Abstract: A method and system for reducing unauthorized software use include generating a key based on computer-specific information of a computer on which the software is installed and using the key to encrypt an authorization code which enables use of the software on the computer. A representative maintains contact with the software user as a new authorization code from the representative is required after some period of use of the software. The representative encrypts the new password using the key and transfers the encrypted key to authorize use of the software for a next period of use. The encrypted password is a form of digital signature or certificate which is unique to a particular computer and limits use of the software to the particular computer. The key may be generated using various computer-specific information such as the motherboard/processor identification, the number of bad sectors or hard disk identification, and/or the amount of installed memory.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user for an initial authorized period upon entry by the user. The user is required to contact the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further or continual communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. The registration information includes computer specific information.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user during an initial period upon entry by the user. The user then contacts the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during subsequent periods without further communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses either manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. Previously stored registration information is compared with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user.

Abstract: Hardware based digital rights management includes designating software for protection via a code or identifier associated with the software and detected by a hardware based authorized representative entity resident on a user computer, network, or device, remotely located relative to the user, or both. Representative hardware based implementations may be in the form of a chip, chipset, PC card, processor, and/or integral with a CPU, preferably supplied on an OEM basis. Authorized representative functions are programmable and/or hard coded. Software/digital content is self-activating/self-authenticating when used in conjunction with a resident authorized administrator. During the first use or transfer of content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code at least partially based on registration information including user system information and links the code to the content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, testing, distribution, and use of computer software with associated methods and systems for repeatedly contacting a software user and exchanging information, such as passwords, authorization information, marketing, advertising, or promotional information include associating a list of passwords with each copy or group of copies of computer software which must be entered at predetermined intervals to provide continued use of the software. Software monitoring and network license metering may be providing by storing information relative to software operation on a local computer or server and transferring the information to a remote computer or server at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium having data representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software. The medium includes instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period. The medium also includes instructions for requiring the user to contact a representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further continual communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The medium further includes instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user during an initial period upon entry by the user. The user then contacts the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during subsequent periods without further communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses either manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. Previously stored registration information is compared with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, testing, distribution, and use of computer software with associated methods and systems for repeatedly contacting a software user and exchanging information, such as passwords, authorization information, marketing, advertising, or promotional information include associating a list of passwords with each copy or group of copies of computer software which must be entered at predetermined intervals to provide continued use of the software. Software monitoring and network license metering may be providing by storing information relative to software operation on a local computer or server and transferring the information to a remote computer or server at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium for providing repeated contact with computer software or a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, or marketing information includes repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for continued use of the software. The invention provides for automatically obtaining authorization information in addition to marketing, advertising, and/or promotional information prior to expiration of each authorization interval or period. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry. Authorization intervals may vary depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: A method for providing repeated contact with computer software or a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, and/or marketing information includes repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for continued use of the software. The invention provides for automatically obtaining authorization information in addition to marketing, advertising, and/or promotional information prior to expiration of each authorization interval or period. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry. Authorization intervals may vary depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing repeated contact with a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, or marketing information include repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for continued use of the software. The invention provides for automatically obtaining authorization information in addition to marketing, advertising, and/or promotional information prior to expiration of each authorization interval or period. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first code with the software. The first code enables the software on a computer for use by a user for an initial authorization period upon entry by the user. The user is required to contact the representative for retrieval of an additional code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further communication with the representative following entry of the additional code. The user provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional code. The registration information is compared with previously provided registration information to determine if the user is authorized or unauthorized. The software is disabled following the initial authorization period if the user is unauthorized. The additional code is transferred to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer if the user is authorized.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized use of software includes designating software for protection via a corresponding identifier associated with the software. The identifier is detected by an authorized representative entity that may be resident on a user computer, network, or device, remotely located relative to the user, or both. The software is self-activating/self-authenticating when used in conjunction with a resident authorized representative. During the first use or transfer of the content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code based on user system information and links the code to the content. Subsequent use or access to the content requires that the current system information at least partially match the system information of the authorized system encoded in the authorization code or codes associated with the content.

Abstract: A device for reducing unauthorized use of protected content and selectively exchanging information includes designating software for protection and information exchange via a corresponding identifier associated with the software. An authorized representative entity resident on a user computer, network, or device, remotely located relative to the user, or both, detects the identifier. During the first use or transfer of the content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code based on user system information and links the code to the content. Subsequent use or access to the content requires that the current system information at least partially match the system information of the authorized system encoded in the authorization code(s) associated with the content.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes data for reducing unauthorized use of software designated for protection via a corresponding identifier associated with the software. The identifier is detected by an authorized representative entity that may be resident on a user computer, network, or device; remotely located relative to the user; or both. The resident authorized representative entity may be contained on the computer readable storage medium or downloaded to provide a self activating and self authenticating turnkey solution. During the first use or transfer of the content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code based on user system information and links the code to the content. Subsequent use or access to the content requires that the current system information at least partially match the system information of the authorized system encoded in the authorization code or codes associated with the content.

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.

Abstract: A method for reducing unauthorized use of software and selectively exchanging information includes designating software for protection and information exchange via one or more corresponding identifier(s) associated with the software. An identifier is detected by an authorized representative entity resident on a user computer, network, or device, remotely located relative to the user, or both. During first use/transfer of content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code based on user system information and links the code to the content. Subsequent use/access to the content requires that the current system information at least partially match system information of the authorized system encoded in the authorization code or codes associated with the content.

Abstract: A system and method for digital rights management include designating software for protection via a corresponding code or identifier within the software. The identifier is detected by an authorized representative entity that may be resident on a user computer, network, or device, remotely located relative to the user, or both. Software/digital content being self-activating/self-authenticating when used in conjunction with a resident authorized administrator. During the first use or transfer of the content designated for protection, the authorized representative generates a password or authentication code at least partially based on user system information and links the code to the content. Subsequent use or access to the content requires that the current system information at least partially match the system information of the authorized system. Registration information associated with the user/device remaining within a trusted network associated with the user providing optimal user privacy.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing unauthorized software use include generating a key based on computer-specific information of a computer on which the software is installed and using the key to encrypt an authorization code which enables use of the software on the computer. A representative maintains contact with the software user as a new authorization code from the representative is required after some period of use of the software. The representative encrypts the new password using the key and transfers the encrypted key to authorize use of the software for a next period of use. The encrypted password is a form of digital signature or certificate which is unique to a particular computer and limits use of the software to the particular computer. The key may be generated using various computer-specific information such as the motherboard/processor identification, the number of bad sectors or hard disk identification, and/or the amount of installed memory.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium for providing repeated contact with computer software or a software user to transfer information which may include advertising, promotional, or marketing information includes repeatedly contacting the software manufacturer or third party representative or agent for continued use of the software. The invention provides for automatically obtaining authorization information in addition to marketing, advertising, and/or promotional information prior to expiration of each authorization interval or period. The user and/or software contacts an authorized representative of the software to obtain authorization information which may be downloaded directly to the software or provided to the user for entry. Authorization intervals may vary depending upon the particular application. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides authorization information which allows continued use of the software for a period based on value of the software.