Abstract: A method for the decentralized distribution of digital content via a network includes providing content with a tag configured to allow at least one of an operator of a download portal and a content provider to track distribution of the content so as to collect data about a number of downloads of the content and about distributors of the content. A distributor downloads the content via the download portal and selects a content consumer for further distribution of the content. The content consumer receives the content and, at least in the case of a first-time utilization of the content by the content consumer, transmits information from the tag about utilization of the content to a server specified by the tag. At least one of the operator of the download portal and the content provider receives the information from the tag about the utilization of the content from the server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for online distribution of digital content that is protected by digital rights management (DRM). It makes it possible to disseminate such content via peer-to-peer networks, for instance, according to the bitstream principle.