Offline Software Licensing Using Embedded Unlock Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software licensing management systems face vulnerabilities and limitations, particularly in environments where Internet connectivity is restricted or not permitted, leading to potential license cheating and management challenges.
Innovation Solution
A software licensing management system that generates a unique identifier with embedded licensing information, allowing users to request an unlock code through various communication methods, including speech, visual codes, or network connection, ensuring secure and flexible access to licensed services without relying on Internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Internet-based licensing is used, then license administration is centralized and secure, but it requires Internet connectivity which is not permitted in some environments
Solution Approach 1:
The licensing system is segmented into two parts: a license generator that can operate offline and embed licensing information in unique identifiers, and a verification system that checks these identifiers. This segmentation allows the software to function securely without requiring constant Internet connectivity, resolving the contradiction between centralized security and environment compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A unique identifier acts as an intermediary carrier that embeds licensing information. Instead of requiring direct Internet-based verification for every operation, the system uses these identifiers as intermediaries that can be verified offline or through alternative communication channels like SMS or email, bridging the gap between security requirements and offline operation needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local license server is used, then offline operation is enabled, but it is vulnerable to exploitation by users
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable local license server is replaced by extracting the essential licensing functionality into a distributed verification system. Instead of requiring a local server that users can exploit, the system extracts licensing validation to remote verification through multiple channels (Internet, SMS, email), eliminating the security vulnerability while maintaining offline operation capability through pre-generated identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on a single vulnerable local server, the system creates multiple copies of licensing verification capability across different communication channels (Internet-based verification, SMS verification, email verification). This distribution of verification copies eliminates the single point of failure and vulnerability while maintaining offline functionality.
3Reliability
If hardware-based license (dongle) is used, then license protection is enhanced, but it requires external hardware attachment which many customers reject
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical hardware-based licensing system (dongles that require physical attachment) is replaced with an electronic/software-based unique identifier system. This substitution maintains license protection through cryptographic verification while eliminating the need for external hardware attachment, significantly improving user convenience while preserving security.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing software licensing management and authentication. In various examples, a computing system might receive a request for an unlock code for a requested service from a user using a client device on which a first software is executed, the request comprising a generated unique identifier associated with the requested service and/or the first software. The generated unique identifier comprises licensing information associated with the requested service and/or the first software. In response to receiving the generated unique identifier, the computing system might determine whether the user should have access to the requested service using the first software based at least in part on the licensing information. If so, the computing system might generate an unlock code associated with the requested service using the first software, might deduct cost associated with the licensing information, and might send the unlock code to user.