Method and apparatus for controlling access to a product

Details Method and apparatus for controlling access to a product Method and apparatus for controlling access to a product

1998-07-15

2001-11-06

Trammell, James P. (Department: 2161)

Data processing: financial, business practice, management, or co

Business processing using cryptography

Usage protection of distributed data files

Reexamination Certificate

active

06314408

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to networked systems and, more particularly, to electronic distribution of products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The world wide network of computers commonly known as the “Internet” has grown rapidly over the last several years. Much of this growth has been driven by the increase in popularity of the World Wide Web (“WWW” or “Web”). The WWW is a collection of files written using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), commonly referred to as “Web pages.” HTML files may be easily configured and created by users and accessed and displayed using specialized applications known as Web browsers, which allow a user to access and view HTML files using a graphical user interface.
Partially as a result of this growth in popularity, many products can now be distributed to consumers with relative ease. Unfortunately, many users will not purchase a product without first trying the product. However, it is currently difficult to subsequently control access to a distributed product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling access to a product that has been distributed. In particular, the systems and methods described below allow a product to be distributed to a user for demonstration purposes without losing control of usage of the product. The systems and methods described below also allow multiple users access to a product for demonstration purposes while requiring only a single authorization to grant access to all users.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling access to a product. A request is received for a product. A license string that controls access to the product is generated substantially at the time the request is received. The generated license string is transmitted to the requestor. The requestor may enter the license string into the product in order to gain access to it.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling access to a product. The system includes an input unit which receives a request for a product. The system also includes a license string generator in electrical communication with the input unit. The license string generator produces a license string that controls access to the product. The license string is generated substantially at the time a request is received. The system also includes an output unit for transmitting the generated license string to the requestor.


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