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Distribution system and method of operation thereof

  • US 20040107168A1
  • Filed: 09/19/2003
  • Published: 06/03/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for administering the distribution of digitally distributable works, comprising:

  • encapsulating means operable to encapsulate a digitally distributable work with predetermined conditions of use to create an encapsulated work having a state which is alterable between an enabled state in which the digitally distributable work is unconditionally enabled for use, and a disabled state in which the digitally distributable work is disabled for use;

    distribution means for distributing the encapsulated work from a transferor in possession thereof, to a transferee;

    switching means operable to switch the state of the encapsulated work to be in the disabled state upon transfer of the digitally distributable work, and to be in the enabled state when the predetermined conditions of use are complied with by the transferee; and

    an administration facility arranged to store distribution data relating to a distribution chain of the digitally distributable work and to distribute at least a portion of a predetermined purchase price paid by the transferee for the digitally distributable work to a number of the preceding transferors in the distribution chain.

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