Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which enable flexible and secure processing of digital bearer instruments. An architecture is provided that enables provision of an extensible applications framework that flexibly supports a variety of features and functionality supporting title-based rights processing operations. A wide range of methods of defining and assuring rights processing operating environments extend the capabilities of rights processing operating environments in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A rights-based system is described in which vouchers are employed for creating, managing, distributing, and redeeming rights in digital contexts. A voucher is a digital, possession-based rights representation. An authorization component of the system validates the vouchers and issues corresponding tokens. Access to digital resources is provided in response to presentation of the tokens which are validated by matching voucher refresh values to corresponding values maintained by the system. New refresh values are generated and inserted in the vouchers each time they are redeemed.

Abstract: An advertising-financed print service is enabled in which the printing of content by consumers is subsidized, in whole or in part, by the presentation of commercial content (e.g., coupons and offers) to the consumers.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the digital signing of a message to be signed, the message to be signed is transmitted via a communication network to a mobile radio telephone to be used as a signing unit. A message to be signed is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver and then from the receiver to the mobile radio telephone via a telephone network. The mobile radio telephone user indicates that the message to be signed should be signed, and the mobile radio telephone generates a signed message. The signed message is then transmitted from the mobile radio telephone to the receiver and from the receiver to an addressee.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes user data resident in the memory including a set of user security indicia. The apparatus also includes a first title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes a set of stub objects coupled to the title object, wherein the set of stub objects can further optimize the title structure; an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part of the user security indicia; and, a title management structure configured to associate a user with the first title object based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating donation of a digital asset from a user to an entity. A mechanism is provided by which the user may designate the digital asset to be donated. The mechanism is configured to receive at least a representation of the digital asset. A type of the digital asset is identified with reference to the received representation of the digital asset. Further processing of the received representation of the digital asset is effected with reference to the type. At least the representation of the digital asset is stored in a repository associated with the entity. A notification is provided to the user that ownership of the digital asset has been transferred to the entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for enabling actionable content by embedding title materials corresponding to digital bearer instruments in digital media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the digital signing of a message to be signed, the message to be signed is transmitted via a communication network to a mobile radio telephone to be used as a signing unit. A message to be signed is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver and then from the receiver to the mobile radio telephone via a telephone network. The mobile radio telephone user indicates that the message to be signed should be signed, and the mobile radio telephone generates a signed message. The signed message is then transmitted from the mobile radio telephone to the receiver and from the receiver to an addressee.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing packets in a network. A received packet includes title materials which include one or more of a title object, a component of the title object, or a reference to the title object. The title object is a digital bearer instrument representing at least one right relating to processing of the packet in the network which may be redeemed by presentation of the title object to a title-enabled device or process operating in the network. Upon validation of the title object, the packet is processed in the network in accordance with the at least one right represented by the title object.