Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating donation of a digital asset from a user to an entity. A mechanism is provided by which the user may designate the digital asset to be donated. The mechanism is configured to receive at least a representation of the digital asset. A type of the digital asset is identified with reference to the received representation of the digital asset. Further processing of the received representation of the digital asset is effected with reference to the type. At least the representation of the digital asset is stored in a repository associated with the entity. A notification is provided to the user that ownership of the digital asset has been transferred to the entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for enabling actionable content by embedding title materials corresponding to digital bearer instruments in digital media.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing packets in a network. A received packet includes title materials which include one or more of a title object, a component of the title object, or a reference to the title object. The title object is a digital bearer instrument representing at least one right relating to processing of the packet in the network which may be redeemed by presentation of the title object to a title-enabled device or process operating in the network. Upon validation of the title object, the packet is processed in the network in accordance with the at least one right represented by the title object.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and data structures embodied in computer-readable media are provided for facilitating access to a service in a network. Title materials are received which include one or more of a first title object, a component of the first title object, or a reference to the first title object. The first title object is a first digital bearer instrument representing at least one right relating to the service, the first title object including a reference to the service. A second title object is identified with reference to a service registry and the reference to the service included in the first title object. The second title object is a second digital bearer instrument with which redemption of the at least one right relating to the service and represented by the first title object may be effected.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a contact management system using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing a set of user identity records in an identity management site, wherein each record of the set of user identity records can be redeemed by a pointer. The method also includes generating a contact title including the pointer for the record; storing the contact title in a first title management site; selecting the contact title; redeeming the record from the identity management site; and displaying the record.