System for persistently encrypting critical software data to control operation of an executable software program

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A data encryption/decryption system is provided which maintains in encrypted form one or more critical data elements required by a software program. A user must obtain a license key in order to decrypt the critical data elements before the software program can use them. The data elements can be chosen such that their contents provide a control mechanism for the correct operation of the executable software program. The system allows for the inclusion of different data elements with or within a single version of the software program. The different data elements are encrypted for different license keys to allow for different license options and corresponding levels of control and flexibility …