Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Chris McMillan

Ning Zhang

Ajay Arvind Bhave

Jihad Tafas

David Maralack

Aditya Dhar

Shane Patton

Matt Graves

Eric Timmreck

Mike Weidenbener

Systems and methods are provided for activation of software that uses digital licenses. In some embodiments, a software vendor may securely deliver at least one digital proof-of-purchase to an OEM (e.g., to avoid piracy of software licenses). The OEM may install an associated software copy on a computer system, and store the at least one digital proof-of-purchase on it. The OEM may communicate the proof(s)-of-purchase stored on the computer system and its system identifier to the software vendor. A user of the computer system may attempt to activate the OEM pre-installed software by sending an activation request to a software vendor, who may verify whether or not the digital proof-of-purchase and system identifier in the activation request match those previously reported by the OEM, and may either grant or deny the activation request.

Software activation using digital licenses

Growing community of inventors

Woodinville, WA, United States of America

Chris McMillan