A method and implementing computer system are provided in which selected
information is embedded within computer program structures without
requiring separate bit strings. In an exemplary embodiment, the embedded
selected information includes an identification of a licensed user
together with a serial number of the associated licensed program. That
information is converted into a binary representation, and a transfer
function is used to embed the binary representation into the structure of
the licensed program. In the example, when a licensed program is
compiled, linked and downloaded over an interconnection network, the
order or sequence of the modules of the licensed program is arranged in a
manner to correspond to the embedded selected information. The embedded
information can then be extracted from the program by analysis of the
organization of the modules comprising the program.