 Method and system for preventing unauthorized use of software 199 1988
 
PREVIEW SOFTWARE (1)
4,658,093 Software distribution system 652 1983
 
ROMOX, INC. (1)
4,680,731 Reprogrammable cartridge memory with built-in identification circuitry and programming method 86 1986
 
RUNTIME INNOVATIONS LIMITED, 1.02 KELVIN CAMPUS, WEST OF SCOTLAND SCIENCE PARK, GLASGOW, G20 OSP, (1)
4,868,736 Code operated access control system for electronic data store 38 1987
 
SEGA ENTERPRISES, LTD. (1)
5,155,768 Security system for software 81 1991
 
SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA (1)
5,115,508 Password system utilizing two password types, the first being changeable after entry, the second being unchangeable until power is removed 33 1988
 
SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (1)
7,028,010 Method for transmitting encrypted information for registering an application program 0 2001
 
SIGNAL SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES (1)
5,155,680 Billing system for computing software 167 1989
 
SL PATENT HOLDINGS, INC. (1)
7,249,103 System and method for selectively enabling access based on lineage analysis of digital information 0 2004
 
SOFTLOCK SERVICES, INC. (1)
7,353,207 Method of altering a software product in response to predetermined events 1 2004
 
SOFTWARE CONCEPTS, INC. (1)
4,740,890 Software protection system with trial period usage code and unlimited use unlocking code both recorded on program storage media 322 1983
 
SONIC SOLUTIONS (1)
6,564,323 Personal information controlling method and personal information controlling apparatus 11 2002
 
SONY CORPORATION (1)
7,395,551 Method and apparatus for managing software use 1 2000
 
SPECIAL EFFECTS SOFTWARE, INC. (1)
5,199,066 Method and apparatus for protecting software 179 1989
 
SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,138,712 Apparatus and method for licensing software on a network of computers 488 1989
 
SUNHAWK CORPORATION, INC. (1)
5,889,860 Encryption system with transaction coded decryption key 124 1996
 
UNILOC LUXEMBOURG S. A. (1)
8,423,473 Systems and methods for game activation 0 2010
 
VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD. (1)
5,379,433 Protection against unauthorized use of software recorded on recording medium 95 1993
 
XEROX CORPORATION (1)
4,937,864 Debug routine accessing system 21 1989
 
ZOOM TELEVISION, INC. (1)
5,822,291 Mass storage element and drive unit therefor 116 1995
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (8)
4,558,176 Computer systems to inhibit unauthorized copying, unauthorized usage, and automated cracking of protected software 340 1982
4,796,181 Billing system for computer software 203 1986
4,845,715 Method for maintaining data processing system securing 45 1987
4,959,861 Security system for computer software 52 1988
5,047,928 Billing system for computer software 311 1989
5,024,495 Computer software protection, by optical effects 3 1990
6,681,212 Internet-based automated system and a method for software copyright protection and sales 14 2000
D545320 Copying-prevention software chip for embedding in compact disc 0 2005