Abstract: A method for securing patient medical information for communication over a potentially vulnerable system includes separating patient's medical file into a demographics layer and a data layer, separately encrypting the demographic layer and data layer using different encryption keys, and providing servers in a communication and processing system with a decryption key for the layer processed by such server. Medical file data may be separated into more than two layers. Users accessing the system are authenticated using standard techniques. By separately encrypting different parts of a patient medical record, processing and communication of patient medical files by intermediary servers is enabled without risking disclosure of sensitive patient information if such servers are compromised.

Abstract: A method for monitoring time so that the use of protected content can be controlled includes receiving a trusted time value from a trusted authority external to a client device. When the client is no longer in communication with the trusted authority, the previously-received trusted time value is updated by use of the client's operating system counter so that a calculated trusted time value is derived for content license evaluation purposes.

Abstract: An enterprise licensing system is provided that includes a licensing agent 172 operable to (a) provide a customer with a first set of enterprise licensable features and/or capacities and a second set of non-enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, with the enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, but not non-enterprise licensable features and/or capacities, being allocable freely by the customer among first and second computational components; (b) receive a first allocation of the members of the first set between the first and second computational components; and (c) generate first and second licenses reflecting the first allocation. The first license is for the first computational component and the second license is for the second computational component.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an account-based DRM system for distributing content. The system includes several devices that are associated with one particular account. The system also includes a set of DRM computers that receives a request to access a particular piece of content on the devices associated with the particular account. The DRM computer set then generates a several keys for the devices, where each particular key of each particular device allows the particular device to access the particular piece of content on the particular device. Through a network, the DRM computer set of some embodiments sends the particular piece of content and the generated keys to the devices associated with the particular account. The network is a local area network, a wide area network, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. In some of these embodiments, the DRM computer set sends the content and keys to one device (e.g.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for executing interoperable digital rights management (DRM) using a contents device and a method of performing an operation between the contents device and a DRM tool for interoperable DRM, and more particularly, a method and apparatus for executing a DRM tool in various environments, regardless of the type of device or type of DRM tool, using an interfaced DRM executing apparatus including a DRM processor or a DRM tool agent.

Abstract: Technologies for a Consumer Privacy Digital Rights Management system based on stable partially blind signatures that enable a license server to provide licenses for delivery to users without knowing the corresponding digital contents that users access with the license. Therefore consumer privacy is protected during license acquisition. Further, if the client DRM module in the DRM system does not disclose any information about a user's digital content access, and the messages that the client DRM module sends out are in plain text enabling verification that the client DRM module is not disclosing such information, then consumer privacy is fully protected by the DRM system.

Abstract: A computerized intellectual property trading exchange is disclosed for facilitating the trading of license contracts relating to intellectual property rights or pools of intellectual property rights. The exchange includes at least one intellectual property license contract relating to intellectual property rights or pools of intellectual property rights and a computer-accessible forum configured to allow a plurality of participants to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants includes at least one seller, which may be the owner, having the license contract and desiring to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants also includes at least one buyer desiring to obtain the license contract. The buyer may be an investor, speculator, market maker, or arbitrageur, who purchases the license contract to achieve appreciation. The buyer also may be a licensee, who purchases the license contract to practice the intellectual property rights.

Abstract: A management method is disclosed for managing license information indicating an allowed amount of usage of a program executable on a peripheral device or a function provided by the peripheral device.

Abstract: In a data providing server 1101, whether or not specified compressed content data D51 generated by means of a specified compression coding method corresponding to terminal identification information has been stored in a content database 1113 is detected, according to content specifying data D53 transmitted from a portable dedicated terminal 1104. If the specified compressed content data D51 has been stored, the data providing server 1101 reads and transmits this to the portable dedicated terminal 1104. And if the specified compressed content data D51 has not been stored, the data providing server 1101 generates the specified compressed content data D51 by means of the specified compression coding method, and transmits this to the portable dedicated terminal 1104. Thereby, the specified compressed content data D51 generated by means of a specified decoding method can be properly provided to the portable dedicated terminal 1104, and the user can easily view a content based on the content data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electronically managing content. In one embodiment, information identifying content items found on a page is received from a client system through code embedded on the page. Systems and methods for associating advertisement data with content items are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow a system or client device to process multiple Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems and formats using a universal DRM client. The universal DRM client can operate based on a universal license so that it may use the same DRM scheme or format used by the content provider. A DRM system may then build a universal license that includes information for gaining access to the content in the DRM package. In turn, a DRM package and the universal license may be provided to the universal client. Based on the information in the universal license, the client device can access the protected content even if it does not have the specific client program code for the DRM format used originally by the content provider.

Abstract: For possible use in an electronic content distribution system, automatic recognition of compact discs or other storage media containing particular content, and corresponding account crediting is described. In an electronic content distribution system, such as those providing music available by digital downloading or streaming technologies, a user may ordinarily pay a full price to receive the music. A user who possesses and apparently owns a compact disc containing particular content can be conveniently offered a discount or credit usable towards the purchase of the analogous particular content in a form provided by the electronic content distribution system. Preferably, compact discs are uniquely identified by determining whether their digital fingerprint matches a known reference fingerprint for a compact disc containing the particular content.

Abstract: A content transmission apparatus is disclosed which promotes distribution of contents over a network and thereby affords better convenience to those who wish to sell and buy the contents. The apparatus is implemented typically as a video camera provided beforehand with an access account from a server apparatus. The content transmission apparatus is equipped with abilities to encode contents in a streaming format for upload and to connect communicably with the server receiving what is uploaded. These features allow the user of the content transmission apparatus easily to upload the content generated thereby to the server without going through complicated steps to sign up with an ISP; to prepare a personal computer, a modem and other hardware; or to make elaborate settings and establish connection with the server. Therefore, uploading of contents is promoted. The server apparatus presents uploaded contents illustratively at its website to solicit potential buyers extensively for the presented contents.

Abstract: A system and method for securing intellectual property rights in distributed intellectual property. Rights are granted and policed in electronically distributed intellectual property. Use limitations are established by agreement by the content provider and the client. The use limitations are reflected in time-based, usage-based and player based component codes that are used to determine if the client is entitled to use the intellectual property. Intellectual property is protected from unauthorized use by encrypting the intellectual property with a key created from some or all of the component codes. As the component codes are known to both the client and the content provider, no key exchange is required.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for the gifting between multiple electronic devices of media content provided by an online digital media provider. An offer and acceptance of a selected gift file is accomplished between a gifter device and a receiving giftee device using a near-field communication (NFC) connection. If a connection to the online provider is available, the gifter device may transmit a gift request by which the gifter's account is charged for the gift file. Thereafter, a gift file created using DRM keys associated with the giftee's account may be downloaded to the giftee device. If a network connection is unavailable, the giftee device may transfer a locked gift file and a corresponding gift license to the giftee device using a peer-to-peer connection. The giftee device may authenticate the license and unlock the gift file once a connection to the online provider is available.

Abstract: The subject matter relates to software application collaboration and, more particularly, collaboration between software applications via formular updates. Some such embodiments include systems, methods, and software to receive a definition of a content item from a first party, wherein the content item is operable within an application of a second party to cause data to be exported by the second party's application in a manner that can be imported to an application of the first party. Some such embodiments further include sending the content item to the second party.

Abstract: An information processor is capable of restricting the available application program interface for each application program. The information processor capable of executing a predetermined application program includes at least one application program interface for providing predetermined control function for the application program, a determining unit for determining an available application program interface for the application program based on license information of the application program, and an operation controlling means for controlling the operation of the application program interfaces in accordance with the results determined by the determining unit.

Abstract: A method for providing protected content, wherein content usage rights information and/or usage state information is embedded into obtained primary data that serves as a basis for a content item to be provided thereby providing the primary data with the embedded content usage rights information and/or usage state information as the content item.

Abstract: Rights clearances management for assets, such as media assets. A rights brokerage service enables potential licensees to clears rights to use assets within designated projects, such as advertising campaign projects. The potential licensee uses an interface to select or identify an asset without necessarily accessing the asset itself. The rights holders and the rights held by each rights holder are identified based on the asset identity. A request is automatically issued to the rights holders to approve use of the asset for the project. The potential licensee may use an interface to track progress of approvals from the rights holders. Unenforceable rights are detected and approval is automatically obtained. If all enforceable rights are cleared, the asset may be committed for approval by a project manager or other authority. When approved, a license to use the asset is automatically created between the potential licensee and each of the rights holders.

Abstract: A Digital Rights Management (DRM) method and system for content copyright protection protect right information on DRM content and effectively manage the right information. The DRM system for content copyright protection includes: a time security module for providing time change information when a user arbitrarily changes time; and a time security list management module for providing the right information on content and the time change information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electronically managing content licenses. In one embodiment, information identifying content items found on a page is received from a client system through code embedded on the page, and a licensing database is searched to determine if the content is licensed and to determine the terms or payment method of the license. Systems and methods for associating advertisement data with licensed content items are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating copyright information for a secondarily processed content obtained by performing secondary processing on an original content, includes a secondary processed substance acquiring unit, a default license information generating unit, and a license information editing unit. The secondary processed substance acquiring unit acquires operation substances of the secondary processing performed on the original content. The default license information generating unit obtains rights expressions for the operation substances acquired by the secondary processed substance acquiring unit to generate default license information including the rights expressions as an initial value. The license information editing unit accepts selection of a desired rights expression by a user from the rights expressions of the default license information generated by the default license information generating unit to generate license information of the secondary processed content from the selected rights expression.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a content usage control information analyzer configured to read content usage control information recorded on an information recording medium and to perform content usage processing according to the content usage control information. The content usage control information analyzer determines whether the usage of content corresponding to the content usage control information is allowed based on a value of a flag included in the content usage control information and device information whether the information processing apparatus is an extended device having an extended function or a basic device without an extended function.

Abstract: Usage rights information indicating a license which is usage rights corresponding to contents is stored in a license storage device, and at the time of using the contents, the rights information is output from the license storage device to a contents using device and further transmitted to a contents distribution server, and legitimacy verification of the rights information is executed at the contents distribution server, such that contents corresponding to the rights information are transmitted to the contents using device. Thus, a device and method is realized whereby distribution of contents over a network and use thereof is enabled without detracting from safety and user convenience.

Abstract: For possible use in an electronic content distribution system, automatic recognition of compact discs or other storage media containing particular content, and corresponding account crediting is described. In an electronic content distribution system, such as those providing music available by digital downloading or streaming technologies, a user may ordinarily pay a full price to receive the music. A user who possesses and apparently owns a compact disc containing particular content can be conveniently offered a discount or credit usable towards the purchase of the analogous particular content in a form provided by the electronic content distribution system. Preferably, compact discs are uniquely identified by determining whether their digital fingerprint matches a known reference fingerprint for a compact disc containing the particular content.

Abstract: A computerized intellectual property trading exchange is disclosed for facilitating the trading of license contracts relating to intellectual property rights. The exchange includes at least one intellectual property license contract relating to intellectual property rights and a computer-accessible forum configured to allow a plurality of participants to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants includes at least one seller, which may be the owner, having the license contract and desiring to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants also includes at least one buyer desiring to obtain the license contract. The buyer may be an investor, speculator, market maker, or arbitrageur, who purchases the license contract to achieve appreciation. The buyer also may be a licensee, who purchases the license contract to practice the intellectual property rights.

Abstract: When captured content is detected, the captured content is analyzed to determine whether any portion of the content is subject to digital rights management protection specified for content captured. Responsive to determining that the captured content is subject to a first digital rights management protection, a database is queried to select at least one digital rights management rule associated with a first restricted element specifying at least one first criteria for combining the first restricted element with at least one other element. A determination is made whether the first restricted element is combined with the at least one other element in the captured content. Responsive to detecting the first restricted element is combined with the at least one other element, the captured content rights controller determines a combined digital rights management protection rule reconciling the at least one first criteria for combining the first restricted element with the presence of the at least one other element.

Abstract: A system and process for harvesting context information from selected content is described. One may use a stylus to indicate what content is to be captured. The context information that may be associated with selected content may include URLs, file names, folder names, text from the content, and ink.

Abstract: In response to receiving an order (e.g., including payment for one or more software licenses), a license distribution manager allocates a specified number of software licenses for distribution to a corresponding customer's clients that utilize the licenses to operate software associated with a corresponding vendor software application. The license distribution manager can allocate one or more overdraft licenses for distribution to the customer in addition to the specified number of software licenses associated with the order. Accordingly, the license distribution manager can allocate extra software licenses (e.g., the overdraft licenses) and distribute more software licenses than are actually purchased by a respective customer. This enables the customer to use one or more provisional licenses (e.g., overdraft licenses) that support restricted use of the vendor's software application such as until the customer can replace the provisional licenses with corresponding purchased licenses.

Abstract: Intellectual property is sold to buyers through a kiosk. The kiosk provides users with the ability of located desired content on a seller's computer. When a user located the desired intellectual property, a payment transaction is initiated. When the payment transaction is complete, the seller transmits the intellectual property to the kiosk. The kiosks also preferably include production facilities that transfer the owner's intellectual property onto a permanent medium and/or presentation facilities that present the owner's intellectual property on a one-time basis.

Abstract: Metering is enabled through an arrangement in which a metering certificate is communicated to a mobile device using an over-the-air protocol. A metering trigger provides the metering certificate that includes a location to which metering data is posted by the mobile device and a public key of a public-private key pair, or alternatively provides a link to such metering certificate. A metering helper passes the metering certificate to a DRM system on the mobile device which collects metering data associated with the metering ID and uses the public key to encrypt the metering data into a metering challenge. The metering helper posts the metering challenge to the location. The metering service extracts the metering data from the metering challenge using a private key and generates a metering response that is received by the metering helper which prompts the DRM system to reset at least a portion of a data store in which the metering data is stored.

Abstract: A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network consistent with certain embodiments involves sending a polling message to a plurality of modems forming a part of a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top boxes; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter of the television set top boxes; determining that one of the operational parameters from one of the television set top boxes is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes received in the response messages to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set

Abstract: There are provided a content distribution system and a license management method for performing, in a collective manner, license management of a plurality of resources contained in contents. Each piece of content contains one upper-level resource (which is first referred to within the content), at least one lower-level resource (which can be referred directly or indirectly from the upper-level resource), one startup document and a license-corresponding document (which is an information file for performing, in a collective manner, license management of the resources contained in the content). The startup document contains at least upper-level resource reference destination information and at least one piece of license information for identifying view licenses required for viewing the resources contained in the content. In each resource, if link information for accessing other content is described, information for accessing the startup document of the other content is described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an elapsed playback time associated with a digital playback device is determined and compared to an allotted playback time for the device. In the event the elapsed and allotted playback times satisfy a predetermined relationship with respect to one another, further content playback on the device may be denied or otherwise regulated until content playback rights intrinsic to the device are renewed or “recharged”.

Abstract: A system and method of managing external content that is used within a software product or software development process is disclosed. In some approaches, the system and method manages and tracks the use of external content, as well an approval process for determining whether the external content is to be used or incorporated. The system and method manages and tracks compliance with terms and restrictions of the external content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marketing an un-owned composition to a user and acquiring an un-owned composition for a user's collection of compositions. A customized sequence of compositions is generated for a user. The customized sequence may be based upon the user's history or other compositions familiar to the user or other compositions in the user's collection. Portions of one or more compositions that are un-owned by the user may be interleaved for free and/or for multiple times in the sequence, in-order to interest the user in acquiring the composition. While an un-owned composition is active or playing, the user may take action to acquire the composition or add the composition to the user's collection. Usage-rights for an acquired composition may be stored at a network repository and may be automatically usable at one or more user-devices, whenever the user is active at such a user-device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for carrying out a transaction. Initially, a transaction pattern reflecting a transaction is stored in memory. Thereafter, the transaction pattern is executed to carry out the transaction in an automated manner.