Microsoft Corporation
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING SOFTWARE LICENSING INFORMATION VIA A TRUSTED PLATFORM MODULE

Abstract:

Methods for protecting software licensing information via a trusted platform module (TPM) are performed by systems and devices. When a licensing server is unreachable, a license is generated for a software application by a licensing manager. The license is generated via a secure register of the TPM using an asymmetric key, specific to the software application and policy-tied to the secure register, to generate a signature of a hashed license file for the software application. The asymmetric key is stored, mapped to the license file, and used for subsequent license validation. A licensing manager validation command is provided to validate the license using the key, as applied to the hash, to verify the signature and checking validity of the time stamp. Time stamp expiration or alteration of the license are determined to provoke invalidation indications for the validating application.