Abstract: A removable drive such as a USB drive or key is provided for connecting to computer devices to provide secure and portable data storage. The drive includes a drive manager adapted to be run by an operating system of the computer device. The drive manager receives a password, generates a random key based on the password, encrypts a user-selected data file in memory of the computer device using the key, and stores the encrypted file in the memory of the removable drive. The drive manager performs the encryption of the data file without corresponding encryption applications being previously loaded on the computer system. The drive manager may include an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptography algorithm. The drive manager generates a user interface that allows a user to enter passwords, select files for encryption and decryption, and create folders for storing the encrypted files on the removable drive.

Abstract: A DRM contents using method of a terminal apparatus is provided. The method includes generating a refund list file including contents identification information upon DRM contents for which a user of the terminal apparatus has received a refund; if a use of first DRM contents is requested from the terminal apparatus, comparing first contents identification information corresponding to the first DRM contents with the contents identification information in the refund list file; and determining usability of the first DRM contents based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A computer software license management system wrapper for use in a local computer is described. The software wrapper includes a wrapper interface that provides controlled access to a computer software application file. The software application file is encapsulated by security software code to protect it from unauthorized access. The software wrapper also includes a software license key identifying a license policy specifying a use limitation within a geographic boundary. In addition, the software wrapper includes a license validation mechanism that periodically determines compliance with the license policy. The license validation mechanism permits access by another process operating on the local computer through the wrapper interface in response to a valid license confirmation signal received from the license server. A license server that utilizes and an electronic storefront that sells software license wrappers having software use limitations within a geographic boundary also are described.

Abstract: A system and method of protecting digital media contents, which maintain compatibility with an existing system and block any attempt to illegally use the digital media contents having various formats, and which reduce a system load and maximize a possibility of reusing the digital media contents. The system includes a packager for analyzing a format of contents and encoding at least a portion of a data region located in a payload of the contents, and for generating encoded contents by inserting encoding information including at least one of an encoding key value and contents information into the contents; and a digital rights management (DRM) server for receiving a request for a license and the encoding information from an external device which receives the encoded contents, for confirming the encoding information and then generating a license which is used to decode the encoded contents, and for providing the generated license to the external device.

Abstract: A unique identifier and Authentication System is created to Authenticate to interested parties the BRAND “SOURCE” of: articles (such as clothing, accessories, jewels, fragrances, manufactures, etc.); of authorized dealers for such articles (wholesalers, retailers, etc.); of authorized service entities for such articles: and for the like; of the BRAND “SOURCE” which the provider of the article desires to authenticate its Brand source to the party acquiring the article(s) to substantiate to that acquiring party that they are receiving a genuine article and/or dealing with a “SOURCE” authorized entity. The Authentication System accommodates not only camera enabled imagers and hard wiring but also camera enabled smart phones and internet communications. In addition to responding, in real time, to Authentication Inquiries the system establishes a communication link between the “SOURCE” and the inquirer for marketing and other APP like matters.

Abstract: A method of managing digital rights is disclosed that includes recording media content at one or more servers supporting a multimedia content distribution service. The one or more servers are configured to transmit multimedia data to multiple customer premises equipment (CPE) devices. The method further includes determining recorded media content at the one or more servers that is associated with a content source and providing a graphical user interface (GUI) accessible to a content manager at the content source to manage digital rights. The GUI includes a list of the recorded media content and at least one selectable element associated with each item of the list accessible to select media content and to configure digital rights associated with the selected media content.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for manipulating media assets in a networked computing environment where processing power, bandwidth and/or storage capacity may be limited.

Abstract: A method for using time from a trusted host device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an application on a memory device receives a request to perform a time-based operation from an entity authenticated by the memory device, wherein the entity is running on a host device. The application selects time from the host device instead of time from a time module on the memory device to perform the time-based operation and uses the time from the host device to perform the time-based operation. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A self-contained device for protecting content, the content having usage rights associated therewith, includes a usage rights portion having usage rights that control the use of the content; a rights management module that authorizes a request to access to the content based on the usage rights; a rights assignment module that generates and updates the usage rights based on the content access; and an interface module that allows accessing of the content.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that facilitate the transfer rights associated with spectrum between parties. Access to spectrum for wireless communications may be transferred from a spectrum holder to a spectrum user while minimizing their role in submitting regulatory agency compliance filings. As a result, parties may transfer spectrum with relative ease, with faster transaction time and lower expense. This leads to more efficient use of the spectrum.

Abstract: A method and system for managing use of items having usage rights associated therewith including a point of capture system adapted to generate content of a future event when the event occurs, a content distributor adapted to generate a rights label having usage rights associated with content of the future event before the content is created, the rights label having a distribution key for encrypting the content as the content is generated, the distribution key being encrypted with a public key. The system also includes a license server adapted to generate a license associate with the content from the rights label before the content is generated, the license including the distribution key encrypted with the public key, and a content distributor adapted to distribute the license before the content is generated.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to managing and verifying licenses in a cluster computer system environment. In an embodiment, a license management application running on a computer system cluster manager receives a job that has multiple job tasks as well as portions of job information. The license management application determines from the job information how many licenses and computer nodes are to be assigned to the job. The license management application checks out the determined number of licenses from a license distributing application on behalf of the received job. The license management application indicates to a scheduler of the computer system cluster manager that one job task is to be run per checked out license.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved digital rights management is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing an interoperable digital rights management system for content data on a client based on synchronization technology, the method comprising the steps of: —receiving of a selection of content data from the, client, —generating of an XML file having a defined DTD format, the XML file comprising license information and a locator for the content data, —sending of the XML file to the client, synchronizing any license status relates data produced on the client back to the server.

Abstract: Apparatus, and associated method, provides for downloading an application with a selectable lifetime from an application database to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal user's identification information and the selected lifetime for the application are stored in an application-license database. When the user seeks to download the same application on a subsequent occasion the user is able to download that application for a reduced fee if lifetime remains from when the application was first downloaded. In addition, the application may be configured to delete or uninstall itself from the mobile terminal when the selected lifetime for the application expires.

Abstract: When hardware connected to an image forming apparatus is detected, a check is performed as to whether the hardware was used with another image forming apparatus, and, if used, a license of an application that is operated by the hardware is automatically transferred so that the application can be used in the image forming apparatus to which the hardware is connected.

Abstract: A determining unit determines whether housing specific information decrypted from a license key is identical to housing specific information acquired from the housing to confirm legitimacy of license, thereby ensuring security. The determining unit determines that the license can be activated if a usage number in the housing does not exceed a usable number. Only when the determining unit determines that the license can be activated, the setting unit activates the license to make software usable so that any blade can freely use the software within a limit of the usable number.

Abstract: An electronic ticket exchange system has a market-making system by which patrons submit bids over a limited time period for seats of different quality. A trading system provides for a secondary market in which patrons who have purchased tickets for an event can sell them to other patrons. All of the rights associated with a ticket, such as entry into the venue, are stored in electronic form. An electronic venue entry control system verifies that a person owns an electronic ticket property right, and authorizes the privileges associated with the ticket, such as entry to the venue. A seating system is employed to determine an optimal seating configuration based upon patron-specific preferences, after the initial sale of tickets and prior to entry into the venue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for upgrades and synchronization of applications installed on a device, such as a mobile device. In one embodiment, a device may include applications purchased and downloaded via a content management system. The device maintains a list or database of applications that are authorized for each device. This list is also replicated in a remote cache that is maintained by an archive host. The device may then synchronize and upgrade these applications across multiple platforms, such as one or more computers that can be coupled to the device or the archive host. The archive host allows for files of the application be provided back to the device. Upon installation, the device can then confirm the authorization and identity of the newly installed application.

Abstract: A method and system for capacity licensing are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises receiving a capability request from a device, sending a capability response to the device, the capability response comprising a serving of license rights. A deduction record is stored, the deduction record deducting a license from a license pool. An information request is received from the device, and an information response is sent.

Abstract: One or more storage modules in accordance with implementations of the present invention can be configured for a direct physical connection to a portable, digital playback device. The one or more storage modules comprise computer-executable instructions and one or more media files for delivering content directly to the portable playback device. Thus, for example, a potential customer or end user can plug-in a purchased or rented storage module directly into a personal digital playback device and watch movies, listen to music, watch/listen to news programs, or the like without necessarily having to download content through an intermediate computer system or network interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of performing a secure transaction in a software system, such as a software service system, for example. Embodiments of the invention include encoding symmetric keys for securing transactions between a service consumer and service provider. Asymmetric keys are also used for providing additional security during transactions. In one embodiment, license tokens and capability tokens are encoded and passed between a service consumer and service provider for allowing a consumer secure access to authorized services.

Abstract: Techniques for managing media objects are provided. The techniques include providing an algorithm configured to generate an identifier (ID) based on content of a first media object. The ID is then generated for the first media object. The ID allows the first device to identify the first media object to a second device. The second device is configured to use the ID to determine if a second media object associated with the ID is accessible to the second device. Also, the determination is made notwithstanding source information for the first and second media objects or digital rights restrictions imposed on the first and second media objects, where the first media object and second media object include substantially identical content.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a digital rights management system with a centralized domain service capable of creating and managing membership criteria for joining a domain in accordance with business rules defined by a content owner. A domain identification is created that allows a content provider to uniquely bind content licenses to a domain. The content licenses include usage rights that define how content associated with the licenses may be consumed by one or more members of the domain. The centralized domain service can enforce digital rights by validating membership criteria including at least one of a domain proximity check for validating that a requestor is in close proximity to the domain, a total number of requestors, or the frequency that the requests have been made by various requestors to join the domain and unjoin from the domain.

Abstract: A system and method of authorizing a product including transmitting from an end user device a character string, including a Transaction ID, to a licensing authority. The licensing authority encrypts the Transaction ID using an encryption key associated with a product for which the end user is seeking authorization to produce an Authorization number. Each product is associated with a different encryption key resulting in a different Authorization number being produced for each product based on the same Transaction ID. The licensing authority then returns the Authorization number to the end user device. A decryption processor associated with the end user device decrypts the Authorization number using an unchangeable decryption key and compares the decrypted Authorization number with the Transaction ID. If the decrypted Authorization number matches the Transaction ID the product is authorized.

Abstract: An upgrade to a computer program is associated with a token which is in turn associated with the original key for the computer program. In particular, given the original key, a publisher provides a token for the upgrade which is digitally signed and associated with the original key. The token also can result in a license state for the upgrade that is different from the license state for the original computer program. The original key can be used in various business rules by the publisher to determine whether to issue the token and/or what license state to associate with the token. When the upgrade is run on the computer, the verification process authenticates the token, the original license and the original key and authorizes execution of the upgrade based on the token for upgrade. Multiple upgrades can use multiple tokens and the original key.

Abstract: This document describes tools capable of securely distributing entertainment content among and using distributed hardware. These tools may do so robustly by rebinding entertainment content between distributed hardware units. The tools, for example, may distribute content protection in hardware between a policy unit, a transcryption unit, a graphics processing unit, and a playback unit. By so doing the tools enable, among other things, users to select from many graphics cards rather than rely on the graphics capabilities of an integrated (e.g., SOC) hardware solution.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for mediating user communications. A user persona manager maintains one or more user profiles and manages user interactions with other parties and with service providers based on user preferences associated with the user profile or profiles selected for a particular interaction. The persona manager receives a single set of user authentication information to establish the user identity, and provides previously stored information to other parties and service providers as appropriate, and otherwise conducts user interactions involving communications initiated by or on behalf of the user. The persona manager also examines interactions initiated by others, selects user profiles appropriate to the interactions, and routes and responds to the interactions based on information stored in the user profiles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analyzing usage of a software license. A computer system is configured to execute a software product that is activated, subject to a software license, by a first license key. The computer system includes a license use determining module that is adapted to communicate with a group of other computer systems on the same computer network, store first license key-related information that is derived from the first license key, send the first license key-related information to be received by each computer system of the group, and receive any messages sent by responders of the group in response to reception of the first license key-related information. Each of the messages is indicative of a corresponding responder having a copy of the software product that is activated by the first license key.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, and media for participating in transactions between computing devices. An exemplary method comprises receiving a registration identifier and a registration message including an identification certificate, verifying the identity of an external computing device by verifying the identification certificate, transmitting an authentication message to test the authenticity of an external computing device, validating the authenticity of an external computing device based at least in part on information received in response to the transmission of the authentication message, and participating in a transaction with an external computing device.

Abstract: Batch pricing of digital media items by providing an electronic cart interface for use in managing a purchase of a plurality of digital media items, each digital media item having a status of priced or unpriced. The interface enables a user of the client device to interactively select a plurality of media items to be priced as a batch of digital media items, and to sequentially request one or more rights for each of the selected media items within the batch. The user may obtain a price for each selected media item that is based on the designated pricing model and the one or more rights requested the digital media right to be licensed for each media item.

Abstract: An optimized server for streamed applications provides a streamed application server optimized to provide efficient delivery of streamed applications to client systems across a computer network such as the Internet. The server persistently stores streamed application program sets that contain streamed application file pages. Client systems request streamed application file pages from the server using a unique set of numbers common among all servers that store the particular streamed application file pages. A license server offloads the streamed application server by performing client access privilege validations. Commonly accessed streamed application file pages are stored in a cache on the streamed application server which attempts to retrieve requested streamed application file pages from the cache before retrieving them from persistent storage. Requested streamed application file pages are compressed before being sent to a client as well as those stored in the cache.

Abstract: The systems disclosed here provide a complete standards-based end-to-end scalable system for storage, delivery and in-home distribution of digital content over IP networks using standard protocols such as Real-time Transport Protocol (“RTP”) or IP-encapsulated MPEG-2 Transport Stream, or traditional MPEG-2 networks. Mechanisms are provided for receiving content from one security domain, re-encrypting that content uniquely for a receiving device, persistently storing that content, and playing back that content at a later time to and within another security domain. The systems also provide the ability to stream the persistently-stored content from the initial receiving device to another device that has been authenticated as part of a, e.g., home network. This allows a media server, e.g., a dual-tuner set-top box (“STB”) with hard drive, to deliver recorded content to any TV in the house by streaming to media clients such as STBs.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a radio station for playback at a user device using previously obtained Digital Rights Management (DRM) locked content for the radio station. In one embodiment, a radio station application and DRM locked content to be used by the radio station application are downloaded to a user device, which is preferably a mobile user device. The DRM locked content includes a number of DRM locked songs that may be used for the radio station. Thereafter, the radio station application obtains a playlist for the radio station, where the playlist for the radio station includes at least a subset of the DRM locked content provided to the user device for the radio station. Playback of the playlist for the radio station is then provided at the user device, and playback is reported to a remote service for royalty tracking.

Abstract: A system for tracking an illegal distributor and preventing an illegal content distribution includes: a forensic mark generator for receiving content and a content identification code from a content providing apparatus to generate a forensic mark; a forensic mark database for storing the generated forensic mark; a forensic mark insertion unit for inserting the forensic mark into the content; and a content database for storing the content into which the forensic mark has been inserted. The system further includes a content transmitter for transmitting the content into which the forensic mark has been inserted to the content utilization apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to apply permissions to applications. A disclosed example method includes navigating to a first network address of a first network entity and downloading an application from the first network entity, disabling all network address communication except for the first network address, sending an authorization request to a second network entity via the first network address, and authorizing the application to execute when an indication of authentication is received from the second network entity via the first network address.

Abstract: A content exporting and reproducing method includes i) a content export step of encrypting a decryption key for content, that is used for decrypting the encrypted content, by using an encryption key for decryption key, recording the encrypted decryption key for content in the portable recording medium, and exporting the encrypted content sequentially to the portable recording medium, and ii) a content reproduction step of reading out the encrypted decryption key for content from the portable recording medium, decrypting the encrypted decryption key for content by using a decryption key for decryption key, reading out the encrypted content that has been exported to the portable recording medium, and decrypting the encrypted content that is read out from the portable recording medium, by using the decrypted decryption key for content to reproduce the content, while the encrypted content is exported to the portable recording medium sequentially.

Abstract: Methods and techniques are described to dynamically provide preloaded movies on digital storage devices that may be purchased or leased by a consumer on a self-service media content dispensing device, such as a kiosk. A media content dispensing device stores various media content obtained physically or via a network on a server at a dispensing device. When a request is received from a user to purchase or lease a particular title, the user may provide a blank storage device and exchange the blank storage device to receive the media content preloaded on a storage device provided by the dispensing device. The dispensing device will then store the title, or a different title, on the blank storage device provided by the user for purchase or lease by another to maintain inventory. The dispensing device may also change an existing preloaded storage device to a different title to maintain inventory.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system method for deploying and licensing wireless communication device computer software infrastructure. In an embodiment, the method comprises: licensing at least one compiled feature-provisioning computer program with a disclosed application program interface (API) to a licensee that is a manufacturer or distributor or seller of wireless communication devices; using the disclosed API to integrate such licensed program into wireless communication devices as offered to end users; configuring the wireless communication devices to provide notification of initial activation of the licensed program by an end user or licensee, thereby triggering collection of licensor revenue based on use of the licensed program by the end user of the device; and sharing collected licensor revenue with a licensee of the program in accordance with a revenue sharing arrangement.

Abstract: Techniques for distributed license management are provided. Three or more services or servers cooperate and negotiate with one another to establish primary, secondary, and tertiary licensing services. Initially, the primary is designated as a master licensing service and manages a license for a plurality of users over a network. If the primary fails to respond within a configurable period of time to both the secondary and tertiary licensing services, then the secondary dynamically assumes a master licensing service role for purposes of managing the license.

Abstract: Digital rights management systems and methods for audience measurement are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media content presentation disclosed herein comprises configuring a media handler to present the media content presentation, automatically processing a measurement rights agreement with a digital rights manager to determine whether the measurement rights agreement authorizes monitoring of the media content presentation, when the digital rights manager determines that monitoring of the media content presentation is authorized, configuring the media handler to obtain measurement information corresponding to the media content presentation, and when the digital rights manager determines that monitoring of the media content presentation is not authorized, configuring the media handler to prevent measurement information corresponding to the media content presentation from being obtained, but not preventing the media handler from being configured to present the media content presentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning a subscription product is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request for a subscription product; retrieving a profile and at least one subscription associated with the profile, wherein the at least one subscription comprises a plurality of subscription details; validating the plurality of subscription details; retrieving product data for the subscription product based on the validated subscription details; determining a dominant subscription product when there are at least two subscriptions associated with the profile; and sending the product data for the dominant subscription product, wherein the product data enables activation of a product license.

Abstract: A system is configured to provide access between a plurality of terminals and a plurality of different conditional access systems (CASs) associated with the terminals. The system includes a CAS switcher configured to receive requests from the plurality of terminals and, for each of the requests, identifies and sends the requests to a corresponding CAS. The CAS switcher also receives messages from the CASs responsive to the requests and, for each of the messages, identifies and sends the message to a corresponding terminal.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to execute a process by an image processing apparatus while a user does not need to pay attention to a license necessary for executing application software for every image processing apparatus. In accordance with a description content of a statement of job and a function (application software) which the image processing apparatus is provided with, such a scheme is provided that a license necessary for executing the process is obtained from a license management server. An image processing apparatus executes a determined process, thus making it possible to effectively utilize the license.

Abstract: A computer controlled implementation for distributing portions of a license to use software entities, granted by a licensor to a primary licensee, to subsequent secondary licensees comprising determining a dividable value for the primary license to use a software entity, enabling the primary licensee to grant a portion of the dividable value of the primary license to use the software entity to a secondary licensee, enabling the licensor, the licensee and the secondary licensee to add value to said values of the licenses and tracking said value of the license and of the portion granted to said secondary licensee.

Abstract: A system for providing a digital rights management (DRM) license includes a sink system requesting a license for content, a source system generating and providing a plurality of sub-rights tokens, which include binding information having path information that indicates relations among a plurality of principals, in accordance with the request, and a rights mediator generating a main rights token by combining the plurality of sub-rights tokens and transmitting the generated main rights token to the system. The sink system determines whether to access the license which is bound to the principals on the basis of the main rights token.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for aiding users of game consoles in creating custom gameplay data for a music video game based on audio data (e.g., songs) stored on a portable media device. Specific embodiments provide a game console application that can receive a song at a game console from a portable media device, and receive user inputs to generate custom gameplay data associated with the song. The gameplay data may then be saved to the portable media device and later accessed, either at the same or a different game console, to allow a user to play the music video game in accordance with the gameplay data and the audio data. In this manner, users can create and share custom gameplay content for a music video game based on songs stored on their portable media devices.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can mitigate the risk of infringing a content owner's rights in legally-protectable content by operating as a trusted, third-party license authority between content owners and content users to ensure that a license governing at least some aspects of the protectable content is authentic and thus validly represents the restrictions imposed by content owners pertaining to the use, distribution, modification, combination, interaction, and/or other manipulation of such content. An identifier representative of the protectable content together with a profile of the license (which may include attributes that specify particular restrictions, uses, and interactions pertaining to the protectable content) can serve as a basis for determining the authenticity of the license associated with the protectable content.

Abstract: A system and method providing which provides compliance tracking in a regulated organization. A plurality of users having different positions and roles in an organization are provided with different levels of access to the compliance system, and all regulatory compliance related licensing information is processed through a common compliance engine. The compliance engine operates to monitor the regulatory compliance licensing activities of licensed individuals within the organization. Compliance administrators are provided with a level access to the system which allows the compliance administrator to run searches and generate reports which show the state of various regulatory compliance licensing processes within the organization. Supervisors are provided with a level of access which allows the supervisor to review compliance regulatory licensing activities and tasks for employees they supervise. Customer representatives are able to review their own regulatory compliance information and tasks.