Software Licensing via Divided Signaling Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software licensing methods face challenges in preventing unauthorized use and distribution, ensuring secure key exchange, and maintaining control over software usage, particularly in enterprise environments, due to vulnerabilities in current hardware-based and network-dependent solutions.
Innovation Solution
The use of separate communication pathways over different networks for bearer and control signaling in license transactions, involving a digital telephone network and the Internet, to securely transmit license information and authenticate computational components, thereby enhancing security and preventing unauthorized distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software licensing information is distributed over a single network pathway, then distribution efficiency is improved, but security against attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the licensing communication into two separate pathways: a control signaling pathway for exchanging licensing information and a data pathway for software distribution. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining security, as the control pathway can use secure protocols independent of the potentially compromised data pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a licensing server as an intermediary component that mediates between the software distributor and the end user. This server acts as a trusted third party that verifies licensing information separately from the software distribution process, preventing direct exposure of licensing mechanisms to potential attacks on the distribution channel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hardware dongles are used for software licensing, then security against piracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware dongle system with an electronic licensing mechanism that operates through software-based authentication and cryptographic verification. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware connections while maintaining security through digital signatures and encrypted communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The licensing system enables automated verification and activation processes that occur without user intervention. The software automatically communicates with the licensing server, performs authentication, and activates licensed features without requiring users to manually connect hardware dongles or configure settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If encryption keys are provided to customers, then software distribution flexibility is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption key management into multiple components distributed across different systems. Rather than providing a single master key to customers, the system uses key pairs where private keys remain secure on the licensing server and public keys are distributed for verification, enabling flexible distribution without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The licensing server acts as an intermediary that manages encryption keys without exposing them to end users. It performs cryptographic operations, verifies digital signatures, and manages key distribution through secure channels, allowing flexible software distribution while maintaining key security through centralized controlled access.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the use of separate communication pathways over different types of networks to handle bearer and control signaling in connection with a license transaction.