Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.

Abstract: A method of restricting client interaction of deliverable electronic media. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of detecting a media player application operable within a computer system. The media player application enables the computer system to present contents of a media file. The present method is further comprised of governing within said media player application a function that enables non-compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the media file. The present method is further comprised of controlling output of the media file. The controlling is performed by a compliance mechanism coupled to the computer system. The compliance mechanism is for enabling compliance with the usage restriction applicable to the media file.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing unauthorized recording of media content in an iTunes™ environment. Embodiment of the method begins by activating a compliance mechanism in response to receiving media content at a client system. The media content is received from a content provider providing content in a format compatible with an iTunes™ media service. Also, the client system has a media content presentation application that is capable of handling the media content operable thereon and coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method continues by controlling a data output path carrying the media content of the client system with the compliance mechanism. Thereafter, the method directs the media content to a custom media device coupled that is coupled to the compliance mechanism via the data output path. In this way, the embodiment of the method is capable of selectively restricting output of the media content.

Abstract: A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.

Abstract: A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.

Abstract: A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.

Abstract: A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized recording of electronic media is described. The method is comprised of activating a compliance mechanism in response to receiving media content by a client system. The compliance mechanism is coupled to the client system. The media content presentation application is operable and coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method is further comprised of controlling a data output path of the client computer with the compliance mechanism. The method is further comprised of directing the media content via the data output path to a custom media device for selectively restricting output of the media content. The custom media device is coupled to the compliance mechanism and to the media content presentation application. The method is further comprised of preventing a recording application coupled to the client computer system from recording the media content file when recording violates usage restriction applicable to the media content.

Abstract: A method for selectively controlling access to electronic media disposed on a media storage device according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises creating a first list comprising a plurality of process identification values. Each of the plurality of process identification values of the first list is associated with a software application that is accessing the media disposed upon the media storage device. The method further includes creating a second list comprising a second plurality of process identification values. Each of the second plurality of process identification values is associated with a software application that is storing data. The method further includes determining that a particular software application is creating an unauthorized copy of the media disposed upon the media storage device. The method further includes preventing the particular software application from storing a usable copy of said electronic media.

Abstract: A method for providing curriculum enhancement using a computer-based media access system according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises accessing a playlist assembly component and creating a playlist indicating at least one instance of media. The playlist is then accessed and the instance of media is selected. A usage compliance mechanism then accesses the instance of media in accordance with a usage restriction.

Abstract: A method for preventing unauthorized recording of media content on a Macintosh operating system. The present method registers a compliance mechanism on a client system having the Macintosh operating system operating thereon. The compliance mechanism comprises a framework for validating the compliance mechanism on the client system, and a multimedia component opened by the framework. The present method uses the multimedia component for decrypting the media content on the client system. The present method also prevents decryption of the media content on the client system having the Macintosh operating system operating thereon if a portion of the compliance mechanism is invalidated.

Abstract: A method of controlling presentation of content on a media storage device is described. The method is comprised of verifying the presence of a media presentation mechanism and a usage compliance mechanism on a computer system operated by a recipient to whom the media storage device is distributed. The usage compliance mechanism includes a file system filter driver for controlling data reads associated with the computer readable media. The media presentation mechanism is communicatively coupled with the usage compliance mechanism. The present method further includes the file system driver performing a first decryption of the computer readable media. The present method further includes the media presentation mechanism performing a second decrypting of the computer readable media concurrent with presenting the computer readable media to the recipient.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing unauthorized recording of media content in an iTunes™ environment. Embodiment of the method begins by activating a compliance mechanism in response to receiving media content at a client system. The media content is received from a content provider providing content in a format compatible with an iTunes™ media service. Also, the client system has a media content presentation application that is capable of handling the media content operable thereon and coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method continues by controlling a data output path carrying the media content of the client system with the compliance mechanism. Thereafter, the method directs the media content to a custom media device coupled that is coupled to the compliance mechanism via the data output path. In this way, the embodiment of the method is capable of selectively restricting output of the media content.

Abstract: A method for providing a media change notification on a computing system. The present method polls a media device of a computing system for a media change wherein the polling of the media device cannot be blocked by the computing system. When a media change is detected on the media device, a media change notification is generated. The media change notification is then output when the media change on the media device is detected. In so doing, the media change notification cannot be blocked by the computing system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling video input media is described. The method includes receiving video media via a video media input device. The video media input device is communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a data path within the electronic device associated with the video media. The monitoring is performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes preventing the video media from reaching a usage mechanism via the data path, the usage mechanism communicatively coupled with the electronic device. The usage mechanism is able to create an environment in which the video media can be used in an unauthorized manner. The preventing performed by the compliance mechanism is done when usage of the video media with the usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to the video media.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.

Abstract: A method for controlling media sharing among a plurality of nodes in a network. The present method is comprised of availing to the network an instance of media content for sharing among the plurality of nodes by a source node communicatively coupled to the network. The present method further includes decrypting the instance of media content from an encryption local to the source node. The present method further includes encrypting the instance of media content into an intermediate encryption. The present method further includes transferring the instance of media content to a node while the instance of media content is in the intermediate encryption. The node is associated with the network. The decrypting and the encrypting and the transferring are in response to receiving a request for the instance of media content from the node.