PROTECTION OF SOFTWARE FROM PIRACY

摘要

A method of protecting a computer program (16) running on a computer apparatus (10) from piracy. The computer program (16) includes a code module (18) which performs an application and code which defines a plurality of blockades (20). Each blockade is associated with a parameter which determines activation of the blockade. Once activated, each blockade changes the functionality of the application compared to that pertaining prior to activation of the blockade. Blockades activate at different times. Each blockade requires at least one program update to be executed to deactivate that blockade. Updates can be installed manually or automatically. Preferably, the computer program is authorised as being a genuine copy of the program before receiving a program update.