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Inventors: Robert H Nagel, et al

US patent number: 5,592,549

US patent application date: June 15, 1995
US patent issue date: January 7, 1997

SYNOPSIS OF THE INVENTION

This patent describes a method for decrypting information, which could be a computer program or a copywrited image.

The automated branding of a unique serial number is a necessary consequence of the decryption method. This unique serial number together with the verified identification of the person authorizing the decryption is kept in a log file representing the purchaser, time and date of the purchase, the item purchased, and the unique serial number associated with this purchase. Any working copy of this program or image necessarily carries this unique serial number. This patent insures that digital intellectual property can exist only as encrypted or in the clear with a unique brand (serial number and purchase receipt).