Patent US 6,035,403

A method is provided for protecting distributed software, either through the internet/telephone networks or via physical storage media like floppy diskettes, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMS, etc., by using biometric information (personal fingerprint information in particular). In one approach, the fingerprint of the software purchaser is embedded into the purchased software at the time of purchase. All subsequent use of the software by the purchaser at his/her home or office is subject to (a) providing his/her fingerprint again and (b) the fingerprint matches that embedded in the purchased software. In another related approach, prior to the use or installation of distributed software, the user's computer calls a central management server station. The software then requests the user to provide his or her fingerprint by any device that would capture such information. The fingerprint information is then processed on the local user computer by any image processing program, and the relevant information is then sent to the central server along with a key or serial number that is built into the distributed software. The central management server then compares the provided information with the information previously stored in its central database and decides whether the user is authorized. Such a method can also be employed in a license management system whereby software product usage can be remotely monitored and fees for usage charged appropriately.