Secure electronic software packaging using setup-external unlocking module

Abstract

The present invention, generally speaking, provides for secure electronic software packaging using a setup-external unlocking module. As a result, a software publisher can produce a single ESD-ready version of a software title that may later be prepared for distribution through multiple different ESD channels by adding channel-specific unlocking modules. Duplication of the injection process prior to the packing of the setup file set is eliminated and great flexibility is achieved. Preferably, the single ESD-ready version allows for trial of the software, e.g., a free 30-day trial. Software publishers are incentivized to produce trial versions of their software for marketing purposes. Once such a trial version of a software title has been produced, no further modifications are required on the part of the software publisher in order to distribute the software through various different channels. In one embodiment, the software publisher produces a trial version of a software title using a technology provider tool to inject the program executable with “guard code” referred to herein as a protection module. The protection module allows the program to be run only in accordance with trial parameters specified by the software publisher. The protection module will typically lack commerce capabilities required in order to purchase the software, i.e., obtain unlimited usage of the software or at least usage beyond the original trial period. After the software has been injected with the protection module, a conventional installation tool is used to produce a setup file set. At this point, the BOB can be downloaded and tried but cannot be purchased. That is, unlike competing technologies, the BOBs at his point are fully functional trial versions that can be tested and tried without adding purchase capabilities.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.