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Method and apparatus for legitimate sharing of electronic content

  • US 20030028489A1
  • Filed: 07/22/2002
  • Published: 02/06/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2001
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A method of distributing electronic content including digital data (metadata)defining or otherwise identifying said content, the method comprising the steps of:

  • a) reading the metadata included in a copy of electronic content to identify the content to which it relates;

    b) obtaining data relating to the identity of a holder of said copy;

    c) determining if said metadata includes licence data (or information identifying such licence data), which licence data relates to the identity of one or more owners or licensees of said content, and if such licence data (or information relating thereto) is determined to be included in said metadata, determining if said holder of said copy is identified therein as an owner or licensee of said content; and

    , if not;

    d) determining if said holder is an owner or licensee of said content and, if not, receiving payment for said copy of said content such that said holder becomes an owner or licensee of said content; and

    e) generating or obtaining new licence data for inclusion in said metadata of said copy of said content, said new licence data identifying said holder as an owner or licensee of said content.

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