Abstract: A persistent data control system and method of securely distributing data on a network includes the steps of providing an encoded file of a single file type having a plurality of file control fields, the file having at least one data type, and incorporating at least one encoded use right and/or access right into one of the control fields of the at least one data type. The persistent data control method is performed at an application level, and is capable of being embedded in an application which originates the at least one data type or called by an application. The persistent data control method further comprises the steps of decoding the plurality of file control fields including the file control fields for the encoded use right and/or access right, decoding the at least one data type in accordance with the access right, and rendering the decoded data type in accordance with the decoded use and access right.