Abstract: Methods and systems for digital rights management are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system and method that allows the author of a design file to encrypt the file's contents, so that only authorized users can view the file, and that allows the author to identify specific users for authorization. The author selects the users that are allowed to open the encrypted file. Selected users are called “recipients”. The author then designates the rights granted to the recipients. Preferably, the author identifies users and users are authenticated by means of the user's digital certificates. The author may also have the ability to specify what operations a given user can perform, including view, print/plot, export, copy to clipboard, access history, and edit. An author can also digitally sign a document or file using their digital certificate. A hash value is created for the item to be signed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for digital rights management are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system and method that allows the author of a design file to encrypt the file's contents, so that only authorized users can view the file, and that allows the author to identify specific users for authorization. The author selects the users that are allowed to open the encrypted file. Selected users are called “recipients”. The author then designates the rights granted to the recipients. Preferably, the author identifies users and users are authenticated by means of the user's digital certificates. The author may also have the ability to specify what operations a given user can perform, including view, print/plot, export, copy to clipboard, access history, and edit. An author can also digitally sign a document or file using their digital certificate. A hash value is created for the item to be signed.