Microsoft Awarded Patent for “Software Watermarking”

[The Highlander]

Microsoft Awarded Patent for “Software Watermarking”

 

Looking for a new way to prevent software piracy, and possibly an homage to just how much software is purchased in a downloadable format, Microsoft has patented a method for embedding a digital watermark into a program on the fly.

 

According to the documents filed, the method is based on a process where personal identification information, “such as a purchaser’s name, address, telephone number, credit card number” is collected and embedded into the binary code of an application at the time when the software is purchased over the Internet and prepared for download release. Source: TG Daily

 

We Say: I understand it’s going to be put into the software in such a way that supposedly, a pirate won’t be able to decode the information … but … as evidenced by the cracking of AACS, it’s difficult for me to believe anything is uncrackable. And I wouldn’t be too happy with my credit card info being decoded by a hacker (particularly, with all my ID theft issues).

 

Read here: http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/4519

[REDWAGON]

I would assume that this new watermarking method would be for all MS programs to start with. And I think it would take a while for other software manufactures to join in. On the other hand many of the internet sellers of software would probably go with it right at the git-go, especially if they are selling MS software.

 

If that happens I will figure out some other way to buy my software, if that's possible. And I agree--If anyone says they have a proof positive way of not be able to pirate it, then think again. If it can be made, someone will figure out out to break it.

 

Frank...

[gi7omy]

It's even money whether the Russians or the Chinese crack it first