Abstract: A method and system is presented for a digital licensing scheme that separates the license from the digital file containing the copyrightable material. According to the present invention, the files can be downloaded from any server, and transferred from user to user, even after the file has been licensed. The present invention utilizes producer software running on a vendor's computer, server software running on a computer provided by the license provider, and player software operating on the user's computer. Digitally encrypted communication streams keep communications between the producer software, the license provider, and the player software confidential. A software component running on the user's computer checks to make sure that the appropriate product license has been purchased. This is accomplished by comparing the product ID in the product license with the product ID contained in the product file.

Abstract: A system and method distribute licenses for copyrighted material separate from the copyrighted material itself. A producer or “vendor” of copyrighted material registers the material with a License Provider. The License Provider returns an encryption code for the producer to attach to the materials which are in digital form. The vendor distributes that material to one or more users who purchase a license from the License Provider. The license includes an encryption key to decrypt the file containing the materials. The system and method incorporate security measures to prevent unlicensed use and distribution of the materials.

Abstract: A system and method distribute licenses for copyrighted material separate from the copyrighted material itself. A producer or “vendor” of copyrighted material registers the material with a License Provider. The License Provider returns an encryption code for the producer to attach to the materials which are in digital form. The vendor distributes that material to one or more users who purchase a license from the License Provider. The license includes an encryption key to decrypt the file containing the materials. The system and method incorporate security measures to prevent unlicensed use and distribution of the materials.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for a digital licensing scheme that separates the license from the digital file containing the copyrightable material. According to the present invention, the files can be downloaded from any server, and transferred from user to user, even after the file has been licensed. The present invention utilizes producer software running on a vendor's computer, server software running on a computer provided by the license provider, and player software operating on the user's computer. Digitally encrypted communication streams keep communications between the producer software, the license provider, and the player software confidential. A software component running on the user's computer checks to make sure that the appropriate product license has been purchased. This is accomplished by comparing the product ID in the product license with the product ID contained in the product file.

Abstract: A system and method provide digital tokens for use in e-commerce. The tokens are transferable and can be purchased for another person to spend. Such tokens are of particular use in a system and method to distribute licenses for copyrighted material separate from the copyrighted material itself.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for storing multiple tracks of music in a single structured storage file having multiple layers of organization. The top layer contains links to separate “folders” for each track, as well information associated with the collection of tracks as a whole. Inside each track folder is the digital data defining the music track, as well as information concerning that track. Audio/video information associated with the collection can be stored in the root file, while audio/video information associated with the track is stored in the track folder. A file header in the root directory contains a vendor ID and a product ID, which allows licensing software to examine the file and uniquely associate it with a particular license. Preview tracks contained in the track folders can be played if the no license exists. To prevent tampering with the product or vendor ID, the header file is encrypted with DES encryption using an encryption key common to all files.