Secure Software License Delivery via Digital Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software licensing systems face challenges in delivering secure and user-friendly license information, particularly in protecting against software piracy, as existing methods are cumbersome and prone to user errors, and lack effective tracing of unauthorized usage back to the original purchaser.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for delivering secure software license information using a computer system, authorizing program, and license server, which involves associating publisher and product certificates with private keys, generating and validating licenses through digital signatures, and controlling software usage based on license terms, ensuring a secure and traceable link to the original purchaser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital signatures and encryption are used to improve license security, then security is improved, but the complexity of the license delivery process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a license server as an intermediary component that handles the complex cryptographic operations between the software product and the user's computer system. The server manages certificate validation, license generation with digital signatures, and secure communication, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the end-user while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (such as copying and pasting license codes) with automated electronic systems. The authorization program automatically generates and validates license requests and responses using digital signatures and encryption, eliminating the need for users to manually handle complex license information while maintaining security.
2Ease of manufacture
If challenge/response methods with alphanumeric codes are used for license delivery, then ease of delivery is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to copying and pasting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs digital copying of license information through electronic transmission. Instead of requiring users to manually copy and paste alphanumeric codes, the system uses automated electronic communication to transfer license data between the user's computer and the license server, significantly improving user convenience while maintaining security through digital signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical operations (copying, pasting, typing) with automated electronic communication protocols. The authorization program automatically sends license requests and receives signed license responses through electronic channels, eliminating the tedious manual processes while maintaining secure license delivery.
3Reliability
If license information is encrypted to prevent piracy, then security is improved, but the difficulty of determining hack origin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through digital signatures and certificates that trace the origin of software and license information. The signed license requests and responses create an auditable trail that provides feedback about the source of software copies, enabling the system to identify and trace unauthorized distribution back to the original purchaser while maintaining encryption for security.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for delivery of secure software license information to authorize the use of a software program is disclosed. The method and system comprises a computer system for executing the software program and the authorizing program, and a license server, connected to the computer system over a network. The method and system include associating a publisher certificate and a signed product key pair with the program to be authorized, generating a license request containing user and product information and signed by the private key from the product key pair, transmitting the license request to a license server, generating a license using data extracted from the license request and license terms, signing the license with the publisher private key associated with the publisher certificate, transmitting the license to the authorization program, validating the license using the publisher certificate, and using the license terms to control the use of the software program.