Method for synchronous encryption between a client and a licensing agent

Abstract

A licensing system is disclosed for performing synchronous encryption with a client over an IP-compliant network. In disclosed embodiments, the system includes a licensing agent configured to pass a data structure unencrypted in an initial communication between the licensing agent/client pair and pass a first key to said client responsive to an initial communication. The licensing agent then receives the data structure from the client having designated fields encrypted according to the first key. The licensing agent then sends a second key to the client for use in subsequent communications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for synchronous encryption between a client and a licensing agent comprising:
 establishing a connection between a licensing agent/client pair over an IP-compliant network;   passing a data structure unencrypted in an initial communication between the licensing agent/client pair, the licensing agent passing a first key to said client responsive to the initial communication;   resending, by said client, said data structure having designated fields of said data structure encrypted according to said first key; and   sending, by said license agent, a second key to said client for use in subsequent communications.