Abstract: A subset of unique codes are generated from a set of codes. The subset of codes are stored in a database on a secure server and each of the codes is marked on a corresponding instantiation of the product. The marked instantiations are distributed. During their distribution, the marked instantiations are verified for authenticity and for routing. This verification is performed by reading or scanning the codes on the instantiations, and transmitting that information to the secure server for comparison against the codes and other information located in the database contained therein.

Abstract: Techniques are generally disclosed for using an operating entity, including a method, apparatus, and/or system to control usage of the operating entity. In various embodiments, an in-use signal generator may be configured to generate at least one in-use signal, with the at least one in-use signal having a signal duration representative of at least one usage episode of the operating entity. An aging circuit may be coupled to the in-use signal generator and configured to output at least one age-affected signal in response to the at least one in-use signal. A metering module may be coupled to the aging circuit and, in response to the at least one age-affected signal, and configured to measure a signal characteristic of the at least one age-affected signal and translate the signal characteristic into a generated quantity of accumulative usage of the aging circuit.

Abstract: A system for securely distributing content is provided. A distribution system includes a content server that distributes content to content clients via a communications link or a tangible medium. The distribution system uses passwords to encrypt and decrypt content and to control access to sensitive information stored on the content clients. The distribution system initially receives various passwords from a user and encrypts each password. Some of the encrypted passwords are “identification passwords” and others are “encryption passwords.” The identification passwords are used to control access to sensitive information stored on the content clients, and the encryption passwords are used to encrypt and decrypt content that is distributed to the content clients. The distribution system configures each content client to contain the identification passwords and encryption passwords in a secure folder.

Abstract: A method for casino operators and/or players to instantly “create” new games without requiring recertification by a gaming laboratory. New games are created on the fly by making combinations of game attributes including but not limited to theme, denomination, volatility, RTP. Game attributes are associated to pre-certified software components that are then dynamically linked to instantly offer a new game. Having players dynamically create games according to their preference totally removes the game operator's risk to compose menus of available games that players will not play.

Abstract: When a PC 10 connects to a PD 20, the PC 10 decides whether or not the PD 20 holds a group ID and if the PC 10 decides PD 20 holds the group ID, PC 10 decides whether or not the group ID held in the PC 10 and the group ID held in the PD 20 coincide with each other. If the both IDs are not decided that they don't coincide with each other, the PC 10 acquires a device ID corresponding to PD 20 from PD 20 and transfers the device ID and a terminal ID of the PC 10 to a server apparatus 32. Then the PC 10 receives, from the server apparatus 32, a user link completion information representative that an association between first user ID corresponding to the terminal ID and second user ID corresponding to the device ID is completed.

Abstract: Peculiar identification information to identify a recording medium itself is recorded onto the recording medium on which contents information as a target of a reproduction deadline management is recorded. At least the identification information recorded on the recording medium as mentioned above is read by a terminal apparatus and transmitted to a server apparatus. In the server apparatus, a reproduction possible deadline of the contents information recorded on the recording medium is managed on the basis of reproduction possible deadline information indicative of the reproduction possible deadline regarding the contents information recorded on the recording medium on the basis of at least the identification information. Thus, when the reproduction deadline of the contents recorded on the recording medium is managed, the operation for allowing the server apparatus side to set registration information such as personal information or the like of the user as in the conventional system is unnecessary.

Abstract: A reputation server is coupled to multiple clients via a network. Each client has a security module that detects malware at the client. The security module computes a hygiene score based on detected malware. The security module provides the hygiene score and an identifier of a visited web site to a reputation server. The security module also provides identifiers of files encountered at specified web sites to the reputation server. The reputation server computes secondary hygiene scores for web sites based on the hygiene scores of the clients that visit the web sites. The reputation server further computes reputation scores for files based on the secondary hygiene scores of sites that host the files. The reputation server provides the reputation scores to the clients. A reputation score represents an assessment of whether the associated file is malicious.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling use of content in accordance with usage rights associated with the content and determined in accordance with the environment of a user device. A request is received for secure content from a user device and the integrity of the environment of the user device is verified. Appropriate usage rights are retrieved based upon the results of the verification of integrity and the content is rendered on the user device in accordance with the appropriate usage rights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of purchasing external charged content in a UPnP network are provided. A media server (MS) provides a media renderer (MR) with a URL that executes a CGI that that performs purchasing of a charged content included in an external server, and, if the MR requests the reproduction of content corresponding to the URL, the MS executes a CGI of the URL, purchases charged content corresponding to the URL, and downloads the charged content, thereby browsing a list of contents provided by an external contents purchase site through a consumer electronic device such as a digital television, in which a UPnP audio/visual control point is mounted without a separate interface, purchasing desired content, and reproducing the purchased content.

Abstract: An integrated, modular array of administrative and support services are provided for electronic commerce and electronic rights and transaction management. These administrative and support services supply a secure foundation for conducting transaction-related capabilities functioning over electronic networks can also be adapted to the specific needs of electronic commerce value chains. In one embodiment, a Distributed Commerce Utility having a secure, programmable, distributed architecture provides administrative and support services. The Distributed Commerce Utility may comprise a number of Commerce Utility Systems. These Commerce Utility Systems provide a web of infrastructure support available to, and reusable by, the entire electronic community and/or many of its participants. Different support functions can be collected together in hierarchical and/or networked relationships to suit various business models or other objectives.

Abstract: An integrated, modular array of administrative and support services are provided for electronic commerce and electronic rights and transaction management. These administrative and support services supply a secure foundation for conducting transaction-related capabilities functioning over electronic networks can also be adapted to the specific needs of electronic commerce value chains. In one embodiment, a Distributed Commerce Utility having a secure, programmable, distributed architecture provides administrative and support services. The Distributed Commerce Utility may comprise a number of Commerce Utility Systems. These Commerce Utility Systems provide a web of infrastructure support available to, and reusable by, the entire electronic community and/or many of its participants. Different support functions can be collected together in hierarchical and/or networked relationships to suit various business models or other objectives.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for deterring software piracy in a volume license environment. An activation bypass message is generated and sent. Information contained in the activation bypass message is compared to a list of machine identifiers. A binding service message contains a count of the machine identifiers in the list. Once the count reaches a predetermined threshold, software activation bypass may occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digital content license management is disclosed that provides one or more license management devices that manage licenses for playback of digital content. The license management devices create licenses having an associated cardinality that determines the number of playback devices that can be authorized by the license. The license is stored in a set of playback devices, where the number of playback devices in the set corresponds to the cardinality of the license. The license is also included in digital content that the license authorizes for playback. Playback devices that have a license that matches a license included in the digital content are authorized to play the digital content. A single license can be used to provide authorization to play digital content from multiple sources and/or multiple types of content.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to incentive programs awarding loyalty points based at least in part upon the number of miles driven in a motor vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, reward points can be earned by having the vehicle serviced at authorized locations, such as a dealership. At the time of servicing, the authorized location notes the current vehicle odometer reading, and this odometer reading is communicated to an administrator of the loyalty program. The odometer reading in turn serves as the basis for calculating the number of miles driven since the last authorized servicing, and for conversion of this mileage figure into loyalty points to be credited to the owner, lessor, or renter of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system comprised of a Tool Bar equipped with the ability to: a) encrypt emails that are sent to computer users who must download and maintain a copy of the Tool Bar to receive the encryption keys needed to decrypt emails; b) display Advertisements in an area of the Tool Bar designed to support text, graphics and video advertisements; c) display various multi-media sessions that allow the user to watch Internet videos, listen to Internet music, read RSS content and engage in other Internet media applications; d) carry out a process by which the computer user can install the Tool Bar in a number of computer applications. e) carry out a process by which the video, radio and RSS functions of the Tool Bar can be continuously viewed as the user moves between software applications.

Abstract: A system for authenticating a serialized commodity is presented. A fixed identification, serial number, and authentication code are received for a serialized commodity to be checked for authenticity. A reference table is searched for an entry that matches the received fixed identification. In response to finding an entry in the reference table that matches the received fixed identification, a fixed identification key is retrieved from the reference table that is associated with the received fixed identification. A recreated authentication code is generated for the serialized commodity using the retrieved fixed identification key, the received fixed identification, and the received serial number. Then, it is determined whether the recreated authentication code matches the received authentication code. In response to determining that the recreated authentication code does match the received authentication code, an authentication code match message is outputted to authenticate the serialized commodity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of encouraging distribution, registration, and purchase of free copyable software and other digital information which is accessed on a User's System via a Programmer's Program. Software tools which can be incorporated into a Programmer's Program allow the User to access Advanced Features of the Programmer's Program only in the presence of a valid Password which is unique to a particular Target ID generated on an ID-Target such as the User's System. Advanced features will thus relock if the Password is copied to another ID-target. If a valid Password is not present, the User is invited to obtain one, and provided with the means of doing so, and of installing that Password in a place accessible to the User's System on subsequent occasions. The present invention also provides Programmers with means to invoke business operations as well as computational operations with their programs, and thus to automatically obtain payment from Users who elect to obtain passwords.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method and system of replacing smart cards. It uses a new identification device (a new SIM) to replace an old one (an old SIM) associated with a user account. The new identification device has an identification number (ICCID). The new identification device is activated in the following manner. The old identification device communicates with an identification-management center through a communication interface (mobile telephone). And the identification-management center recognizes the old identification device. The identification number of the new identification device is sent to the identification-management center through the communication interface. The identification-management center checks the identification number. If the identification number is correct, the user account will be assigned to the new identification device by the identification-management center.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the subject invention comprises a system for implementing computer network services and applications, comprising a front-end component comprising one or more applications; a back-end component comprising one or more services; and an abstraction layer component operable to communicate with the front-end and back-end components. In another preferred embodiment, the subject invention comprises a system for linking applications and services, comprising: a vendor connectivity component; a business integration component; a security component; a utility component; and a back end connectivity component.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present system provide methods and systems for authenticating online purchase by tracing internet actions to a remote computer and to an individual who operates the computer. One aspect provides a technique to generate fingerprint of computer and its user based on the information collected through the actions a user conducts on internet. Another aspect of the system provides a technique to compute the fingerprints and find relations between users and computers. Another aspect of the system provides a trust ranking to a user based on the consistency of information collected from the user's various actions.

Abstract: A method and system for installing software and hardware licenses on electronic devices supporting licensable features. Specifically, a method is disclosed for installing licenses in a node based licensing scheme. The electronic device defining the node receives an input containing an authorization key. The authorization comprises a license for a service feature, a node identifier, a software version, and a sequence number. Information in the authorization key is used to install the license on the electronic device. The node identifier is compared to an official node identifier stored at the electronic device. The sequence number is compared to an official sequence number stored at the electronic device. The license is installed into a pool of licenses available to the electronic device when the node identifier matches the official node identifier and the sequence number matches the official sequence number. The sequence number ensures that the authorization key at most can only be used once.

Abstract: A duplication/delivery center DDS records contents C11 and C12 on a recording medium M in accordance with requests from content providing apparatuses CP11 and CP12, duplicates the recording medium M, and delivers the recording medium M to users. When doing so, parts of the contents are encrypted. The content providing apparatuses CP11 and CP12 request a content control apparatus CC1 to control the contents on the recording media M. At the side of contents users, when a user sets a recording medium M in a video game console GM and tries to use a content that has been encrypted, the video game console GM requests, via a mobile packet communication network MPN, the content control apparatus CC1 to transmit a decryption key. The content control apparatus CC1 decides whether or not to transmit the decryption key based on the content of the request received from the content providing apparatus.

Abstract: The frequency of reading, by users, Web sites managed by Web masters is increased. A server computer of a service provider providing a variety of services can be accessed from one of the Web sites of registered Webmasters. The server computer registers a client who has accessed it through one of the Web sites. Only when the registered client accesses the service provider through the Web site, the client can receive any one of the services.

Abstract: A solution for metering usage of services—for example, in a SOA Framework—is proposed. For this purpose, the submission of any invocation of a provider service by a consumer service is intercepted by a license manager; a corresponding request is then submitted to a dedicated licensing service, which returns an entitlement code when the consumer service is entitled to submit the service invocation. The service invocation is decorated with this entitlement code and actually submitted to the provider service. The (decorated) service invocation addressed to the provider service is likewise intercepted by another license manager; a request is then submitted to the licensing service for verifying the received entitlement code. The running of the provider service is then enabled only if the entitlement code is correct.

Abstract: A method for distributing data over a network includes the steps of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server; issuing a certificate and a private key to the client for identifying the client in a transaction; storing the certificate and the private key in a portable token of the client and used by the client during a transaction, the portable token including a unique distinguishing number and being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; and generating a message linking the data being distributed to the client with at least part of the distinguishing number for the token used by the client during a transaction.

Abstract: Performing compliance processing is disclosed. An indication is received that compliance processing is to be performed with respect to content that is subject to an access restriction that would prevent the compliance processing from being performed if the content were not able to be accessed without the restriction. It is ensured that the content can be accessed without the restriction to perform the compliance processing.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming operation execution device, a loading device and a processing device. The gaming operation execution device executes gaming operations. The loading device includes a connector for connecting a storage medium, a first program memory part for storing a first authentication program, a second program memory part for storing a second authentication program, and a first processor for authenticating the first authentication program with the second authentication program. The processing device includes a memory, a reading unit for reading out the gaming information from the storage medium and for reading out the first authentication program authenticated by the first processor, a second processor for authenticating the gaming information with the authenticated first authentication program, a writing unit for writing the authenticated gaming information to the memory, and an operation control unit for controlling the gaming operation execution device.

Abstract: A system is described that dynamically enhances a software application executing on a computing device without having to change and recompile the original application code. The system includes a staging environment that monitors the execution of the application and indexes each item of graphical and/or audio information generated by the application into a first database. A second database is then populated by manual or automated means with one or more business rules, wherein each business rule is associated with one or more of the objects indexed in the first database. The system further includes a run-time environment that identifies items of graphics and/or audio information as they are generated by the application during run-time, uses the second database to determine if an identified item is associated with a business rule, and, responsive to a determination that an identified item is associated with a business rule, applies the business rule.

Abstract: In order to mitigate risk of satellite investment loss, a satellite loss event or failure event for a satellite that will be operated by a satellite operator company is identified. Financial investors in the satellite operator company are identified. Actuarial data corresponding to prior satellite loss events or failure events substantially corresponding to the satellite loss event or failure event are identified. An investment loss mitigation insurance policy based at least in part on the identified actuarial data is developed. The investment loss mitigation insurance policy is offered to the identified financial investors. Premiums are received from financial investors that subscribe to the investment loss mitigation insurance policy, and the investment loss mitigation insurance policy is placed with an underwriting pool in exchange for at least a portion of the received premiums.

Abstract: A digital footprint driven multi-channel integrated support system assists a user in managing electronic components based on his or her digital footprint. The digital footprint driven multi-channel integrated support system delivers a dramatically improved ‘digital home support’ experience across multiple support channels (e.g., ‘on-the-box’, web, IVR, agent voice, agent chat, agent email, and more). The digital footprint driven multi-channel integrated support system generates, displays, and uses a ‘digital footprint’ of the components within the home, such as computer hardware/software, computer peripherals, audio/visual equipment, gaming hardware/software, home security hardware/software, or other electronic components.

Abstract: A method of securely utilizing downloaded data includes the steps of opening a media player; opening a data file; requesting a portable token from and used by a client, the portable token being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; reading a distinguishing number from the token; and verifying a digital message linking the data file to the token using the media player, the distinguishing number, and a private key in the token. The digital message is required to access the data.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first apparatus that carries out a plurality of functions, and a second apparatus that is coupled to the first apparatus. The second apparatus comprises a control unit that includes a processing unit for supplying commands to the first apparatus for carrying out the selected one of the plurality of functions: a display driver for displaying on a display a screen utilized to select one of the plurality of functions; and a memory slot operable to receive a memory stick that includes a key file for activating at least one other function. When the key file is uninstalled, the plurality of functions executable by the first apparatus include basic functions, and alternatively when the key file is installed, the plurality of executable functions include both the basic functions and at least one other function upon the processing unit validating authorization data stored on the key file.

Abstract: The present disclosure attempts to migrate from a first authenticator to a second authenticator. In the most preferred embodiment, the first step is to migrate the data that is not stored encrypted by a traditional replication or transformation between the datastores of the authenticators. The new authenticator is placed in position, while the old authenticator is maintained. When a user attempts to login, servlets check to see if the user's password exists within the datastore for the new authenticator. If not, then the user is sent to the old authenticator's sign-on page. When the user enters their authentication credentials into the old authenticator, a code snippet or second servlet will capture this information and, on confirmation from the old authenticator that the user is properly authenticated, use the captured information to populate the new datastore.

Abstract: A document distribution system transfers a document from a source computer to a destination computer in the form of a print file. The print file defines the appearance of the document in a code suitable for telling a printer how to print the document. The source computer executes “license stamper” software for embedding an encoded license stamp into the print file before it is sent to the destination computer. Viewer software executed by the source computer receives and parses the print file to determine whether it contains the license stamp. If so, the viewer may generate a video display of the document defined by the print file or may print the document by sending the print file to a printer. However if the viewer receives a print file not containing the embedded license stamp, the viewer refrains from displaying or printing the document.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data recognition apparatus for copy protection which recognizes software distributed through a disc in physically different ways through RFID and a USB memory, a method thereof, and storage mediums therefor. The apparatus comprises a disc insertion section for recognizing a first storage medium in the form of a disc with an RFID tag attached; an RFID reading section for reading the RFID tag; a USB port section for recognizing a second storage medium having the shape of a USB memory; a decoding section for decoding data stored in the first storage medium or the second storage medium; and a transmission section for transmitting the decoded data to the system.

Abstract: A method of creating a domain based on public key cryptography includes providing, by a content-providing server, a list of devices requesting content, and selecting, by a user, a device from the list; transmitting, by the server, discrimination information on revoked devices to the device; extracting, by the device having received the discrimination information, a secret value from the discrimination information, preparing a certificate using the extracted secret value, and transmitting device information and the certificate of the device to the server; verifying, by the server, the certificate and creating a domain ID and a domain key using the device information; encrypting, by the server, the domain ID and the domain key using a unique public key of the device and transmitting the encrypted domain ID and domain key to the device; and restoring, by the device, the domain key using a unique secret key of the device.

Abstract: A technique to control access to computer network resources at a computer facility permits a user to interact with the computer facility through a computer node of a network, wherein the user interaction comprises language learning responses submitted to the computer facility through the computer node, and a user authentication process is performed to determine if the permitted user interaction is authorized. The user authentication process is performed with user authentication information that is obtained by the computer facility during the permitted user interaction and also with user authentication information that is extracted from the user's language learning responses. In this way, user authentication occurs without intruding into the utilization of the computer facility.

Abstract: Extensible grammar-based rights expression system for processing rights expressions including an interpreter with plug-in subcomponents, a validator, and a framework. In another embodiment, system includes a framework having an extensible architecture with extensibility points for adding extensions to the grammar, and an interpreter, the extensions defining semantics and syntax of new rights expressions. A method for processing rights expressions is also provided having the steps of registering plug-in components, making a programmatic call, finding and invoking appropriate plug-in components, evaluating the request against the grant, and returning an authorization result. In another embodiment, method includes the steps of providing an extensible grammar-based rights expression system having an extensible architecture with an interpreter, evaluating the request against the grant using the interpreter, and returning an authorization result.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems to distribute content over a network. Some embodiments provide methods to distribute content within a local media network. These methods receive a request for a first content to be transferred to a sink device, request from the source an access criteria for a first content that is protected according to a first digital rights management (DRM), forward the access criteria to the sink device, receive an evaluation of the access criteria from the sink device regarding at least whether the sink device can interpret the first DRM, determine according to the evaluation received from the sink device whether the sink device can utilize the first content that is protected according to the first DRM, and initiate a transfer of the first content from the source device to the sink device when the sink device can utilize the first content.

Abstract: Customers make purchases from online merchants using personal information, such as payment and shipping information, stored with an online information service. The merchants may optionally report information about each customer's purchases back to the information service, which may incorporate the information into a history page that is accessible to the customer. The information service may also use the aggregated purchase history data to generate an “interests” profile for the customer, which may be disseminated to the merchants and used to customize their web sites. The web pages of the merchants may include a reference to an object, such as a graphic, that is served by the information service. For customers that are registered with the information service, this object may be customized with the name of the customer, and may be selectable by the customer to make single-action purchases.

Abstract: A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for automatically maintaining identity relationships among disparate enterprise information systems. The apparatus comprises a synchronization hub comprising an identity relationship repository, a relationship service module, a consistency module, and an adjustment module. The relationship service is configured to access a target relationship entry using a unique key from a source business object, wherein the source business object is representative of changes made in a source enterprise information system. The various components and modules of the synchronization hub cooperate to determine identity relationships that need updating and to propagate identity relationship changes to one or more destination enterprise information servers.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for leasing a unique digital item in a network data processing system. A listing request is received for a payment and a deposit in the account of a first party. A listing request is received for a unique digital item in the account of a second party. Responsive to receiving the listing requests, the respective digital properties are transferred to a temporary storage account in association with retrieval tags. Listings for the digital properties appear on a trusted third-party leasing service. A lease contract is drawn up between the parties. After all parties have signed the lease agreement, the payment is transferred to the second party and the unique digital item is transferred to the first party. The deposit is held by the trusted third-party leasing service until the unique digital item is returned.

Abstract: Virtual disks management methods and systems. First, a file space is set and a first password is set. A first device code is acquired. The file space is encrypted according to the first password and the first device code to obtain an encrypted file. Thereafter, a designation of the encrypted file is received. A second password is received, and a second device code is acquired. It is determined whether the second password conforms to the first password, and whether the second device code conforms to the first device code. If so, the encrypted file is mounted as a virtual disk.

Abstract: A smart scheduler is provided to prepare a machine for a job, wherein the job has specific requirements, i.e., dimensions. One or more config jobs are identified to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of the job. Information concerning the machine's original configuration and groupings of config jobs that change the machine's configuration are cached in a central storage. The smart scheduler uses information in the central storage to identify a suitable machine and one or more config jobs to configure the machine to meet the dimensions of a job. The smart scheduler schedules a run for the config jobs on the machine.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically updating a live object with personalized content for clients are provided. The techniques include receiving a first message from a source including a first identifier and a second identifier. The first identifier may be unique to a client. The second identifier may be generic across many clients. The first message includes information for updating a property of a live object associated with the second identifier. A client specific to the first identifier may be identified. A second message may then be routed through a network to the client. The second message may include the first identifier and the second identifier and also may contain information for updating a property of the live object associated with the second identifier. The client may receive the second message and may be capable of causing an update of the property of the live object associated with the second identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for authorizing access to one or more financial accounts. In some cases, the methods include providing an authorization document that incorporates a passcode. A request to authorize access to an account is received from an owner of the account. As part of the request, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to the account is authorized. In other cases, authorization can be provided via a representative of the account owner.

Abstract: This invention uses probabilistic correlation techniques to increase sensitivity, reduce false alarms, and improve alert report quality in intrusion detection systems. In one preferred embodiment, an intrusion detection system includes at least two sensors to monitor different aspects of a computer network, such as a sensor that monitors network traffic and a sensor that discovers and monitors available network resources. The sensors are correlated in that the belief state of one sensor is used to update or modify the belief state of another sensor. In another embodiment of this invention, probabilistic correlation techniques are used to organize alerts generated by different sensors in an intrusion detection system.

Abstract: A subset of unique codes are generated from a set of codes. The subset of codes are stored in a database on a secure server and each of the codes is marked on a corresponding instantiation of the product. The marked instantiations are distributed. During their distribution, the marked instantiations are verified for authenticity and for routing. This verification is performed by reading or scanning the codes on the instantiations, and transmitting that information to the secure server for comparison against the codes and other information located in the database contained therein.

Abstract: On the basis of information of a first user, requesting delivery of content, received from a content reproduction apparatus, a content providing server refers to first and second storage section, as necessary, to specify a second user having purchased or reproduced the same content as the first user, then identify other music content having ever been purchased or reproduced by the second user and then delivers the other content to the first user. The content reproduction apparatus can store the content, delivered from the content providing server, in an overwriting fashion and reproduce the stored content. In this way, the first user is allowed to readily acquire various music content, fitting his or her taste, without performing any particular operation.