US20050097059A1 - Digital work identification and licensing method - Google Patents

Digital work identification and licensing method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050097059A1
US20050097059A1 US10/999,394 US99939404A US2005097059A1 US 20050097059 A1 US20050097059 A1 US 20050097059A1 US 99939404 A US99939404 A US 99939404A US 2005097059 A1 US2005097059 A1 US 2005097059A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
file
remote client
checksum
license
application
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/999,394
Inventor
Gary Shuster
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kioba Processing LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/999,394 priority Critical patent/US20050097059A1/en
Publication of US20050097059A1 publication Critical patent/US20050097059A1/en
Assigned to HOSHIKO, LLC reassignment HOSHIKO, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: IDEAFLOOD, INC.
Assigned to HOSHIKO LLC reassignment HOSHIKO LLC CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 018498 FRAME 0337.ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNEE'S NAME IS HOSHIKO LLC,NOT HOSHIKO,LLC Assignors: IDEAFLOOD, INC.
Assigned to INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC reassignment INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HOSHIKO LLC
Assigned to INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 153 LLC reassignment INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 153 LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC
Assigned to KIOBA PROCESSING, LLC reassignment KIOBA PROCESSING, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 153 LLC
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/06Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a method and system for facilitating the purchase of a copyright license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work.
  • the Internet is a worldwide system of computer networks—a network of networks in which users at any one computer may get information from any other computer.
  • the use of public and shared computing environments has proliferated due to the popularity of the Internet. And, numerous applications exist whereby music, movies, software, and other types of copyright protected works in the form of digital files may be distributed over the Internet.
  • the protected works may be distributed using a centralized file sharing system, such as Napster.
  • Napster is an application that allows users to easily search for and download their favorite music in the form of MP3 music files. Specifically, to search and download an MP3 music file, the user simply types in the name of an artist or song at the Napster.com website. The website then delivers a list of matching MP3 music files that are located on other users' computers. The user is then able to download a selected MP3 file by highlighting the particular file and clicking the “download” button. After completion of the download, the user is able to play the music on a computer or portable MP3 player. In view of the ability to download MP3 music files for free, many users opt to not purchase a copy of the music in CD or cassette tape format from an authorized retailer.
  • copyrighted works may be distributed using a decentralized file sharing system, such as Gnutella.
  • Gnutella makes it possible to search and download almost any type of copyrighted work that is in the form of digital files from any other Gnutella user. Gnutella does this without the need to use a central website like Napster.
  • Gnutella users can search for and exchange any type of digital file, not just MP3 music files as with Napster. Whichever system is used, the Intemet allows consumers to share and download copyrighted works for free, and almost without technological limits.
  • the distribution system described above provides many advantages and disadvantages for consumers and copyright owners.
  • the advantages include distribution of copyrighted works to a vast audience at no cost or relatively little cost to the copyright owner.
  • the copyrighted works may also be distributed quicker than through traditional channels. Further, the works may be made available in different formats, and the system may allow consumers to sample the work before committing to purchase the work.
  • a method and system are provided for facilitating the purchase of a license for a downloaded file of a copyrighted work.
  • a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes determining an identity of the digital copy by using at least one computer program, and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy by the at least one computer program.
  • the step of calculating includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy.
  • a license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • a computer program is used for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work, with the at least one computer program being executable by a processor.
  • the program includes the steps of determining an identity of the digital copy, and calculating a price of a license for the digital copy.
  • the calculating step includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy. A license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • a web host for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes a web server, and a storage medium accessible by the web server.
  • the storage medium includes a database, and the database includes at least one of known checksums or other unique characteristics of copyrighted works and reference codes for identifying copyrighted works.
  • a computer program that performs various licensing functions including identifying the digital copy and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy based on various metrics of the digital copy.
  • a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes the steps of allowing inputting of information relevant to pricing of a license for the digital copy, and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy based on the relevant information. A license is then provided for the digital copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • the consumer when a consumer has downloaded a copy of a copyrighted work from the Intemet, the consumer can conveniently purchase a license for the downloaded copy.
  • the invention takes advantage of the costless distribution system already in place over the Internet to provide a valid license at reduced fees as compared to purchasing a copy of the copyrighted work through traditional distribution channels.
  • the consumer benefits from the costless distribution system since no middleman fees are passed on to the consumer.
  • the consumer also enjoys the ability to freely choose a distribution system, even systems so novel or secret that they are, at the time of use, unknown to the copyright holder.
  • the consumer is provided a mechanism for complying with the copyright laws so that anxiety and guilt over breaking the law and acting immorally can be assuaged.
  • Another element of the present invention requires that the consumer report the method by which the work was acquired so as to allow the copyright holders to track down infringers. Consumers may then be rewarded with a free upgrade or paid upgrade.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the steps to purchasing a license for an unauthorized digital copy of a copyrighted work according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wide area network for downloading the conscienceware program and for purchasing a license according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the steps to upgrading an already downloaded copy according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the present invention facilitates the purchase of a license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work so as to take advantage of the distribution system that is already in place using the Internet. Specifically, the invention allows consumers to obtain a license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work that was downloaded from the Internet. Note that the unauthorized copy is a digital copy of a copyrighted work such as a computer program, music, movie, and the like.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the steps to purchasing a license for an unauthorized digital copy of a copyrighted work according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • a consumer downloads a digital copy of a copyrighted work.
  • the consumer may download a digital copy of a copyrighted work in any desired manner.
  • the consumer may use an application such as Napster or Gnutella to download the digital file onto his computer.
  • the consumer After downloading the digital copy, the consumer wants to purchase a license for the downloaded file.
  • the consumer has many good reasons for purchasing a copyright license.
  • the consumer may be a law-abiding citizen and wish to comply with the copyright laws.
  • the consumer may be a religious person and may wish to remain a morally upright person.
  • the consumer can register his downloaded digital file with the copyright owner, and receive customer support. For example, if the consumer has downloaded a copy of a computer program, then the consumer can obtain a license and register with the copyright owner of the computer program via the Internet or by phone. Thereafter, the consumer is able to obtain customer support when using the computer program.
  • a consumer who licenses a poorly digitized MP3 file may be offered the option (for free or otherwise) of downloading a higher quality version.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wide area network for downloading the conscienceware program and for purchasing a license according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a client computer 10 , connected via a communications network such as the Internet 40 , to a web server 22 of the authorized website 20 . Note that there may be many other computers 10 that may be connected to the web server 22 at the same time. Also, multiple servers 22 may service multiple client computers 10 .
  • the conscienceware program could also be distributed via publication on Gnutella, or even via inclusion in a data partition of a music CD or a DVD.
  • the client computer 10 runs a web browser application 12 (e.g., Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM or Netscape CommunicatorTM).
  • the authorized website 20 includes the web server 22 that sends web pages 26 in the form of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) documents, which may be stored in database 24 , to the client computer 10 using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
  • the server 22 includes a processor to execute the web server software, and an operating system program and applications programs including the conscienceware program 27 , a file identification application 28 and a licensing program 29 .
  • the server 22 also has a memory 30 including databases 31 - 32 that stores data files for comparison by the file identification application 28 , and a cache memory 33 .
  • the file identification application 28 and licensing program 29 may be executing on the server 22 , or may be executing on a separate computer.
  • the file identification application 28 compares the files stored in databases 31 - 32 with the file attribute information that is sent by the client 19 running the conscienceware program 27 , as described below.
  • the consumer accesses the authorized website by communicating an HTTP request from the web browser 12 .
  • the HTTP request includes the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the home page of the authorized website.
  • the HTTP request is routed to the web server 22 via the Internet 40 .
  • the web server 22 retrieves the home page identified by the URL, and transmits the home page over the Internet 40 to the web browser 12 .
  • the HTML document may be sent in the form of plural message packets as defined by the Transport Control ProtocolInternet Protocol (TCP/IP).
  • a hypertext link is provided that links to a download page of the conscienceware program 28 .
  • the download page is retrieved by the server 22 and sent to the web browser 12 .
  • the consumer chooses among various platforms in order to download a compatible version of the conscienceware program for the particular client platform. For example, if the client computer 10 is operating on the WindowsTM operating system, then he selects the Windows platform. It can also be coded in a platform-independent language such as Java.
  • the consumer downloads the conscienceware program to his computer by clicking on the download button.
  • the conscienceware program checks to see if the downloaded file is a usable copy. For example, when the user selects the downloaded file for the conscienceware program to check at step 112 , the conscienceware program checks to see if there is a valid serial number associated with the downloaded digital file or that the encryption has been removed. If the downloaded file is a copy of a software program, then the program may not be usable without a valid serial number (e.g., Microsoft Windows 98TM). Similarly, a downloaded digital file of a movie “ripped” from a DVD is checked by the conscienceware program to make sure that the encryption has been removed.
  • a valid serial number e.g., Microsoft Windows 98TM
  • the identity of the downloaded file needs to be determined.
  • the identity of the downloaded file may be made using the method disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,751, which is incorporated herein by reference. Any other suitable verification technology may also be used, such as pattern matching or digital watermarking.
  • the conscienceware database is unable to identify a work, the work can be manually reviewed and added to the database.
  • a connection may need to be maintained by the client computer 10 with the authorized website 20 .
  • the client 10 and the server 22 may maintain a stateless connection such that only when the client 10 needs to send identification information to the server 22 and download a license is the client connected to the server.
  • the conscienceware program samples a portion of the downloaded file and generates a “checksum” of the file, which is a unique number based on a range or ranges of bytes in a file.
  • a checksum is a unique number based on a range or ranges of bytes in a file.
  • the checksum described herein is not related to the total number of bytes used to generate the number, thus reducing a traditional problem with checksums, namely that similar file lengths are more likely to generate the same checksum than are dissimilar file lengths.
  • two separate checksums are generated for a file corresponding to two different length portions of the file. While it is possible that the first checksum based on a shorter length portion of the file may falsely match the checksum of another file, it is highly unlikely that the second checksum would result in a false match.
  • the use of an initial checksum based upon a small amount of data reduces the burden on the network and file server. This reduction is a result of the ability to disqualify a file that does not match the first checksum without the need to read the larger amount of data necessary to generate the second checksum.
  • the conscienceware program reads a first portion of the downloaded file, which may be the first one thousand (1024) bytes of the file, and at step 116 generates a first checksum.
  • the first checksum is uploaded to the server 22 .
  • the file identification application 29 at step 124 compares the first checksum with a library of known checksum values that are stored in database 31 . This step provides an initial identification of the downloaded file.
  • step 132 a license is refused by the authorized website. If there is a match at step 128 , then the conscienceware program reads a second portion of the downloaded file, which may be the first ten thousand (10240) bytes of the file, and generates a second checksum at step 136 . At step 140 , the second checksum is then uploaded to the server 22 , and at step 144 is compared to the library of known checksum values for a match in database 31 . This step provides a more conclusive determination of the identity of the downloaded file. If there is not a match at step 148 , then at step 132 a license is refused by the authorized website.
  • the file identification program 28 reads the identification information of the known checksums and stores it in the cache memory 33 .
  • identification information may also include the particular version of the copyrighted work that was downloaded.
  • the first one thousand bytes and the first ten thousand bytes are used for the two checksums, respectively.
  • the use of the entire file or a larger portion of the file is not necessary and indeed may slow the process; however, there is no reason why the entire file or any other subset of the file could not be used.
  • the first and last portions of the file are used for generating the checksums, although premature file truncation then becomes a way to defeat the screen. It is also possible to use other data to improve the quality of the initial screen, such as the length of the file and the file name. Any file matching the initial screen criteria is then checked against one or more checksum tests.
  • Yet another alternative embodiment is to simultaneously generate both the initial screen checksum and the confirmation checksum in a single file read, thereby reducing the number of distinct disk access events. Verification is optional when the initial screen is performed using a checksum, as the checksum denotes a nearly certain match.
  • a downloaded file includes certain identifying data that permits unique identification of that file.
  • MP3 encoders can be configured to encode this information into the first bytes of each MP3 file.
  • the MP3 file would carry the signature of the music CD that it was created from. This would permit the conscienceware program to scan the-downloaded file for the signature code of a particular CD.
  • the code can be uploaded to the server 22 so that it can be checked against a database 32 of known reference codes, with the identity of the work being stored in cache memory 33 .
  • the downloaded file may include a version number that is embedded in the file. The conscienceware program would then be able to read the version number and upload it to the server 22 for storage in the cache memory 33 .
  • the conscienceware program measures various metrics of the downloaded file in order to determine a fair price for a license. For example, for a downloaded digital copy of a copyrighted song that is in the MP3 format, the conscienceware application determines a sampling rate for the MP3 music file. After determining the sampling rate, at step 160 this information is uploaded to the server 22 for storage in cache memory 33 . Other metrics that may be measured and uploaded to the server may include the length in bytes of the file, the version of the file, the type of work downloaded, and the like.
  • the licensing program 29 running on the server 22 computes a price for a license for the downloaded file. Specifically, the licensing program 29 computes a price based on the measured metrics. For example, if the downloaded file is the most recent version of a copyrighted work, then the price would be higher than for an earlier version. The type of work would also be considered in determining a fair price for the work so that if the downloaded file is a DVD movie file, then a license for this type of work may be higher than for a song. Additionally, the length of the digital file would be considered in computing a fair price.
  • the sampling rate of the compressed digital file would be important to determining a price. For example, if the MP3 music file has a sampling rate that is below 32 kbps, then it may be licensed for free. If the MP3 music file has a sampling rate above 32 kbps but below 64 kbps, then it may be licensed for $0.50, and so on. Other defects in the copy, such as background hiss indicating that the data has once been stored in analog (i.e., cassette tape or the like), or encoding defects such as pops may also influence the price calculation. Thus, the licensing program 29 is able to calculate a price for a license based on the measured metrics.
  • the licensing program 29 may offer a discount to the consumer, or simply refuse a license to the consumer, unless the consumer discloses the source from which they downloaded the digital copy. The licensing program 29 would then verify that the copyrighted work is available at the source. This would provide the additional benefit to the copyright owner of discovering the identity of the entity that is pirating copyrighted works.
  • the consumer is provided the terms for the license including the price and conditions of use. If the terms are satisfactory for the consumer, then at step 172 the consumer accepts the terms of the license and provides payment for the license, preferably via a credit card.
  • the server receives the order, and processes the order by verifying the credit card payment. After verification of the payment method, at step 180 the server 22 sends to the client computer 10 a digital file containing a license as proof that the consumer has obtained a valid license for the downloaded file. After receipt of the file, at step 184 the consumer prints the license on his printer. Additionally or alternatively, the license may be centrally stored in the conscienceware database under the consumer's name and password.
  • FIG. 3 shows the steps for upgrading the downloaded file according to an embodiment of the invention. Steps 300 - 368 are the same as step 100 - 168 of FIG. 1 .
  • Step 376 the consumer can decline to upgrade by accepting the terms of the license for the already downloaded file and paying the license fee.
  • Steps 376 - 384 , 394 are the same as steps 176 - 184 of FIG. 1 .
  • the authorized website provides to the consumer the terms including price and conditions of use for the upgraded copy. For example, a consumer who is seeking a license for Windows 98TM may be offered the opportunity to download and upgrade to Windows 2000TM.
  • a consumer who has downloaded a MP3 music file having a 64 kbps sampling rate may be able to upgrade to a CD-quality 148 kbps-sampling rate MP3 music file.
  • the consumer may optionally be given a unique, new serial number in exchange for the pirated one they had been using. Indeed, such a switch may be required and the pirated serial number disabled in the next version of the software.
  • the consumer accepts the terms of the license for the upgrade and provides payment for the license.
  • the server receives the acceptance by the consumer and verifies the payment method. After verification of the payment method, at step 392 the server sends to the client computer the upgraded copy of the copyrighted work and a license for the copy. After receipt of the copy and license, at step 394 the consumer prints the license on his computer.
  • the conscienceware program is downloaded onto a client computer
  • the program could be embedded in a web page that is sent to the client 10 .
  • the file can be dropped onto a web page that allows uploading of the MP3 file so that conscienceware program running on the server operates on the file directly.
  • the conscienceware program does not need to identify and measure the various metrics of the downloaded file. In this instance, the consumer accesses the authorized website and inputs the required information and purchases a license for the downloaded file.

Abstract

A method and system are provided for facilitating the purchase of a license for a downloaded file of a copyrighted work. In one embodiment, a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes determining an identity of the digital copy by using at least one computer program, calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy by the at least one computer program. The step of calculating includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy. A license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/225,886, filed Aug. 17, 2000, which application is specifically incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.
  • COPYRIGHT NOTICE
  • This patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner, Ideaflood, Inc., has no objection to the reproduction of this patent document or any related materials, as they appear in the files of the Patent and Trademark Office of the United States or any other country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention is directed to a method and system for facilitating the purchase of a copyright license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work.
  • 2. Description of Related Art
  • The Internet is a worldwide system of computer networks—a network of networks in which users at any one computer may get information from any other computer. The use of public and shared computing environments has proliferated due to the popularity of the Internet. And, numerous applications exist whereby music, movies, software, and other types of copyright protected works in the form of digital files may be distributed over the Internet.
  • In some cases, the protected works may be distributed using a centralized file sharing system, such as Napster. Napster is an application that allows users to easily search for and download their favorite music in the form of MP3 music files. Specifically, to search and download an MP3 music file, the user simply types in the name of an artist or song at the Napster.com website. The website then delivers a list of matching MP3 music files that are located on other users' computers. The user is then able to download a selected MP3 file by highlighting the particular file and clicking the “download” button. After completion of the download, the user is able to play the music on a computer or portable MP3 player. In view of the ability to download MP3 music files for free, many users opt to not purchase a copy of the music in CD or cassette tape format from an authorized retailer.
  • In other cases, copyrighted works may be distributed using a decentralized file sharing system, such as Gnutella. Gnutella makes it possible to search and download almost any type of copyrighted work that is in the form of digital files from any other Gnutella user. Gnutella does this without the need to use a central website like Napster. Note that Gnutella users can search for and exchange any type of digital file, not just MP3 music files as with Napster. Whichever system is used, the Intemet allows consumers to share and download copyrighted works for free, and almost without technological limits.
  • The distribution system described above provides many advantages and disadvantages for consumers and copyright owners. The advantages include distribution of copyrighted works to a vast audience at no cost or relatively little cost to the copyright owner. The copyrighted works may also be distributed quicker than through traditional channels. Further, the works may be made available in different formats, and the system may allow consumers to sample the work before committing to purchase the work.
  • However, the above distribution system is economically harmful to copyright owners since the copyrighted works are being distributed for free so that copyright owners suffer loss of revenues. Consumers are also hurt because the downloading of copyrighted works is illegal and immoral so that consumers suffer from a guilty conscience and the possibility of criminal and civil sanctions.
  • In order to eliminate the disadvantages of the above-described distribution system, some have proposed to increase enforcement of the copyright laws. Today's enforcement activities are mostly directed to shutting down website operators that contribute to copyright infringement by consumers. If a centralized file sharing system such as Napster is shut down, then consumers are prevented from making illegal downloads. With the advent of decentralized distribution systems such as Gnutella, however, there are no website operators to shut down so that consumers are not prevented from making illegal downloads. To effectively deter illegal downloading, consumers themselves must be prosecuted; but to track, investigate, and prosecute each individual case of illegal downloading on a network such as the Internet is not feasible.
  • Thus, it would be desirable to provide a method and system that realizes the advantages of a costless distribution system, and which also promotes compliance with the copyright laws.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and system are provided for facilitating the purchase of a license for a downloaded file of a copyrighted work. In one embodiment, a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes determining an identity of the digital copy by using at least one computer program, and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy by the at least one computer program. The step of calculating includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy. A license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program is used for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work, with the at least one computer program being executable by a processor. The program includes the steps of determining an identity of the digital copy, and calculating a price of a license for the digital copy. The calculating step includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy. A license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • In another embodiment of the invention, a web host for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes a web server, and a storage medium accessible by the web server. The storage medium includes a database, and the database includes at least one of known checksums or other unique characteristics of copyrighted works and reference codes for identifying copyrighted works. Also included is a computer program that performs various licensing functions including identifying the digital copy and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy based on various metrics of the digital copy.
  • In another embodiment of the invention, a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes the steps of allowing inputting of information relevant to pricing of a license for the digital copy, and calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy based on the relevant information. A license is then provided for the digital copy after receiving payment of the fee.
  • According to the present invention, when a consumer has downloaded a copy of a copyrighted work from the Intemet, the consumer can conveniently purchase a license for the downloaded copy. The invention takes advantage of the costless distribution system already in place over the Internet to provide a valid license at reduced fees as compared to purchasing a copy of the copyrighted work through traditional distribution channels. The consumer benefits from the costless distribution system since no middleman fees are passed on to the consumer. The consumer also enjoys the ability to freely choose a distribution system, even systems so novel or secret that they are, at the time of use, unknown to the copyright holder. Further, the consumer is provided a mechanism for complying with the copyright laws so that anxiety and guilt over breaking the law and acting immorally can be assuaged.
  • Another element of the present invention requires that the consumer report the method by which the work was acquired so as to allow the copyright holders to track down infringers. Consumers may then be rewarded with a free upgrade or paid upgrade.
  • A more complete understanding of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings, which will first be described briefly.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the steps to purchasing a license for an unauthorized digital copy of a copyrighted work according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wide area network for downloading the conscienceware program and for purchasing a license according to an embodiment of the invention; and
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the steps to upgrading an already downloaded copy according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The present invention facilitates the purchase of a license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work so as to take advantage of the distribution system that is already in place using the Internet. Specifically, the invention allows consumers to obtain a license for an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work that was downloaded from the Internet. Note that the unauthorized copy is a digital copy of a copyrighted work such as a computer program, music, movie, and the like.
  • FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the steps to purchasing a license for an unauthorized digital copy of a copyrighted work according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 100, a consumer downloads a digital copy of a copyrighted work. The consumer may download a digital copy of a copyrighted work in any desired manner. For example, the consumer may use an application such as Napster or Gnutella to download the digital file onto his computer.
  • After downloading the digital copy, the consumer wants to purchase a license for the downloaded file. The consumer has many good reasons for purchasing a copyright license. The consumer may be a law-abiding citizen and wish to comply with the copyright laws. The consumer may be a religious person and may wish to remain a morally upright person. Additionally, after purchasing a license, the consumer can register his downloaded digital file with the copyright owner, and receive customer support. For example, if the consumer has downloaded a copy of a computer program, then the consumer can obtain a license and register with the copyright owner of the computer program via the Internet or by phone. Thereafter, the consumer is able to obtain customer support when using the computer program. Similarly, a consumer who licenses a poorly digitized MP3 file may be offered the option (for free or otherwise) of downloading a higher quality version.
  • Since many consumers do not know certain characteristics of a file that they are downloading, which are important for receiving a fair price when purchasing a copyright license, a computer program (“conscienceware program”) is provided that facilitates the transaction. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wide area network for downloading the conscienceware program and for purchasing a license according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 depicts a client computer 10, connected via a communications network such as the Internet 40, to a web server 22 of the authorized website 20. Note that there may be many other computers 10 that may be connected to the web server 22 at the same time. Also, multiple servers 22 may service multiple client computers 10. Alternatively, the conscienceware program could also be distributed via publication on Gnutella, or even via inclusion in a data partition of a music CD or a DVD.
  • To interactively browse the authorized website 20, the client computer 10 runs a web browser application 12 (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer™ or Netscape Communicator™). The authorized website 20 includes the web server 22 that sends web pages 26 in the form of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) documents, which may be stored in database 24, to the client computer 10 using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The server 22 includes a processor to execute the web server software, and an operating system program and applications programs including the conscienceware program 27, a file identification application 28 and a licensing program 29. The server 22 also has a memory 30 including databases 31-32 that stores data files for comparison by the file identification application 28, and a cache memory 33. The file identification application 28 and licensing program 29 may be executing on the server 22, or may be executing on a separate computer. In the present invention, the file identification application 28 compares the files stored in databases 31-32 with the file attribute information that is sent by the client 19 running the conscienceware program 27, as described below.
  • In order to download the conscienceware program 27, at step 104 the consumer accesses the authorized website by communicating an HTTP request from the web browser 12. The HTTP request includes the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the home page of the authorized website. The HTTP request is routed to the web server 22 via the Internet 40. The web server 22 retrieves the home page identified by the URL, and transmits the home page over the Internet 40 to the web browser 12. The HTML document may be sent in the form of plural message packets as defined by the Transport Control ProtocolInternet Protocol (TCP/IP).
  • At the home page, a hypertext link is provided that links to a download page of the conscienceware program 28. By clicking on the highlighted link, the download page is retrieved by the server 22 and sent to the web browser 12. At the download page, the consumer chooses among various platforms in order to download a compatible version of the conscienceware program for the particular client platform. For example, if the client computer 10 is operating on the Windows™ operating system, then he selects the Windows platform. It can also be coded in a platform-independent language such as Java.
  • After the choosing the appropriate platform, at step 108 the consumer downloads the conscienceware program to his computer by clicking on the download button. After downloading and installing the conscienceware program, at step 112 the conscienceware program checks to see if the downloaded file is a usable copy. For example, when the user selects the downloaded file for the conscienceware program to check at step 112, the conscienceware program checks to see if there is a valid serial number associated with the downloaded digital file or that the encryption has been removed. If the downloaded file is a copy of a software program, then the program may not be usable without a valid serial number (e.g., Microsoft Windows 98™). Similarly, a downloaded digital file of a movie “ripped” from a DVD is checked by the conscienceware program to make sure that the encryption has been removed.
  • Next, the identity of the downloaded file needs to be determined. The identity of the downloaded file may be made using the method disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,751, which is incorporated herein by reference. Any other suitable verification technology may also be used, such as pattern matching or digital watermarking. In addition, when the conscienceware database is unable to identify a work, the work can be manually reviewed and added to the database. In order for the conscienceware program to identify the downloaded file, a connection may need to be maintained by the client computer 10 with the authorized website 20. Attentively, the client 10 and the server 22 may maintain a stateless connection such that only when the client 10 needs to send identification information to the server 22 and download a license is the client connected to the server.
  • In one embodiment, the conscienceware program samples a portion of the downloaded file and generates a “checksum” of the file, which is a unique number based on a range or ranges of bytes in a file. Unlike checksums as they are traditionally used in the computing field, the checksum described herein is not related to the total number of bytes used to generate the number, thus reducing a traditional problem with checksums, namely that similar file lengths are more likely to generate the same checksum than are dissimilar file lengths.
  • In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two separate checksums are generated for a file corresponding to two different length portions of the file. While it is possible that the first checksum based on a shorter length portion of the file may falsely match the checksum of another file, it is highly unlikely that the second checksum would result in a false match. In addition, the use of an initial checksum based upon a small amount of data reduces the burden on the network and file server. This reduction is a result of the ability to disqualify a file that does not match the first checksum without the need to read the larger amount of data necessary to generate the second checksum. Specifically, the conscienceware program reads a first portion of the downloaded file, which may be the first one thousand (1024) bytes of the file, and at step 116 generates a first checksum. At step 120, the first checksum is uploaded to the server 22. The file identification application 29 at step 124 compares the first checksum with a library of known checksum values that are stored in database 31. This step provides an initial identification of the downloaded file.
  • If there is not a match based on the initial screen of the file at step 128, then at step 132 a license is refused by the authorized website. If there is a match at step 128, then the conscienceware program reads a second portion of the downloaded file, which may be the first ten thousand (10240) bytes of the file, and generates a second checksum at step 136. At step 140, the second checksum is then uploaded to the server 22, and at step 144 is compared to the library of known checksum values for a match in database 31. This step provides a more conclusive determination of the identity of the downloaded file. If there is not a match at step 148, then at step 132 a license is refused by the authorized website. If there is a match at step 148, then at step 152 the file identification program 28 reads the identification information of the known checksums and stores it in the cache memory 33. Note that identification information may also include the particular version of the copyrighted work that was downloaded.
  • As described above, the first one thousand bytes and the first ten thousand bytes are used for the two checksums, respectively. For most applications, the use of the entire file or a larger portion of the file is not necessary and indeed may slow the process; however, there is no reason why the entire file or any other subset of the file could not be used. In an alternative embodiment, the first and last portions of the file are used for generating the checksums, although premature file truncation then becomes a way to defeat the screen. It is also possible to use other data to improve the quality of the initial screen, such as the length of the file and the file name. Any file matching the initial screen criteria is then checked against one or more checksum tests. Yet another alternative embodiment is to simultaneously generate both the initial screen checksum and the confirmation checksum in a single file read, thereby reducing the number of distinct disk access events. Verification is optional when the initial screen is performed using a checksum, as the checksum denotes a nearly certain match.
  • In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a downloaded file includes certain identifying data that permits unique identification of that file. For example, MP3 encoders can be configured to encode this information into the first bytes of each MP3 file. As such, the MP3 file would carry the signature of the music CD that it was created from. This would permit the conscienceware program to scan the-downloaded file for the signature code of a particular CD. When such a code is found, the code can be uploaded to the server 22 so that it can be checked against a database 32 of known reference codes, with the identity of the work being stored in cache memory 33. Further, the downloaded file may include a version number that is embedded in the file. The conscienceware program would then be able to read the version number and upload it to the server 22 for storage in the cache memory 33.
  • At step 156, the conscienceware program measures various metrics of the downloaded file in order to determine a fair price for a license. For example, for a downloaded digital copy of a copyrighted song that is in the MP3 format, the conscienceware application determines a sampling rate for the MP3 music file. After determining the sampling rate, at step 160 this information is uploaded to the server 22 for storage in cache memory 33. Other metrics that may be measured and uploaded to the server may include the length in bytes of the file, the version of the file, the type of work downloaded, and the like.
  • After all of the relevant information is stored in the cache memory 33, such as the identity of the downloaded file, the sampling rate, the version, the type of work, and the like, at step 164 the licensing program 29 running on the server 22 computes a price for a license for the downloaded file. Specifically, the licensing program 29 computes a price based on the measured metrics. For example, if the downloaded file is the most recent version of a copyrighted work, then the price would be higher than for an earlier version. The type of work would also be considered in determining a fair price for the work so that if the downloaded file is a DVD movie file, then a license for this type of work may be higher than for a song. Additionally, the length of the digital file would be considered in computing a fair price. Further, the sampling rate of the compressed digital file would be important to determining a price. For example, if the MP3 music file has a sampling rate that is below 32 kbps, then it may be licensed for free. If the MP3 music file has a sampling rate above 32 kbps but below 64 kbps, then it may be licensed for $0.50, and so on. Other defects in the copy, such as background hiss indicating that the data has once been stored in analog (i.e., cassette tape or the like), or encoding defects such as pops may also influence the price calculation. Thus, the licensing program 29 is able to calculate a price for a license based on the measured metrics.
  • Optionally, the licensing program 29 may offer a discount to the consumer, or simply refuse a license to the consumer, unless the consumer discloses the source from which they downloaded the digital copy. The licensing program 29 would then verify that the copyrighted work is available at the source. This would provide the additional benefit to the copyright owner of discovering the identity of the entity that is pirating copyrighted works.
  • At step 168, the consumer is provided the terms for the license including the price and conditions of use. If the terms are satisfactory for the consumer, then at step 172 the consumer accepts the terms of the license and provides payment for the license, preferably via a credit card. At step 176, the server receives the order, and processes the order by verifying the credit card payment. After verification of the payment method, at step 180 the server 22 sends to the client computer 10 a digital file containing a license as proof that the consumer has obtained a valid license for the downloaded file. After receipt of the file, at step 184 the consumer prints the license on his printer. Additionally or alternatively, the license may be centrally stored in the conscienceware database under the consumer's name and password.
  • In another embodiment of the invention, the consumer may be provided an option to upgrade the copy of the copyrighted work that was downloaded with a more recent version or a better quality copy from the authorized website 20. FIG. 3 shows the steps for upgrading the downloaded file according to an embodiment of the invention. Steps 300-368 are the same as step 100-168 of FIG. 1.
  • If the consumer has the best copy available of the copyrighted work or does not want to upgrade at step 372, then at step 376 the consumer can decline to upgrade by accepting the terms of the license for the already downloaded file and paying the license fee. Steps 376-384, 394 are the same as steps 176-184 of FIG. 1. If the consumer does not have the best copy available and wants to upgrade at step 372, then at step 386 the authorized website provides to the consumer the terms including price and conditions of use for the upgraded copy. For example, a consumer who is seeking a license for Windows 98™ may be offered the opportunity to download and upgrade to Windows 2000™. Or, a consumer who has downloaded a MP3 music file having a 64 kbps sampling rate may be able to upgrade to a CD-quality 148 kbps-sampling rate MP3 music file. For software that requires a valid serial number to run, the consumer may optionally be given a unique, new serial number in exchange for the pirated one they had been using. Indeed, such a switch may be required and the pirated serial number disabled in the next version of the software.
  • If the terms are acceptable to the consumer, then at step 388 the consumer accepts the terms of the license for the upgrade and provides payment for the license. At step 390, the server receives the acceptance by the consumer and verifies the payment method. After verification of the payment method, at step 392 the server sends to the client computer the upgraded copy of the copyrighted work and a license for the copy. After receipt of the copy and license, at step 394 the consumer prints the license on his computer.
  • Although in the embodiments described above, the conscienceware program is downloaded onto a client computer, in alternative embodiments, the program could be embedded in a web page that is sent to the client 10. Also, for a single file, such as a MP3 file, the file can be dropped onto a web page that allows uploading of the MP3 file so that conscienceware program running on the server operates on the file directly.
  • Attentively, if the consumer already has information that is relevant to the pricing, the conscienceware program does not need to identify and measure the various metrics of the downloaded file. In this instance, the consumer accesses the authorized website and inputs the required information and purchases a license for the downloaded file.
  • In the method and system of the present invention, there are no added costs that must be passed on to the consumer for the distribution of copyrighted works. Since a consumer initially obtained a copyrighted file for free, there are no associated distribution costs that must be passed on to the consumer. Further, the invention allows consumers to easily obtain a license so that they do not have to feel anxiety and guilt for the illegal downloading of protected works.
  • Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a method and system of licensing of copyrighted works, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made therein within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is further defined by the following claims.

Claims (21)

1-28. (canceled)
29. A method for identifying an unidentified digital work on a remote client of a wide area network, the method comprising:
distributing an application from a host to a remote client, the application operable to scan files on a storage media operated by the remote client, to read a predetermined portion of each file, and to calculate a checksum value for each file, the checksum value determined by each corresponding predetermined file portion;
receiving the checksum value from the remote client for each of at least selected ones of the files;
comparing each checksum value against a database of checksum values each associated with an identifier for a digital copy of a known work; and
providing data identifying at least one file on the remote client for which a checksum value has been calculated that matches a record in the database of checksum values.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the comparing step further comprises comparing against a database indicating whether each known work is copyrighted.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the comparing step further comprises comparing against a database indicating whether a license is available for each copyrighted work.
32. The method of claim 30, further comprising notifying the remote client that at least one of the files scanned by the application has been associated with a copyrighted work.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the distributing step further comprises distributing the application comprising a function of determining whether each scanned file is marked as authorized by a copyright holder for storage on the storage media.
34. The method of claim 29, further comprising notifying the remote client that at least one file scanned by the application is an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising inviting the remote client to acquire a license for the unauthorized copy.
36. The method of claim 34, further comprising determining a fee for obtaining a license for the unauthorized copy based at least in part on a measured quality of the unauthorized copy.
37. The method of claim 34, further comprising electronically collecting a licensing fee for the unauthorized copy from the remote client.
38. The method of claim 29, further comprising instructing the application to calculate a second checksum for a selected file, wherein the second checksum is to be determined by a substantially larger portion of the selected file than the checksum value for the selected file received in the receiving step.
39. A system for identifying an unidentified digital work on a remote client of a wide area network, the system comprising:
an application in a memory connected to a network-connected host, the application configured for distributing to a remote client and operable to scan files on a storage media operated by the remote client, to read a predetermined portion of each file, and to calculate a checksum value for each file, the checksum value determined by each corresponding predetermined file portion; and
further software operable by the host in cooperation with instances of the application on remote clients to perform the functions of:
receiving the checksum value from the remote client for each of at least selected ones of the files;
comparing each checksum value against a database of checksum values each associated with an identifier for a digital copy of a known work; and
providing data identifying at least one file on the remote client for which a checksum value has been calculated that matches a record in the database of checksum values.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the comparing function further comprises comparing against a database indicating whether each known work is copyrighted.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein the comparing function further comprises comparing against a database indicating whether a license is available for each copyrighted work.
42. The system of claim 40, wherein the further software further comprises a function for notifying the remote client that at least one of the files scanned by the application has been associated with a copyrighted work.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the application further comprises a function of determining whether each scanned file is marked as authorized by a copyright holder for storage on the storage media.
44. The system of claim 39, wherein the further software further comprises a function for notifying the remote client that at least one file scanned by the application is an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the further software further comprises a function for inviting the remote client to acquire a license for the unauthorized copy.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein the further software further comprises a function for determining a fee for obtaining a license for the unauthorized copy based at least in part on a measured quality of the unauthorized copy.
47. The system of claim 44, wherein the further software further comprises a function for electronically collecting a licensing fee for the unauthorized copy from the remote client.
48. The system of claim 39, wherein the further software further comprises a function for instructing the application to calculate a second checksum for a selected file, wherein the second checksum is to be determined by a substantially larger portion of the selected file than the checksum value for the selected file received by the receiving function of the further instructions.
US10/999,394 2000-08-17 2004-11-29 Digital work identification and licensing method Abandoned US20050097059A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/999,394 US20050097059A1 (en) 2000-08-17 2004-11-29 Digital work identification and licensing method

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22588600P 2000-08-17 2000-08-17
US09/696,904 US6826546B1 (en) 2000-08-17 2000-10-26 Method and system for licensing a copy of a copyright protected work
US10/999,394 US20050097059A1 (en) 2000-08-17 2004-11-29 Digital work identification and licensing method

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/696,904 Continuation US6826546B1 (en) 2000-08-17 2000-10-26 Method and system for licensing a copy of a copyright protected work

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050097059A1 true US20050097059A1 (en) 2005-05-05

Family

ID=33455984

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/696,904 Expired - Lifetime US6826546B1 (en) 2000-08-17 2000-10-26 Method and system for licensing a copy of a copyright protected work
US10/999,394 Abandoned US20050097059A1 (en) 2000-08-17 2004-11-29 Digital work identification and licensing method

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/696,904 Expired - Lifetime US6826546B1 (en) 2000-08-17 2000-10-26 Method and system for licensing a copy of a copyright protected work

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US6826546B1 (en)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020069140A1 (en) * 2000-12-05 2002-06-06 Ming-Chung Tang Method for combining audio-video products with on-line dictionary and system thereof
US20030018709A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2003-01-23 Audible Magic Playlist generation method and apparatus
US20030033321A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2003-02-13 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying new media content
US20030135623A1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2003-07-17 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus for cache promotion
US20040163106A1 (en) * 2003-02-01 2004-08-19 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus to identify a work received by a processing system
US20040210539A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Yamaha Corporation Music-content using apparatus capable of managing copying of music content, and program therefor
US20050154678A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2005-07-14 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20060034177A1 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-02-16 Audible Magic Corporation System for distributing decoy content in a peer to peer network
US20060259445A1 (en) * 2005-05-20 2006-11-16 Neopost Technologies Method of paying for a franking service in a self-service mail-handling machine
US20070033146A1 (en) * 2000-11-09 2007-02-08 Hollar Mark A Method and apparatus for determining digital A/V content distribution terms based on detected piracy levels
US20070226507A1 (en) * 2006-03-22 2007-09-27 Holzwurm Gmbh Method and System for Depositing Digital Works, A Corresponding Computer Program, and a Corresponding Computer-Readable Storage Medium
US20090030651A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US20090043870A1 (en) * 2000-02-17 2009-02-12 Ikezoye Vance E Method and apparatus for identifying media content presented on a media playing device
US20090192640A1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2009-07-30 Wold Erling H Method and apparatus for identifying an unknown work
US20090196465A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Satish Menon System and method for detecting the source of media content with application to business rules
US20090240361A1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2009-09-24 Wold Erling H Method and apparatus for creating a unique audio signature
US20090276269A1 (en) * 2008-05-05 2009-11-05 Oracle International Corp Software identifier based correlation
US20100330179A1 (en) * 2009-06-25 2010-12-30 Astrazeneca Ab Method for Treating a Patient at Risk for Developing an NSAID-associated Ulcer
US20120124172A1 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-05-17 Google Inc. Providing Different Versions of a Media File
US8199651B1 (en) 2009-03-16 2012-06-12 Audible Magic Corporation Method and system for modifying communication flows at a port level
US20130054399A1 (en) * 2003-01-02 2013-02-28 Yaacov Ben-Yaacov E-used digital assets and post-acquisition revenue
US20130060661A1 (en) * 2011-09-06 2013-03-07 Apple Inc. Managing access to digital content items
US20130097089A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2013-04-18 Robert Steele System to identify multiple copyright infringements
US8453219B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2013-05-28 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of assessing permissions in virtual worlds
US20140137270A1 (en) * 2001-12-10 2014-05-15 Content Technologies, Llc Digital media asset identification system & method
US20150006411A1 (en) * 2008-06-11 2015-01-01 James D. Bennett Creative work registry
US9081778B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-07-14 Audible Magic Corporation Using digital fingerprints to associate data with a work
US9348666B2 (en) 2012-06-18 2016-05-24 Gary Shuster Translating user interfaces of applications
US9965744B1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2018-05-08 Google Llc Automatic dynamic vetting of browser extensions and web applications
US11521194B2 (en) * 2008-06-06 2022-12-06 Paypal, Inc. Trusted service manager (TSM) architectures and methods
US11595820B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2023-02-28 Paypal, Inc. Secure elements broker (SEB) for application communication channel selector optimization

Families Citing this family (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7143064B2 (en) * 1996-04-16 2006-11-28 Picciallo Michael J Controlled entertainment spending account
US7653595B2 (en) * 1996-04-16 2010-01-26 Restricted Spending Solutions LLC Controlled entertainment spending account
US6044360A (en) * 1996-04-16 2000-03-28 Picciallo; Michael J. Third party credit card
US7475404B2 (en) 2000-05-18 2009-01-06 Maquis Techtrix Llc System and method for implementing click-through for browser executed software including ad proxy and proxy cookie caching
US8086697B2 (en) 2005-06-28 2011-12-27 Claria Innovations, Llc Techniques for displaying impressions in documents delivered over a computer network
JP2002108350A (en) * 2000-09-28 2002-04-10 Internatl Business Mach Corp <Ibm> Method and system for music distribution
US20020152262A1 (en) * 2001-04-17 2002-10-17 Jed Arkin Method and system for preventing the infringement of intellectual property rights
US7480862B2 (en) * 2001-11-27 2009-01-20 Claria Corporation Method and apparatus for providing information regarding computer programs
US7096203B2 (en) * 2001-12-14 2006-08-22 Duet General Partnership Method and apparatus for dynamic renewability of content
JP4164494B2 (en) * 2002-07-26 2008-10-15 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Digital data sequence identification
DE10242003A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-25 Siemens Ag Medical knowledge accessibility device for giving expert knowledge to a user of examination equipment like a physician has a device to transfer a patient's case images to the user's own equipment
US7603341B2 (en) 2002-11-05 2009-10-13 Claria Corporation Updating the content of a presentation vehicle in a computer network
JP4343542B2 (en) * 2003-01-30 2009-10-14 ソニー株式会社 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and recording medium
JP2007524921A (en) * 2003-09-05 2007-08-30 ライムライト ネットワークス インコーポレーテッド Managing digital content licenses
US8898657B2 (en) * 2003-10-03 2014-11-25 Cyberlink Corp. System and method for licensing software
US8170912B2 (en) 2003-11-25 2012-05-01 Carhamm Ltd., Llc Database structure and front end
US7877810B2 (en) * 2004-03-02 2011-01-25 Rovi Solutions Corporation System, method and client user interface for a copy protection service
US8127137B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2012-02-28 Digimarc Corporation Watermark payload encryption for media including multiple watermarks
GB2413651A (en) * 2004-04-26 2005-11-02 Drdc Solutions Ltd Networked electronic trading system
US8078602B2 (en) 2004-12-17 2011-12-13 Claria Innovations, Llc Search engine for a computer network
US8255413B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Carhamm Ltd., Llc Method and apparatus for responding to request for information-personalization
US7693863B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2010-04-06 Claria Corporation Method and device for publishing cross-network user behavioral data
US8645941B2 (en) 2005-03-07 2014-02-04 Carhamm Ltd., Llc Method for attributing and allocating revenue related to embedded software
US8073866B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2011-12-06 Claria Innovations, Llc Method for providing content to an internet user based on the user's demonstrated content preferences
US7809943B2 (en) * 2005-09-27 2010-10-05 Rovi Solutions Corporation Method and system for establishing trust in a peer-to-peer network
US8086722B2 (en) * 2005-12-21 2011-12-27 Rovi Solutions Corporation Techniques for measuring peer-to-peer (P2P) networks
US7945070B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2011-05-17 Digimarc Corporation Geographic-based watermarking keys
US8620952B2 (en) 2007-01-03 2013-12-31 Carhamm Ltd., Llc System for database reporting
US20090138876A1 (en) * 2007-11-22 2009-05-28 Hsuan-Yeh Chang Method and system for delivering application packages based on user demands
US9760694B2 (en) * 2012-03-21 2017-09-12 Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A., Inc. Method and related apparatus for generating online and printing on-demand compilation of works with excerpts handling features
US10713335B2 (en) * 2017-08-28 2020-07-14 Visa International Service Association System, method, and apparatus for detecting unlicensed performances of copyrighted creative works
TWI685767B (en) * 2018-06-07 2020-02-21 艾維克科技股份有限公司 Decentralized software information creation system and method

Citations (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4658093A (en) * 1983-07-11 1987-04-14 Hellman Martin E Software distribution system
US4953209A (en) * 1988-10-31 1990-08-28 International Business Machines Corp. Self-verifying receipt and acceptance system for electronically delivered data objects
US5375240A (en) * 1992-04-07 1994-12-20 Grundy; Gregory Information distribution system
US5455905A (en) * 1992-07-13 1995-10-03 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic communication device for communication between an overhead projection display device and an input device therefor
US5490216A (en) * 1992-09-21 1996-02-06 Uniloc Private Limited System for software registration
US5502815A (en) * 1992-03-30 1996-03-26 Cozza; Paul D. Method and apparatus for increasing the speed at which computer viruses are detected
US5579222A (en) * 1991-11-27 1996-11-26 Intergraph Corporation Distributed license administration system using a local policy server to communicate with a license server and control execution of computer programs
US5617528A (en) * 1994-02-04 1997-04-01 Datacard Corporation Method and apparatus for interactively creating a card which includes video and cardholder information
US5625690A (en) * 1993-11-15 1997-04-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. Software pay per use system
US5649095A (en) * 1992-03-30 1997-07-15 Cozza; Paul D. Method and apparatus for detecting computer viruses through the use of a scan information cache
US5708709A (en) * 1995-12-08 1998-01-13 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System and method for managing try-and-buy usage of application programs
US5764698A (en) * 1993-12-30 1998-06-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for efficient compression of high quality digital audio
US5771289A (en) * 1995-06-06 1998-06-23 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for transmitting electronic data using attached electronic credits to pay for the transmission
US5790664A (en) * 1996-02-26 1998-08-04 Network Engineering Software, Inc. Automated system for management of licensed software
US5822432A (en) * 1996-01-17 1998-10-13 The Dice Company Method for human-assisted random key generation and application for digital watermark system
US5850481A (en) * 1993-11-18 1998-12-15 Digimarc Corporation Steganographic system
US5862260A (en) * 1993-11-18 1999-01-19 Digimarc Corporation Methods for surveying dissemination of proprietary empirical data
US5886894A (en) * 1995-03-28 1999-03-23 Chubb Security Canada, Inc. Control system for automated security and control systems
US5889943A (en) * 1995-09-26 1999-03-30 Trend Micro Incorporated Apparatus and method for electronic mail virus detection and elimination
US5892900A (en) * 1996-08-30 1999-04-06 Intertrust Technologies Corp. Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection
US5926624A (en) * 1996-09-12 1999-07-20 Audible, Inc. Digital information library and delivery system with logic for generating files targeted to the playback device
US5933829A (en) * 1996-11-08 1999-08-03 Neomedia Technologies, Inc. Automatic access of electronic information through secure machine-readable codes on printed documents
US5933498A (en) * 1996-01-11 1999-08-03 Mrj, Inc. System for controlling access and distribution of digital property
US5954827A (en) * 1996-12-23 1999-09-21 Micron Electronics, Inc. Method and system for indicating computer status
US5987429A (en) * 1997-12-16 1999-11-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Computer-based fee processing for electronic commerce
US6026193A (en) * 1993-11-18 2000-02-15 Digimarc Corporation Video steganography
US6028936A (en) * 1996-01-16 2000-02-22 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Method and apparatus for authenticating recorded media
US6039168A (en) * 1971-04-16 2000-03-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method of manufacturing a product from a workpiece
US6056786A (en) * 1997-07-11 2000-05-02 International Business Machines Corp. Technique for monitoring for license compliance for client-server software
US6064751A (en) * 1994-08-31 2000-05-16 Penop Limited Document and signature data capture system and method
US6070171A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-05-30 Palantir Software, Inc. Method and system for copy-tracking distributed software featuring tokens containing a key field and a usage field
US6073256A (en) * 1997-04-11 2000-06-06 Preview Systems, Inc. Digital product execution control
US6073124A (en) * 1997-01-29 2000-06-06 Shopnow.Com Inc. Method and system for securely incorporating electronic information into an online purchasing application
US6091835A (en) * 1994-08-31 2000-07-18 Penop Limited Method and system for transcribing electronic affirmations
US6111954A (en) * 1994-03-17 2000-08-29 Digimarc Corporation Steganographic methods and media for photography
US6131162A (en) * 1997-06-05 2000-10-10 Hitachi Ltd. Digital data authentication method
US6141698A (en) * 1997-01-29 2000-10-31 Network Commerce Inc. Method and system for injecting new code into existing application code
US6157377A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-12-05 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for purchasing upgraded media features for programming transmissions
US6169976B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2001-01-02 Encommerce, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating the use of licensed products
US6202056B1 (en) * 1998-04-03 2001-03-13 Audiosoft, Inc. Method for computer network operation providing basis for usage fees
US6209090B1 (en) * 1997-05-29 2001-03-27 Sol Aisenberg Method and apparatus for providing secure time stamps for documents and computer files
US6216112B1 (en) * 1998-05-27 2001-04-10 William H. Fuller Method for software distribution and compensation with replenishable advertisements
US6247130B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2001-06-12 Bernhard Fritsch Distribution of musical products by a web site vendor over the internet
US6260141B1 (en) * 1997-09-19 2001-07-10 Hyo Joon Park Software license control system based on independent software registration server
US6289341B1 (en) * 1998-06-26 2001-09-11 Lucent Technologies, Inc. Intelligent agent for identifying intellectual property infringement issues in computer network sites and method of operation thereof
US6304853B1 (en) * 1998-09-21 2001-10-16 Peter J. Malnekoff Automated gemstone evaluation system
US20010041989A1 (en) * 2000-05-10 2001-11-15 Vilcauskas Andrew J. System for detecting and preventing distribution of intellectual property protected media
US6330549B1 (en) * 1997-10-30 2001-12-11 Xerox Corporation Protected shareware
US20020026478A1 (en) * 2000-03-14 2002-02-28 Rodgers Edward B. Method and apparatus for forming linked multi-user groups of shared software applications
US20020077835A1 (en) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-20 Theodore Hagelin Method for valuing intellectual property
US20020120586A1 (en) * 2001-01-05 2002-08-29 Teruo Masaki Copyrighted work managing method and apparatus thereof
US20020162075A1 (en) * 2001-04-30 2002-10-31 Talagala Nisha D. Storage array employing scrubbing operations at the disk-controller level
US20020194065A1 (en) * 2001-06-13 2002-12-19 Haggai Barel Method for enabling the pricing of video-on-demand to be determined by advertisement volume
US6522770B1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2003-02-18 Digimarc Corporation Management of documents and other objects using optical devices
US20030084439A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2003-05-01 Ross Perkins Incentive system for distributing software over a computer network
US6564215B1 (en) * 1999-12-16 2003-05-13 International Business Machines Corporation Update support in database content management

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0704785B1 (en) * 1994-09-30 2003-11-19 Mitsubishi Corporation Data copyright management system
WO1997014087A1 (en) * 1995-10-13 1997-04-17 Trustees Of Dartmouth College System and methods for managing digital creative works

Patent Citations (60)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6076652A (en) * 1971-04-16 2000-06-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Assembly line system and apparatus controlling transfer of a workpiece
US6039168A (en) * 1971-04-16 2000-03-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method of manufacturing a product from a workpiece
US4658093A (en) * 1983-07-11 1987-04-14 Hellman Martin E Software distribution system
US4953209A (en) * 1988-10-31 1990-08-28 International Business Machines Corp. Self-verifying receipt and acceptance system for electronically delivered data objects
US5579222A (en) * 1991-11-27 1996-11-26 Intergraph Corporation Distributed license administration system using a local policy server to communicate with a license server and control execution of computer programs
US5502815A (en) * 1992-03-30 1996-03-26 Cozza; Paul D. Method and apparatus for increasing the speed at which computer viruses are detected
US5649095A (en) * 1992-03-30 1997-07-15 Cozza; Paul D. Method and apparatus for detecting computer viruses through the use of a scan information cache
US5375240A (en) * 1992-04-07 1994-12-20 Grundy; Gregory Information distribution system
US5455905A (en) * 1992-07-13 1995-10-03 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic communication device for communication between an overhead projection display device and an input device therefor
US5490216A (en) * 1992-09-21 1996-02-06 Uniloc Private Limited System for software registration
US5625690A (en) * 1993-11-15 1997-04-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. Software pay per use system
US5862260A (en) * 1993-11-18 1999-01-19 Digimarc Corporation Methods for surveying dissemination of proprietary empirical data
US5850481A (en) * 1993-11-18 1998-12-15 Digimarc Corporation Steganographic system
US5850481C1 (en) * 1993-11-18 2002-07-16 Digimarc Corp Steganographic system
US6026193A (en) * 1993-11-18 2000-02-15 Digimarc Corporation Video steganography
US5764698A (en) * 1993-12-30 1998-06-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for efficient compression of high quality digital audio
US5617528A (en) * 1994-02-04 1997-04-01 Datacard Corporation Method and apparatus for interactively creating a card which includes video and cardholder information
US6111954A (en) * 1994-03-17 2000-08-29 Digimarc Corporation Steganographic methods and media for photography
US6064751A (en) * 1994-08-31 2000-05-16 Penop Limited Document and signature data capture system and method
US6091835A (en) * 1994-08-31 2000-07-18 Penop Limited Method and system for transcribing electronic affirmations
US5886894A (en) * 1995-03-28 1999-03-23 Chubb Security Canada, Inc. Control system for automated security and control systems
US5771289A (en) * 1995-06-06 1998-06-23 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for transmitting electronic data using attached electronic credits to pay for the transmission
US5889943A (en) * 1995-09-26 1999-03-30 Trend Micro Incorporated Apparatus and method for electronic mail virus detection and elimination
US5708709A (en) * 1995-12-08 1998-01-13 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System and method for managing try-and-buy usage of application programs
US5933498A (en) * 1996-01-11 1999-08-03 Mrj, Inc. System for controlling access and distribution of digital property
US6028936A (en) * 1996-01-16 2000-02-22 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Method and apparatus for authenticating recorded media
US5905800A (en) * 1996-01-17 1999-05-18 The Dice Company Method and system for digital watermarking
US5822432A (en) * 1996-01-17 1998-10-13 The Dice Company Method for human-assisted random key generation and application for digital watermark system
US5790664A (en) * 1996-02-26 1998-08-04 Network Engineering Software, Inc. Automated system for management of licensed software
US5892900A (en) * 1996-08-30 1999-04-06 Intertrust Technologies Corp. Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection
US5926624A (en) * 1996-09-12 1999-07-20 Audible, Inc. Digital information library and delivery system with logic for generating files targeted to the playback device
US5933829A (en) * 1996-11-08 1999-08-03 Neomedia Technologies, Inc. Automatic access of electronic information through secure machine-readable codes on printed documents
US6049896A (en) * 1996-12-23 2000-04-11 Micron Electronics, Inc. Method and system for indicating computer status
US5954827A (en) * 1996-12-23 1999-09-21 Micron Electronics, Inc. Method and system for indicating computer status
US6073124A (en) * 1997-01-29 2000-06-06 Shopnow.Com Inc. Method and system for securely incorporating electronic information into an online purchasing application
US6141698A (en) * 1997-01-29 2000-10-31 Network Commerce Inc. Method and system for injecting new code into existing application code
US6073256A (en) * 1997-04-11 2000-06-06 Preview Systems, Inc. Digital product execution control
US6209090B1 (en) * 1997-05-29 2001-03-27 Sol Aisenberg Method and apparatus for providing secure time stamps for documents and computer files
US6131162A (en) * 1997-06-05 2000-10-10 Hitachi Ltd. Digital data authentication method
US6056786A (en) * 1997-07-11 2000-05-02 International Business Machines Corp. Technique for monitoring for license compliance for client-server software
US6260141B1 (en) * 1997-09-19 2001-07-10 Hyo Joon Park Software license control system based on independent software registration server
US6330549B1 (en) * 1997-10-30 2001-12-11 Xerox Corporation Protected shareware
US5987429A (en) * 1997-12-16 1999-11-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Computer-based fee processing for electronic commerce
US6202056B1 (en) * 1998-04-03 2001-03-13 Audiosoft, Inc. Method for computer network operation providing basis for usage fees
US6070171A (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-05-30 Palantir Software, Inc. Method and system for copy-tracking distributed software featuring tokens containing a key field and a usage field
US6216112B1 (en) * 1998-05-27 2001-04-10 William H. Fuller Method for software distribution and compensation with replenishable advertisements
US6289341B1 (en) * 1998-06-26 2001-09-11 Lucent Technologies, Inc. Intelligent agent for identifying intellectual property infringement issues in computer network sites and method of operation thereof
US6169976B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2001-01-02 Encommerce, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating the use of licensed products
US6304853B1 (en) * 1998-09-21 2001-10-16 Peter J. Malnekoff Automated gemstone evaluation system
US6157377A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-12-05 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for purchasing upgraded media features for programming transmissions
US6247130B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2001-06-12 Bernhard Fritsch Distribution of musical products by a web site vendor over the internet
US6522770B1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2003-02-18 Digimarc Corporation Management of documents and other objects using optical devices
US6564215B1 (en) * 1999-12-16 2003-05-13 International Business Machines Corporation Update support in database content management
US20020026478A1 (en) * 2000-03-14 2002-02-28 Rodgers Edward B. Method and apparatus for forming linked multi-user groups of shared software applications
US20010041989A1 (en) * 2000-05-10 2001-11-15 Vilcauskas Andrew J. System for detecting and preventing distribution of intellectual property protected media
US20020077835A1 (en) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-20 Theodore Hagelin Method for valuing intellectual property
US20020120586A1 (en) * 2001-01-05 2002-08-29 Teruo Masaki Copyrighted work managing method and apparatus thereof
US20020162075A1 (en) * 2001-04-30 2002-10-31 Talagala Nisha D. Storage array employing scrubbing operations at the disk-controller level
US20020194065A1 (en) * 2001-06-13 2002-12-19 Haggai Barel Method for enabling the pricing of video-on-demand to be determined by advertisement volume
US20030084439A1 (en) * 2001-10-04 2003-05-01 Ross Perkins Incentive system for distributing software over a computer network

Cited By (75)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7917645B2 (en) 2000-02-17 2011-03-29 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying media content presented on a media playing device
US9049468B2 (en) 2000-02-17 2015-06-02 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying media content presented on a media playing device
US10194187B2 (en) 2000-02-17 2019-01-29 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying media content presented on a media playing device
US20090043870A1 (en) * 2000-02-17 2009-02-12 Ikezoye Vance E Method and apparatus for identifying media content presented on a media playing device
US8086445B2 (en) 2000-11-03 2011-12-27 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for creating a unique audio signature
US20090240361A1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2009-09-24 Wold Erling H Method and apparatus for creating a unique audio signature
US20070033146A1 (en) * 2000-11-09 2007-02-08 Hollar Mark A Method and apparatus for determining digital A/V content distribution terms based on detected piracy levels
US20020069140A1 (en) * 2000-12-05 2002-06-06 Ming-Chung Tang Method for combining audio-video products with on-line dictionary and system thereof
US8775317B2 (en) 2001-04-05 2014-07-08 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US7797249B2 (en) 2001-04-05 2010-09-14 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20090328236A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2009-12-31 Schmelzer Richard A Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20080141379A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2008-06-12 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20080154730A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2008-06-26 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20080155116A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2008-06-26 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US7707088B2 (en) * 2001-04-05 2010-04-27 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US8645279B2 (en) 2001-04-05 2014-02-04 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US8484691B2 (en) 2001-04-05 2013-07-09 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20050154678A1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2005-07-14 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US9589141B2 (en) 2001-04-05 2017-03-07 Audible Magic Corporation Copyright detection and protection system and method
US20090192640A1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2009-07-30 Wold Erling H Method and apparatus for identifying an unknown work
US8082150B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2011-12-20 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying an unknown work
US8972481B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2015-03-03 Audible Magic, Inc. Playlist generation method and apparatus
US10025841B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2018-07-17 Audible Magic, Inc. Play list generation method and apparatus
US7877438B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2011-01-25 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus for identifying new media content
US20030033321A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2003-02-13 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying new media content
US20030018709A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2003-01-23 Audible Magic Playlist generation method and apparatus
US20030135623A1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2003-07-17 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus for cache promotion
US20140137270A1 (en) * 2001-12-10 2014-05-15 Content Technologies, Llc Digital media asset identification system & method
US20130054399A1 (en) * 2003-01-02 2013-02-28 Yaacov Ben-Yaacov E-used digital assets and post-acquisition revenue
US8332326B2 (en) 2003-02-01 2012-12-11 Audible Magic Corporation Method and apparatus to identify a work received by a processing system
US20040163106A1 (en) * 2003-02-01 2004-08-19 Audible Magic, Inc. Method and apparatus to identify a work received by a processing system
US20130219521A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2013-08-22 Yamaha Corporation Music-content using apparatus capable of managing copying of music content, and program therefor
US9836615B2 (en) * 2003-04-21 2017-12-05 Yamaha Corporation Music-content using apparatus capable of managing copying of music content, and program therefor
US20040210539A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Yamaha Corporation Music-content using apparatus capable of managing copying of music content, and program therefor
US8130746B2 (en) 2004-07-28 2012-03-06 Audible Magic Corporation System for distributing decoy content in a peer to peer network
US20060034177A1 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-02-16 Audible Magic Corporation System for distributing decoy content in a peer to peer network
US20060259445A1 (en) * 2005-05-20 2006-11-16 Neopost Technologies Method of paying for a franking service in a self-service mail-handling machine
US20070226507A1 (en) * 2006-03-22 2007-09-27 Holzwurm Gmbh Method and System for Depositing Digital Works, A Corresponding Computer Program, and a Corresponding Computer-Readable Storage Medium
US20090031326A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US20090030651A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US9268921B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2016-02-23 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US9785757B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2017-10-10 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US8112818B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2012-02-07 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US8006314B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2011-08-23 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US8732858B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2014-05-20 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US10181015B2 (en) 2007-07-27 2019-01-15 Audible Magic Corporation System for identifying content of digital data
US20090196465A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Satish Menon System and method for detecting the source of media content with application to business rules
US11693928B2 (en) * 2008-02-01 2023-07-04 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. System and method for controlling content upload on a network
US10552701B2 (en) * 2008-02-01 2020-02-04 Oath Inc. System and method for detecting the source of media content with application to business rules
US20200151486A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2020-05-14 Oath Inc. System and method for controlling content upload on a network
US9953143B2 (en) * 2008-05-05 2018-04-24 Oracle International Corporation Software identifier based correlation
US20090276269A1 (en) * 2008-05-05 2009-11-05 Oracle International Corp Software identifier based correlation
US11521194B2 (en) * 2008-06-06 2022-12-06 Paypal, Inc. Trusted service manager (TSM) architectures and methods
US20150006411A1 (en) * 2008-06-11 2015-01-01 James D. Bennett Creative work registry
US8199651B1 (en) 2009-03-16 2012-06-12 Audible Magic Corporation Method and system for modifying communication flows at a port level
US20100330179A1 (en) * 2009-06-25 2010-12-30 Astrazeneca Ab Method for Treating a Patient at Risk for Developing an NSAID-associated Ulcer
US20120124172A1 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-05-17 Google Inc. Providing Different Versions of a Media File
US20130097089A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2013-04-18 Robert Steele System to identify multiple copyright infringements
US8947427B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2015-02-03 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of object processing in virtual worlds
US8572207B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2013-10-29 Brian Shuster Dynamic serving of multidimensional content
US9386022B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2016-07-05 Utherverse Digital, Inc. Systems and methods of virtual worlds access
US8493386B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2013-07-23 Aaron Burch Systems and methods of managed script execution
US8671142B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2014-03-11 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of virtual worlds access
US9509699B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2016-11-29 Utherverse Digital, Inc. Systems and methods of managed script execution
US9046994B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2015-06-02 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of assessing permissions in virtual worlds
US8453219B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2013-05-28 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of assessing permissions in virtual worlds
US8522330B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2013-08-27 Brian Shuster Systems and methods of managing virtual world avatars
US9087399B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2015-07-21 Utherverse Digital, Inc. Systems and methods of managing virtual world avatars
US11595820B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2023-02-28 Paypal, Inc. Secure elements broker (SEB) for application communication channel selector optimization
US20130060661A1 (en) * 2011-09-06 2013-03-07 Apple Inc. Managing access to digital content items
US9348666B2 (en) 2012-06-18 2016-05-24 Gary Shuster Translating user interfaces of applications
US9965744B1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2018-05-08 Google Llc Automatic dynamic vetting of browser extensions and web applications
US9081778B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-07-14 Audible Magic Corporation Using digital fingerprints to associate data with a work
US10698952B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2020-06-30 Audible Magic Corporation Using digital fingerprints to associate data with a work
US9608824B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-03-28 Audible Magic Corporation Using digital fingerprints to associate data with a work

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6826546B1 (en) 2004-11-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6826546B1 (en) Method and system for licensing a copy of a copyright protected work
JP4565940B2 (en) System for managing content data, metadata related to the content data, and usage condition data related to the content data
JP4347508B2 (en) Method for uniquely identifying digital content on digital content player-Digital content player, computer-readable recording medium including program
US8706636B2 (en) System and method for unique digital asset identification and transaction management
JP4669230B2 (en) Digital media clearing platform
JP4534226B2 (en) How to provide content data to clients
US7877330B2 (en) Method and system for managing access to media files
US8180792B2 (en) Method of processing song claims involving songs including, but not limited to musical works, compositions, etc
US7209892B1 (en) Electronic music/media distribution system
KR100374524B1 (en) Secure electronic content distribution on cds and dvds
US20180145778A1 (en) Information processing apparatus and information processing method, and program storing medium for distinguishing suffixes appended to contents data
WO2002003179A2 (en) Online digital content library
US20030084439A1 (en) Incentive system for distributing software over a computer network
JP2002541528A (en) Protected online music distribution system
JP2001312570A (en) Copyright protection device, copyright protection system, copyright protection verification device, medium and information collectivity
JP2004070606A (en) Contents management method and device
JP2002163571A (en) Electronic contents trading method and its system
US7343321B1 (en) Method of administering licensing of use of copyright works
US7324996B2 (en) Digital data transfer authorization method and apparatus
JP2004355657A (en) Electronic content transaction method and its system
WO2001008029A2 (en) Digital/internet distribution channel management system for digital content
JP2002342591A (en) Method and system for distributing digital contents
MXPA06001113A (en) Flexible licensing architecture for licensing digital application
WO2000055709A2 (en) System for distribution, authentication and tracking of digitally transmitted media
KR20050027345A (en) Unit billing system of content in the on-line

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HOSHIKO, LLC,NEVADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:IDEAFLOOD, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018498/0337

Effective date: 20060721

Owner name: HOSHIKO, LLC, NEVADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:IDEAFLOOD, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018498/0337

Effective date: 20060721

AS Assignment

Owner name: HOSHIKO LLC, NEVADA

Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 018498 FRAME 0337.ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNEE'S NAME IS HOSHIKO LLC,NOT HOSHIKO,LLC;ASSIGNOR:IDEAFLOOD, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029006/0972

Effective date: 20060721

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:HOSHIKO LLC;REEL/FRAME:030639/0289

Effective date: 20130523

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 153 LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC;REEL/FRAME:050963/0660

Effective date: 20191031

AS Assignment

Owner name: KIOBA PROCESSING, LLC, GEORGIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 153 LLC;REEL/FRAME:051464/0216

Effective date: 20191115