Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Mark L Benedikt

Timothy A Rosemore

William Scott Ballantine

Software piracy is inhibited by distributing unique software product keys operable in hardware or a hardware linked device. Software operable on the hardware requires the presence of the key in or accessible via the hardware, and operates only if the hardware product key is present. A method for securing software includes the steps of: providing a plurality of unique product activation keys designed for access by a computer program and delivering the keys to a hardware manufacturer. The computer program seeks at least one of said plurality of unique product activation keys in the read only memory device.

Hardware linked product key

Authenticating the source of digital media is performed by using unique, randomly generated variably encoded frequency patterns to create mastering specific, profiles for sets end user media which can be verified by a manufacturer. A method for verifying the authenticity of an optical storage device includes the steps of: reading a randomly generated signature key value for the optical storage device; determining manufacturing information for the optical storage device; and matching read randomly generated signature key values and manufacturing information with known valid key the to determine the authenticity of the device.

Unique block header patterns for media verification

An optical disk with an embedded security device, or wafer, is presented. The security device includes security features that enable the identification of genuine optical disks versus counterfeit optical disks. Methods for creating optical disks embedded with security devices are also presented. A security device is placed on the center pin of an open mold before the optical disk is formed. Alternatively, an optical disk having a cavity formed on a surface to receive a security device is created. A special mold with a raised platform creates the cavity on the optical disk. As a further alternative, two optical platters, each having a complementary cavity to accommodate a security device are created using a special mold having a raised platform. The security device is inserted into the complementary cavities and the optical platters and security device are bonded together.

Optical storage media with embedded security device

A system and method for securely delivering installation keys from a key generator to an individualization device at a production facility is presented. Operators, using a production key server at the manufacturing facility, send a request to a key release server for a number of installation keys according to a production run. The key release server verifies the request, and if valid, returns the requested number of installation keys to the production key server in an encrypted format. The production key server then decrypts and delivers installation keys to the individualization device in a just-in-time fashion. The production key server includes various security devices including a hardware decryption device to decrypt the installation keys, a smart card reader for authenticating authorized operators, and a limiting switch to disable the production key server if it is tampered with.

System and method for securely delivering installation keys to a production facility

An optical disk with an embedded security device, or wafer, is presented. The security device includes security features that enable the identification of genuine optical disks versus counterfeit optical disks. Methods for creating optical disks embedded with security devices are also presented. An optical disk having a cavity formed on a surface to receive a security device is created. A special mold with a raised platform creates the cavity on the optical disk. The security device is located in the cavity of the optical disk and bonded to the optical disk.

An optical disk comprises a disk substrate having a hub and an annular optical metallicized data region extending radially outward from the hub. The optical disk further comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder affixed to the disk substrate, e.g., within the non-data containing hub region. The optical disk further comprises at least one linear antenna element coupled to the transponder, e.g., via pole lead(s), and extending within the data region. The antenna element(s) can be applied to the disk substrate as a patterned antenna layer over a metallicized data region, and can be electrically isolated from the data region. A method and system of identifying an optical disk is provided. A radio frequency (RF) signal can be transmitted to the optical disk at a range of at least five feet, and preferably at a range of at least ten feet. An RF signal with an identification code (e.g., a unique number) can be received from the optical disk in response to the transmitted RF signal. The activating RF signal can be transmitted by, and the identification RF signal can be received by, e.g., a handheld RF reader or an RF reader that is affixed to a building. The identification code can then be processed for many purposes, such as identifying the optical disk as a non-counterfeited optical disk, calculating a royalty, or tracking the location of the optical disk.

Optical disk and method of integrating a high gain RFID antenna

A system of visual authentication of digital media. A visual means is provided at the point of purchase for a user to verify that the source of software is genuine. An authentication image is embedded into a portion of a media. The authentication image is not visible to the naked eye. Embodiments of the invention further include a view port integrated in the packaging for the media. The viewing port includes a decoder lens that allows the user to see the hidden authentication image, marking the authenticity of the media.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Mark L Benedikt