Abstract: Software piracy is inhibited by distributing unique software product keys operable in hardware or a hardware linked device. Software operable on the hardware requires the presence of the key in or accessible via the hardware, and operates only if the hardware product key is present. A method for securing software includes the steps of: providing a plurality of unique product activation keys designed for access by a computer program and delivering the keys to a hardware manufacturer. The computer program seeks at least one of said plurality of unique product activation keys in the read only memory device.

Abstract: Authenticating the source of digital media is performed by using unique, randomly generated variably encoded frequency patterns to create mastering specific, profiles for sets end user media which can be verified by a manufacturer. A method for verifying the authenticity of an optical storage device includes the steps of: reading a randomly generated signature key value for the optical storage device; determining manufacturing information for the optical storage device; and matching read randomly generated signature key values and manufacturing information with known valid key the to determine the authenticity of the device.

Abstract: Authenticating the source of digital media is performed by using unique, randomly generated variably encoded frequency patterns to create mastering specific, profiles for sets end user media which can be verified by a manufacturer. A method for verifying the authenticity of an optical storage device includes the steps of: reading a randomly generated signature key value for the optical storage device; determining manufacturing information for the optical storage device; and matching read randomly generated signature key values and manufacturing information with known valid key the to determine the authenticity of the device.

Abstract: Authenticating the source of digital media is performed by using unique, randomly generated variably encoded frequency patterns to create mastering specific, profiles for sets end user media which can be verified by a manufacturer. A method for verifying the authenticity of an optical storage device includes the steps of: reading a randomly generated signature key value for the optical storage device; determining manufacturing information for the optical storage device; and matching read randomly generated signature key values and manufacturing information with known valid key the to determine the authenticity of the device.

Abstract: A system of visual authentication of digital media. A visual means is provided at the point of purchase for a user to verify that the source of software is genuine. An authentication image is embedded into a portion of a media. The authentication image is not visible to the naked eye. Embodiments of the invention further include a view port integrated in the packaging for the media. The viewing port includes a decoder lens that allows the user to see the hidden authentication image, marking the authenticity of the media.