Abstract: Systems and methods of managing access to digital content are described. In one aspect, a novel digital content access management system enables users to register previously owned digital content and, subsequently, allows users to access the registered content using any electronic device that is connected to the system. Digital content may be pushed or pulled from any electronic system that is connected to a network—no matter where it is located—to any other electronic system that is connected to a network. A novel business model, as well as a system and a method for implementing this model, also are described. In accordance with this business model, payments are made to content providers upon registration of the previously owned digital content. In this way, the monetary interests of content providers may be protected (even when a user registers borrowed digital content, for example), while enhancing the ability of users to interact with their licensed digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing access to digital content are described. In one aspect, a novel digital content access management system enables users to register previously owned digital content and, subsequently, allows users to access the registered content using any electronic device that is connected to the system. Digital content may be pushed or pulled from any electronic system that is connected to a network—no matter where it is located—to any other electronic system that is connected to a network. A novel business model, as well as a system and a method for implementing this model, also are described. In accordance with this business model, payments are made to content providers upon registration of the previously owned digital content. In this way, the monetary interests of content providers may be protected (even when a user registers borrowed digital content, for example), while enhancing the ability of users to interact with their licensed digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods of distributing digital content are described. In one aspect, a portable media device includes a memory, a wireless transceiver, an output, and a controller. The memory is configured to store digital content. The wireless transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive digital content. The output is configured to render digital content. The controller is coupled to the memory, the wireless transceiver and the output, and is configured to control wireless transmission of digital content based upon meta-data associated with the digital content. In another aspect, a digital content distribution system includes two or more portable media devices and a license manager. Each of the portable media devices comprises a memory for storing digital content and a transceiver for wirelessly transmitting digital content to and wirelessly receiving digital content from another portable media device.