Abstract: Method and apparatus for verifying provenance data associated with digital content. The provenance data preferably comprises a number of entries that serve as a history of processing steps carried out upon the digital content, such as when and by whom the content was created, transmitted, mastered, replicated, etc. A hash function is preferably used to generate a multi-bit digital signature from the provenance data, and the provenance data and the digital signature are stored in a memory. A processor uses the digital signature to authenticate the provenance data, preferably by generating a second digital signature from the provenance data and comparing the second digital signature with the first signature. The processor further preferably authenticates the content in relation to the authenticated provenance data. The processor preferably further processes the content, updates the provenance data in relation thereto, and calculates a new digital signature in relation to the updated provenance data.

Abstract: A data storage medium such as an optical disc with separate image and data tracks, and a method and apparatus for forming the same. The medium has a user data storage area with a data track to store user data, and a non-user data image track to store human readable information to form a watermark interspersed with the user data. Preferably, the data track forms a portion of a first spiral and the image track forms a portion of a distinct second spiral nested within the first spiral. Alternatively, the data and image tracks are nested concentric circles. An increased track pitch is preferably provided for the data tracks in the data storage area adjacent the watermark to accommodate the intervening image tracks, and a reduced track pitch between data tracks is provided elsewhere. The medium can be pre-recorded or recordable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for authenticating a data storage medium (such as an optical disc including a compact disc, CD or a digital versatile disc, DVD) in which data are nominally stored in a plurality of sectors have a defined sector size containing a first total number of bits. A number of altered sectors are formed on the medium each having a second total number of bits different from the first total number of bits. The altered sectors will provide readback data at a different rate than a nominal rate determined by the defined sector size. The altered sectors are used to verify the medium as being an authorized copy and prevent unauthorized copying efforts.