Abstract: Techniques for generating a visual depiction of a cover for a digital item are provided. A base-depiction-selector-value is generated based on one or more values from attribute metadata associated with the digital item. A mapping table is then accessed to select a base visual depiction item using the base-depiction-selector-value. A visual depiction of a cover is generated for the digital item based at least in part on the selected base visual depiction item. The visual depiction is then caused to be displayed to a user on a display device. The techniques may be employed, for example, in the context of an online digital item retailer or in the context of a personal computing application to generate visual depictions of covers for digital items that users browse, purchase, download, access, or use.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.