Abstract: Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a song claim, and comparing the song claim to records of a database of songs. To this end, results of the comparing may be indicated. In various embodiments, such songs may include musical works, compositions, etc. Of course, songs in the form of a recording are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: The embodiments satisfy the need for a real-time search engine that significantly reduces the cost of constructing a search engine index by providing a method for creating a real-time search engine over the Internet that provides a search response containing data object descriptions and server descriptions of data objects that are currently available for transfer from a provider server directly to a recipient client in response to a recipient client search request. An exemplary method of updating a search-engine index of a search engine serving a plurality of servers is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a communication link between the search engine and a first server, b. logging onto the search engine from the first server. The step of logging onto the search engine comprises the steps of: i. uploading a first video data object description of a first video data object from the first server to the search-engine index, ii.

Abstract: Communication is established between a first client and a central index server in a fluid, de-centralized network. The central index server searches the memory of the first client for usable data files which lack authentication certificates issued by the central index server. A data-file identifier is generated for a first data file among the select files lacking authentication certificates within the first client. The data-file identifier is compared to a reliable identifier in a main data base of the central index server. The reliable identifier is indexed within the main data base against a first unique reference ID. If the data-file identifier matches the reliable identifier, a valid authentication certificate is issued to the first data file in the first client. An IP address of the first client is then referenced against the first unique reference ID within the main data base of the central index server.

Abstract: The embodiments satisfy the need for a real-time search engine that significantly reduces the cost of constructing a search engine index by providing a method for creating a real-time search engine over the Internet that provides a search response containing data object descriptions and server descriptions of data objects that are currently available for transfer from a provider server directly to a recipient client in response to a recipient client search request. An exemplary method of updating a search-engine index of a search engine serving a plurality of servers is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a communication link between the search engine and a first server, b. logging onto the search engine from the first server. The step of logging onto the search engine comprises the steps of: i. uploading a first video data object description of a first video data object from the first server to the search-engine index, ii.

Abstract: In one embodiment a system, method, and computer program product are provided for enabling file-sharing for digital media. In use, licensing information associated with digital media is received and stored in a database. It is also determined, in real-time, licenses that are available to distribution services of digital media based on a capability of the distribution services to handle any restrictions contained in the licensing information. One or more distributors of digital media are further allowed to pay for and access a file-sharing system of the digital media based on the licenses that are available. Accounting, tracking, and reporting of royalty information associated with the digital media is also provided, in real-time.

Abstract: A search engine operates substantially in real time through instant updates by the servers on a file sharing network. A server coming on-line in the network and comprising a first data object such as an audio file, video file, executable file, or text file, is configured to upload a description, such as a song title or file name, of the first data object, to the search engine during the log-in process. The search engine comprises a data-object description table for storing and correlating various data object descriptions to respective server identifiers identifying servers currently on line that store the data objects defined by the data object descriptions. During the log-in process, the search engine is configured to correlate the identifier of the server coming on-line with a data-object description of a data object stored in the server coming on-line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating content is provided. In one embodiment, the invention is a method. The method includes interfacing with a content outlet. The method further includes comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The method also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The method may further include monetizing the method. Additionally, the method may include distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a song claim, and comparing the song claim to records of a database of songs. To this end, results of the comparing may be indicated. In various embodiments, such songs may include musical works, compositions, etc. Of course, songs in the form of a recording are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for resolving disputes regarding digital media files stored in an open copyright database. The invention further includes identifying, tracking and monitoring digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and rights-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus for identifying, tracking and monitoring digital media files through the use of a track listening service is provided. The service may also include a digital media playing service suitable for playing audio, video, audiovideo, and other media format files. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet and providing track listening services in conjunction therewith. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and rights-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying, tracking and monitoring digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and rights-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying, tracking and monitoring digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and rights-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for identifying, tracking and monitoring digital media files through the use of missing masters lists is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and rights-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Abstract: The invention contained herein describes a use-sensitive system for distribution of data files between users in a networked community of users. The system comprises each user having a distribution application that has at least one data file repository that has the ability to store at least one data file. The distribution application additionally includes a data file transfer server which makes available all data files located in the data file repository for download by other users, a file transfer client, and a user interface for displaying the actions and status of the distribution application to the user. In the system the file transfer client connects to the file transfer server and downloads a data file, and when the downloaded file is placed in the repository, the distribution application automatically makes available the downloaded data file to other distribution applications in the community of users.

Abstract: Disclosed is described a method for creating a real-time search engine over the Internet which provides a search response containing data object descriptions and server descriptions of data objects that are currently available for transfer from a provider server directly to a recipient client in response to a recipient client search request. The method comprises the provider server connecting to a Real-time search engine through the Internet, the provider server providing the Real-time search engine with data object descriptions of data objects residing on the provider server, and the Real-time search engine indexing data object descriptions associated with the data object of the provider server, wherein the data object descriptions provided by the provider server are purged from the Real-time search engine when the provider server is disconnected from the Real-time search engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is described a method for creating a real-time search engine over the Internet which provides a search response containing data object descriptions and server descriptions of data objects that are currently available for transfer from a provider server directly to a recipient client in response to a recipient client search request. The method comprises the provider server connecting to a Real-time search engine through the Internet, the provider server providing the Real-time search engine with data object descriptions of data objects residing on the provider server, and the Real-time search engine indexing data object descriptions associated with the data object of the provider server, wherein the data object descriptions provided by the provider server are purged from the Real-time search engine when the provider server is disconnected from the Real-time search engine.