Software applications distribution method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for distributing digital information, such as software applications, to application users. By providing the digital information on unused memory space of a computer system, and providing a process for authorizing access to the information, the information can be efficiently and cost effectively transferred to users. Traditional inventory and distribution channel difficulties are avoided.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method of controlling access to a proprietary software application resident on a new handheld computerized apparatus sold to a purchaser, the method comprising:
 receiving an initial request from the purchaser via an input device of the apparatus to access the application;   substantially automatically accessing a remote third party authorization entity via a network interface of the computerized apparatus in order to obtain an authorization to access the application;   recording information relating to the authorization on the handheld computerized apparatus for subsequent use;   accessing the application pursuant to the initial request using at least the authorization; and   receiving a subsequent request for access to the application from the purchaser; and   granting access to the application pursuant to the subsequent request based at least in part on the recorded information.   
     
     
         31 . A method of distributing application software with a personal computerized apparatus having digital data recorded thereon, the method comprising:
 recording computer readable instructions in the personal computerized apparatus, the instructions configured to, when executed by the personal computerized apparatus, substantially automatically control access to the digital data by at least:
 executing, based at least in part on a first request for access to the digital data, the computer readable instructions, the executing causing the personal computerized apparatus to contact a party authorized to grant access to the digital data, the contact comprising transmission of at least a portion of the digital data; and 
 executing, after the party provides authorization to grant access to the digital data, the computer readable instructions, the executing causing the computerized apparatus to record at least a portion of the authorization in the personal computerized apparatus, and to grant a first access to the digital data based on the authorization; 
   wherein the recording of the at least portion of the authorization in the computerized apparatus enables subsequent execution of the computer readable instructions, said subsequent execution causing the computerized apparatus to grant a second access to the digital data, substantially automatically, based at least in part on receiving at least a second request for access to the digital data.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein:
 the recordation of the digital data and the recording computer readable instructions are both performed by a first party; and   the second request is received from a second party, the second party being different from the first party.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein:
 the second access does not require contact with the party authorized to grant access to the digital data; and   said contact of the party authorized to grant access to the digital data comprises accessing a network connection.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein recordation of the software application and recording computer readable instructions are each performed during manufacture of the computerized apparatus. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein recordation of the software application and recording computer readable instructions are each performed prior to sale of the computerized apparatus to a purchaser. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein recordation of the software application and recording computer readable instructions are each performed based at least on a sale of the software application. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the authorization to grant access to the digital data is based at least in part on verifying a permission of the computerized apparatus to access the software application. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the software application is selected from a group consisting of: (i) a word processing application, (ii) a spreadsheet application, (iii) a gaming application, and (iv) an Internet access application. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 31  wherein recordation of the digital data and the computer readable instructions are each performed based at least in part on a purchase request for the personal computerized apparatus. 
     
     
         40 . A method of activating digitally rendered information in a portable computerized apparatus, the method comprising:
 recording the digitally rendered information on at least one non-volatile storage medium of the portable computerized apparatus by a first entity;   recording computer readable instructions in the portable computerized apparatus; and   controlling access to the digitally rendered information by at least:
 based at least in part on receiving a first request from a second entity to access the digitally rendered information, causing automatic execution of the computer readable instructions, the instructions causing (i) access a network link, and (ii) contact of a party authorized to grant access to the digitally rendered information; 
 when the party provides an authorization to grant access to the digitally rendered information, causing recording of the authorization in the portable computerized apparatus, and causing granting of a first access to the digitally rendered information based at least in part on the recorded authorization; and 
 based at least in part on receiving a second request from the second entity to access the digitally rendered information, granting at least a second access to the digitally rendered information based at least in part on the authorization recorded in the computerized apparatus. 
   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the digitally rendered information comprises a software application, and recording the application is performed based at least in part on a purchase the software application by the second entity. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein recording the digitally rendered information is performed by the first entity substantially at a time of manufacture or sale of the portable computerized apparatus. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said providing an authorization to grant access to the digitally rendered information comprises authenticating the second entity for access the software application. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein:
 the digitally rendered information comprises a software application; and   providing an authorization to grant access to the software application comprises authenticating the portable computerized apparatus for access to the software application.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said second entity is different than the first entity; and said second entity is a user of said portable computerized apparatus. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein providing an authorization to grant access to the digitally rendered information comprises authenticating said user of the portable computerized apparatus for access to the digitally rendered information. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising causing presentation at the portable computerized apparatus of an opportunity for said user to qualify for access to the digitally rendered information if the party does not provide authorization to grant access to the digitally rendered information. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein said opportunity to qualify for access to the digitally rendered information comprises establishment of an account associated with said user, the establishment of the account configured at least in part to effect granting of access to the digitally rendered information. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein said opportunity to qualify for access to the digitally rendered information comprises billing the user for granting of access to the digitally rendered information. 
     
     
         50 . Portable computer readable apparatus having a storage medium, the storage medium comprising at least one software application and at least a plurality of instructions configured to control access to the software application, the plurality of instructions being configured to, when executed, enable substantially automated control of access to the software application by at least:
 based at least in part on receiving a first request for access to software application from a user, causing contact via a network link with a party authorized to grant access to the software application;   receiving an authorization to grant access to the software application;   causing recordation of at least a portion of the authorization so as to be accessible for future access to grant access to the software application; and   in response to receiving at least a second subsequent request from a user for access to the software application, granting another access to the software application based at least in part on said recorded at least portion of the authorization.   
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein said another access can be granted without requiring further contact with the party. 
     
     
         52 . The apparatus of  claim 50 , wherein the computer readable apparatus is distributed with a portable computerized device at time of sale thereof. 
     
     
         53 . The apparatus of  claim 52 , wherein the computer readable apparatus comprises a removable storage apparatus configured to interface with the portable computerized device. 
     
     
         54 . The apparatus of  claim 52 , wherein the computer readable apparatus comprises a programmable memory device of the portable computerized device. 
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein said:
 first request for access is provided by a first user of the portable computerized device; and   providing an authorization to grant access to the software application comprises authenticating said user for access the software application.   
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein providing an authorization to grant access to the software application comprises authenticating the portable computerized device for access to the software application. 
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 56 , wherein said control of access to the software application further comprises causing presentation at the portable computerized apparatus of an opportunity to qualify for access to the software application if the party does not provide authorization to grant access to the software application. 
     
     
         58 . Computer readable apparatus for use in a mobile computerized apparatus, the computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium having a proprietary software application resident therein, the software application configured to:
 receive an initial request from a user of the computerized apparatus to access the application;   substantially automatically cause access to a remote third party authorization entity via a network interface of the computerized apparatus in order to obtain an authorization to access the application;   record information relating to the authorization on the computerized apparatus for subsequent use;   access the application pursuant to the initial request using at least the authorization; and   receiving a subsequent request for access to the application from the user; and   grant access to the application pursuant to the subsequent request based at least in part on the recorded information.   
     
     
         59 . A method of controlling access to a proprietary software application resident on a new handheld computerized apparatus sold to a purchaser, the method comprising:
 configuring the software application so that, in response to receiving an initial request from the purchaser via an input device of the apparatus to access the application, the application:
 causes, substantially automatically, an access of a remote third party authorization entity via a network interface of the computerized apparatus in order to obtain an authorization to access the application; 
 records information relating to the authorization on the handheld computerized apparatus for subsequent use; and 
 accesses the application pursuant to the initial request using at least the authorization; and 
   configuring the software application so that, in response to receiving a subsequent request for access to the application from the purchaser, the application grants access thereto pursuant to the subsequent request based at least in part on the recorded information.   
     
     
         60 . A method of controlling access to a proprietary software application resident on a new handheld computerized apparatus sold to a purchaser, the method comprising:
 providing from a first party the software application, the software application configured so that:   (i) in response to receiving an initial request from the purchaser via an input device of the apparatus to access the application, the application:
 causes, substantially automatically, an access of a remote authorization entity via a network interface of the computerized apparatus in order to obtain an authorization to access the application; 
 records information relating to the authorization on the handheld computerized apparatus for subsequent use; and 
 accesses the application pursuant to the initial request using at least the authorization; and 
   (ii) in response to receiving a subsequent request for access to the application from the purchaser, the application grants access thereto pursuant to the subsequent request based at least in part on the recorded information;   receiving a communication from said computerized apparatus pursuant to said substantially automated access of said remote authorization entity requesting said authorization; and   providing at least a portion of said information to said computerized apparatus.   
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said remote authorization entity is controller or operated by said first party. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said remote authorization entity is operated by a third party, said third party being authorized to perform said providing of said at least portion of said information to said computerized apparatus.