Abstract: A method for distributing data over a network includes the steps of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server; issuing a certificate and a private key to the client for identifying the client in a transaction; storing the certificate and the private key in a portable token of the client and used by the client during a transaction, the portable token including a unique distinguishing number and being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; and generating a message linking the data being distributed to the client with at least part of the distinguishing number for the token used by the client during a transaction.

Abstract: A method of securely utilizing downloaded data includes the steps of opening a media player; opening a data file; requesting a portable token from and used by a client, the portable token being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; reading a distinguishing number from the token; and verifying a digital message linking the data file to the token using the media player, the distinguishing number, and a private key in the token. The digital message is required to access the data.

Abstract: A method of securely utilizing downloaded data includes the steps of opening a media player; opening a data file; requesting a portable token from and used by a client, the portable token being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; reading a distinguishing number from the token; and verifying a digital message linking the data file to the token using the media player, the distinguishing number, and a private key in the token. The digital message is required to access the data.

Abstract: A method for distributing data over a network includes the steps of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server; issuing a certificate and a private key to the client for identifying the client in a transaction; storing the certificate and the private key in a portable token of the client and used by the client during a transaction, the portable token including a unique distinguishing number and being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; and generating a message linking the data being distributed to the client with at least part of the distinguishing number for the token used by the client during a transaction.

Abstract: A method for distributing data over a network includes the steps of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server; receiving a request from the client for data to be downloaded; generating a message associated with the data being downloaded to the client and associated with at least part of a distinguishing number for a portable token of the client and used by the client, and distributing the data and the associated message to the client. The portable token is a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer. The step of generating a message further includes placing in the message a data identification number, including in the message a period of time for which the data may be used by the client, and including in the message a symmetrical key used to encrypt the data when distributing data from the server to the client over the network.

Abstract: A method and system for the secure distribution and utilization of data over a network. A server computer may issue a certificate and a private key to a client for identifying the client in a transaction. The certificate and the private key may be stored in a token used by the client during a transaction. The server may verify a digital signature using the certificate stored in the token before distributing data to the client. The server may also generate a message associated with the data being downloaded to the client and associated with the token used by the client during a transaction.