System & Method for Distributing Digital Assets Across a Network

Abstract

Digital media assets are distributed through the use of identification data. A rights-holder server is adapted to introduce a digital asset which is associated with a set of distribution rules. The digital assets are stored on host servers and a management server tracks transfers of the digital asset over the network.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 and is a divisional of Ser. No. 10 / 016,325 filed: Dec. 10, 2001 entitled System & Method for Unique Digital Asset Identification and Transaction Management, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,001,052 which is also incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the distribution of digital assets over a network, and more particularly to distributing assets which are marked to link a unique asset serial number to transaction, license, and rights management information.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Historically distribution of intellectual property works has been controlled through the production of quality reproductions on a medium that can be sold to interested parties. With the advent of the Internet and its subsequent distribution capability and broad acceptance, intellectual property assets that can be digitized can now be reproduced and distr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for permitting rights holders to introduce digital assets into a controlled distribution / tracking network under suitable terms of use and other customized, flexible distribution conditions;

[0059]From the discussion below it will be apparent that the present invention can be used in complementary fashion alongside any of the aforementioned prior art approaches and technologies. Indeed one of the primary objectives of the present invention is to work with popular existing media formats and media exchange paradigms. Thus, another advantage of the present scheme is that preexisting installations and / or implementers can easily overlay the techniques discussed herein to supplement the functionality of such systems.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the use of watermarks alone is not sufficient to ensure that transfers of digital assets are properly accounted for.

This places a great demand on customers and runs the risk of increasing frustration levels.

Encrypted assets have been popular among rights holders but to date have not been widely accepted by customers.

For the consumer this means adopting new (and potentially incompatible) media formats, technology, and hardware.

At present customers have not fully adopted this medium for a variety of reasons.

In particular, it lacks the convenience of portability and playback and as yet paying for subscriptions has not proved a popular model.

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