Management method, management system, and management program

Abstract

In a management method according to the present disclosure, a computer acquires a request related to management of a first creation, registers the first creation as a managed object in a blockchain on the basis of the request, and when the registration has been performed, issues a plurality of tokens having different properties in the blockchain as first management information for managing the first creation.

Description

Management method, management system and management program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method, a management system, and a management program for managing rights relating to creation.

[0002] In recent years, there has been discussion about using blockchain to manage evidence of contracts between multiple parties and rights related to creative works. A blockchain is a transaction ledger in which blocks, each storing a record of a transaction called a transaction, are linked together like a chain. Blockchain can ensure the integrity of transaction content through a consensus-building process within the network. Therefore, by recording information about contracts and agreements to contracts as transactions on the blockchain, it is possible to ensure the integrity of the contract content and leave evidence of agreement to the contract content.

[0003] For example, a technology has been proposed that uses blockchain to manage music rights by issuing ownership rights for each divided block of a song as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token).

[0004] JP 2023-140020 A

[0005] According to the conventional technology, a single piece of content such as a song can be safely managed by multiple rights holders.

[0006] On the other hand, rights relating to the creation of content etc. are expected to be used in various ways, such as allowing secondary use of the results and collecting usage fees, or transferring rights to rights management organizations or services, etc. In other words, rights holders need not only to manage their rights safely but also to utilize them flexibly and effectively.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a management method, a management system, and a management program that enable safe and useful utilization of rights related to creations.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of a management method according to the present disclosure includes a computer obtaining a request for management of a first creative work, registering the first creative work in a blockchain as a subject to be managed based on the request, and, once the registration is completed, issuing first management information, which is information for managing the first creative work, as multiple tokens each having different properties in the blockchain.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents and relevance of management information; FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the procedure of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the procedure of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the procedure of a management method according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface according to a modified example; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating management information according to a modified example; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of infringement activity detection according to a modified example; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a reward return process; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reward return contract; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a reward return contract; FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between reward return and contribution level; FIG. 16 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of a management system.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] The present disclosure will be described in the following order of items: 1. Embodiment 1-1. Example of an information processing system according to an embodiment 1-2. Configuration of a management system according to an embodiment 1-3. Procedure of information processing according to an embodiment 1-4. Modified examples of an embodiment 1-4-1. Visualization of management information 1-4-2. Infringement detection processing for copyrighted works 1-4-3. Executor of management method 1-4-4. Rights information 1-4-5. Production system 1-4-6. Application example 1-4-7. Properties of tokens 1-4-8. Reward return contract 1-4-8-1. Overview of reward return 1-4-8-2. Reward return amount 1-4-8-3. Contribution level 1-4-8-4. Visualization using blockchain 1-4-8-5. Summary of configuration related to reward return 2. Other embodiments 3. Effects of the management method according to the present disclosure 4. Hardware configuration

[0012] (1. Embodiment) (1-1. Example of Information Processing System According to Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of elements (devices, etc.) that make up the information processing system 1.

[0013] 1, the information processing system 1 includes a first creator terminal 10A, a second creator terminal 10B, a first creator 20A, a second creator 20B, a management system 100, and a blockchain 300. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N (e.g., the Internet) not shown in the figure so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless means.

[0014] The first creator terminal 10A is a terminal device used by a first creator 20A who creates content such as music, etc. For example, the first creator terminal 10A is a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0015] In the embodiments, "creator" is not limited to the creator of the content, but also includes a person who uses a certain content to create a new content (hereinafter referred to as "secondary content"). In other words, in the embodiments, creation is not limited to the creation of a new work from scratch, but also includes the creation of an adaptation based on some original work.

[0016] The second creator 20B is a person who creates secondary content using the content created by the first creator 20A. The second creator terminal 10B is a terminal device used by the second creator 20B.

[0017] In the embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the first creator terminal 10A, the second creator terminal 10B, etc., they are collectively referred to as the "creator terminal 10." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the first creator 20A, the second creator 20B, etc., they are collectively referred to as the "creator 20."

[0018] Furthermore, in the embodiments, music and the like are exemplified as content to be created, but the content is not limited to music and may be video content such as movies. Furthermore, the content may not only be complete content such as music, but also a portion of a sound source used in a song or a short sound used for sampling. A sound source according to the embodiments is sound data that constitutes a song and includes various information. For example, a sound source includes data such as the timbre, pitch, and speed (tempo) of the sound, and is recorded on a recording medium in various file formats that allow information processing. Music and video materials distributed on music distribution sites, video distribution sites, and the like are also examples of content.

[0019] The management system 100 is an information processing device that executes the management method according to the present disclosure, and is, for example, a cloud server connected to creator terminals 10, etc. via the Internet. The management system 100 manages information about creators 20 and works created by the creators 20 using a blockchain 300.

[0020] The blockchain 300 is a distributed ledger system in which data is shared by multiple nodes, and records various information related to content. For example, the blockchain 300 is a consortium-type blockchain in which the management system 100 and the creator terminal 10 are each a node. In this case, each party (generally referred to as an "entity") constituting the information processing system 1 can enjoy a messaging service for exchanging messages and the like via the network. Note that the blockchain 300 is not limited to a consortium-type, and may also be a public-type that does not limit users.

[0021] 1, each element constituting the information processing system 1 conceptually represents a function in the information processing system 1 and may take various forms depending on the embodiment. For example, each element constituting the information processing system 1 may be one or more terminal devices. Furthermore, each element constituting the information processing system 1 may be a terminal device that is operated manually, or may be a program that runs on a terminal device.

[0022] In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the management system 100 in the above-described information processing system 1 manages rights arising from creations of creators 20, contracts arising based on the rights, etc. In the embodiment, copyright is exemplified as a right arising from creations.

[0023] However, when a creation is made by a relatively small entity such as an individual, various problems can arise regarding the management of rights and contracts.

[0024] For example, with the spread of the Internet and music composition tools such as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), an increasing number of creators are now composing and distributing their works themselves. Furthermore, in the fields of dance music and hip-hop music, a lot of derivative content is being produced, in which existing songs are sampled to create new songs. However, when an individual creates such digital content, it is difficult for that individual to prove that they are the author of the content or that they truly created it.

[0025] Even if an individual can prove their identity as the author, it can be difficult for them to properly manage their copyrighted work when others use it. For example, copyright royalty payment agreements overwhelmingly involve a one-time payment to the author after the agreement is concluded between the individual and the secondary user. In such cases, it is difficult for the author to confirm how the work will be used, making it difficult to receive ongoing royalties. For example, even if the secondary use generates more revenue than expected, the author may not receive the compensation. Secondary users also face high risks, as they are uncertain whether the secondary use will generate the anticipated revenue. Furthermore, depending on the agreement, the author may be limited to providing content data to a specific service provided by a specific management company, potentially preventing them from fully utilizing their copyrighted work. Furthermore, with the increasing number of contracts concluded over networks in recent years, authors are increasingly forced to enter into contracts without knowing the identity of the other party.

[0026] Furthermore, there are many types of creative rights (e.g., copyrights), each with its own characteristics, such as what can and cannot be transferred to others, depending on the laws of each country. It is also difficult for individual authors to understand these characteristics. It is also difficult for multiple parties to confirm the format of contracts and the format in which copyrighted content will be provided. To address these issues, matching services for content data provision and contracts have been proposed, but these services are limited in their use to the individual service. Furthermore, when contracts are made between individuals, there is no easy way for a third party to verify the contract, and breach of contract cannot be proven without legal proceedings such as a lawsuit.

[0027] As described above, there are various issues to be resolved regarding copyrighted works. Therefore, the management system 100 according to the embodiment solves the above issues with the following configuration. That is, when the management system 100 receives a request for management of a creative work, it registers the creative work in the blockchain 300 as a subject to be managed based on the request. Then, once the registration is completed, the management system 100 issues management information, which is information for managing the creative work, as multiple tokens, each having different properties, in the blockchain 300.

[0028] For example, the management system 100 manages rights and contracts related to a creative work by associating them with tokens that are non-fungible and have transferable or non-transferable properties. In other words, the management system 100 reliably manages evidence by using the blockchain 300 and enables management in a format appropriate for each right and contract. This allows even individuals to assert copyrights by utilizing the characteristics of each right, such as transferable and non-transferable rights. Furthermore, by using the blockchain 300, the management system 100 can manage the creation of rights related to a creative work, the current holder of those rights, the transfer history of those rights, and other information in a manner that anyone can verify. In other words, the management system 100 allows creative rights to be utilized safely and effectively.

[0029] A specific example of the management method by the management system 100 will be described along the processing flow with reference to Figure 2 and subsequent figures. Figure 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of the management method according to the embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows an example in which a first creator 20A creates a creation 30A, and a second creator 20B uses the creation 30A to create a derivative work 30B.

[0031] First, the first creator 20A creates a work 30A, which is a piece of music, using, for example, a DAW or the like that is affiliated with the management system 100 (step S11). Next, the first creator 20A transmits a request to the management system 100 to register the work 30A as a copyrighted work (step S12). Note that the processing of step S12 may be performed automatically when the work 30A is created on the DAW.

[0032] Upon receiving the request, the management system 100 issues management information for managing the creation 30A. Specifically, the management system 100 issues a work certificate 40 as a token indicating that the creation 30A was created by the first creator 20A.

[0033] The work certificate 40 is a soul-bound token (SBT) that is non-fungible and non-transferable. For example, the work certificate 40 is linked to information indicating that the first creator 20A has undoubtedly created the work 30A, as well as to rights arising from the creation that originally belong to the author (e.g., moral rights). That is, under the control of the management system 100, the blockchain 300 writes information about the author and moral rights of the work 30A into a program (referred to as a smart contract) executed on the blockchain and issues an SBT. In this way, the work certificate 40 certifies that the first creator 20A created the work 30A and indicates rights that will not be transferred from the first creator 20A (more precisely, from a blockchain wallet linked to the first creator 20A). In other words, the first creator 20A can register in the unalterable blockchain 300 that he or she has created the creative work 30A, thereby being able to reliably prove that the creative work 30A is his or her own copyrighted work.

[0034] Next, suppose that the second creator 20B wishes to create a new piece of music using the creation 30A. In this case, the second creator 20B transmits an application to use the creation 30A to the management system 100 (step S13).

[0035] When the first creator 20A responds to the usage application, the management system 100 determines that permission to use the creative work 30A has been obtained and issues a usage right 41 indicating the right to use the creative work 30A to the second creator 20B as an SBT (step S14).

[0036] Furthermore, if the first creator 20A agrees to the remuneration proposed by the second creator 20B for the secondary use of the creative work 30A, the management system 100 issues a remuneration distribution contract 42 that specifies the amount and method of remuneration distribution (step S15).

[0037] The reward sharing agreement 42 is a semi-fungible token (SFT) that is non-fungible but allows multiple people to hold the same one, meaning it is semi-fungible. That is, the management system 100 issues reward sharing agreements such as the reward sharing agreement 42, the contents of which multiple people wish to confirm, as SFTs rather than SBTs. For this reason, the management system 100 can issue the reward sharing agreement 43, which is a token containing the same content as the reward sharing agreement 42, not only to the second creator 20B but also to the first creator 20A (step S16).

[0038] The second creator 20B creates a new work 30B using the work 30A (step S21). As in step S12, the second creator 20B transmits a request to register the work 30B as a copyrighted work to the management system 100 (step S22). Note that the work 30B may include information such as secondary use of the work 30A, a fee sharing agreement with the work 30A, and the like, for example, by management on a DAW.

[0039] Upon receiving the request, the management system 100 issues management information for managing the creation 30B. Specifically, the management system 100 issues a work certificate 45 as a token indicating that the creation 30B was created by the second creator 20B. The work certificate 45 is issued as an SBT, similar to the work certificate 40. In other words, the work certificate 45 certifies a non-transferable right from the second creator 20B.

[0040] Thereafter, the second creator 20B pays the remuneration to the first creator 20A in accordance with the remuneration sharing agreement 42 and the remuneration sharing agreement 43 (step S23). The management system 100 manages the remuneration paid from the second creator 20B to the first creator 20A as a payment history 46, which is an SFT. Because the payment history 46 is an SFT, it is possible for multiple people to share the same information. For this reason, the management system 100 also issues a payment history 47, which is information similar to the payment history 46, as an SFT to the wallet of the first creator 20A (step S24). By viewing the remuneration sharing agreement 43 and the payment history 47, the first creator 20A can confirm how much the second creator 20B has used the creative work 30A and how much remuneration he or she has received from secondary use.

[0041] 2 shows an example in which the usage rights 41 are issued as SBTs, but the usage rights may be issued as NFTs, which are non-fungible and transferable tokens. That is, the usage rights may be issued as rights that can be transferred to others, or as rights that belong only to authorized persons, depending on the intentions of the first creator 20A and the contents of the contract.

[0042] Next, a list of management information and the relationships between them are shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationships between management information.

[0043] Management information, which is information for managing the copyrights and works of each creator, is held in a wallet on the blockchain 300 linked to each creator. Furthermore, each piece of management information may have relationships with each other, such as linking information.

[0044] For example, among the management information of the first creator 20A, the information permitting use of the work certificate 40 is associated with the usage rights 41 of the second creator 20B. The usage rights 41 are associated with a remuneration sharing agreement 42 and a remuneration sharing agreement 43 according to the content of the contract between the first creator 20A and the second creator 20B.

[0045] Furthermore, the remuneration sharing agreement 42 stipulates the payment method and payment amount of the remuneration in the contract with the first creator 20A, and is therefore related to the payment history 46. Similarly, the remuneration sharing agreement 43 is related to the payment history 47.

[0046] In addition, since the usage rights 41 specify the information permitted for use of the creative work 30A and the manner in which the creative work 30A is to be used, the usage rights 41 is related to a work certificate 45 relating to the creative work 30B, which was created using part of the creative work 30A.

[0047] Next, an example of utilization of management information is shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a management method according to the embodiment.

[0048] In the embodiment, the management information is managed by the blockchain 300, so that the creator 20 can utilize the copyright in various ways. Fig. 4 shows an example of utilizing the copyright.

[0049] Company A shown in Figure 4 provides a music production tool provision service such as DAW as a first service 50A. Company B provides a copyright management service as a second service 50B that registers and manages rights such as copyrights for created music and accepts applications to use registered works. Company C provides a video posting service as a third service 50C that accepts submissions of content such as created videos and distributes the accepted videos. Company D provides a fourth service 50D that uses a machine learning model (such as generative AI (artificial intelligence)) that utilizes created content as training data.

[0050] 4, the first creator 20A uses the first service 50A to create the creation 30A (step S31). In this case, the first creator 20A can register the rights of the creation 30A in the management system 100 by performing operations and processes on the DAW without performing processes such as application and registration.

[0051] Furthermore, the second creator 20B can apply to use the creative work 30A, the rights of which have been registered, in the second service 50B via the management system 100 (step S32). Furthermore, once the second creator 20B has created a derivative work 30B using the creative work 30A, the second creator 20B posts the derivative work 30B to the third service 50C (step S33). Because the third service 50C is linked to the management system 100, the management system 100 can register the posted creative work 30B as a copyrighted work.

[0052] Furthermore, the third creator 20C uses the machine learning model provided by the fourth service 50D (step S34). Because the fourth service 50D is linked to the management system 100, the management system 100 can identify the creations 30A and 30B used as training materials when using the machine learning model. In this case, the management system 100 can collect usage fees for the creations from the third creator 20C via the fourth service 50D and distribute the usage fees to the copyright holders of the creations 30A and 30B.

[0053] In this way, the management system 100 cooperates with various services and manages management information with different properties such as SBT, NFT, and SFT in the blockchain 300. This enables the management system 100 to enable creators to utilize their copyrights across services and to enable users to flexibly use copyrighted works.

[0054] Next, an example of utilization of usage rights will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram (3) showing an example of a management method according to an embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an example in which a fourth creator 20E creates a creation 30E, and the rights relating to the creation 30E are used by a first broadcasting company 60A and a second broadcasting company 60B.

[0056] First, the fourth creator 20E creates a creation 30E (step S41), and then transmits a request to register the creation 30E as a copyrighted work to the management system 100 (step S42).

[0057] Upon receiving the request, the management system 100 issues management information for managing the creation 30E. Specifically, the management system 100 issues a work certificate 70 as a token indicating that the creation 30E was created by the fourth creator 20E.

[0058] Next, it is assumed that the first broadcasting company 60A wishes to broadcast the creative work 30E. In this case, the first broadcasting company 60A transmits an application for use of the creative work 30E to the management system 100 (step S43).

[0059] When the fourth creator 20E responds to the usage request, the management system 100 determines that permission to use the creative work 30E has been obtained, and issues a usage right 71 indicating the right to use the creative work 30E to the first broadcasting company 60A as an NFT (step S44). For example, the usage right 71 is information indicating permission related to the broadcasting right, which is one of the sub-rights of copyright.

[0060] Furthermore, if the fourth creator 20E agrees to the remuneration proposed by the first broadcasting company 60A for the secondary use of the creative work 30E, the management system 100 issues a remuneration sharing agreement 72 that specifies the amount and method of remuneration sharing (step S45).

[0061] After this, it is assumed that the second broadcasting company 60B wishes to acquire the right to broadcast the creative work 30E. In this case, the second broadcasting company 60B transmits a purchase application to acquire the broadcasting rights for the creative work 30E to the management system 100 (step S50). Specifically, the second broadcasting company 60B applies to purchase the usage right 71 that specifies the broadcasting rights for the creative work 30E.

[0062] When the first broadcasting company 60A accepts the purchase request from the second broadcasting company 60B, the management system 100 transfers the usage rights 71 from the first broadcasting company 60A to the second broadcasting company 60B. Although NFTs are transferable, they are unique and cannot be shared by multiple people, so the transferor does not retain the NFT. For illustrative purposes, the example in FIG. 5 shows usage rights 71 and 73 separately, but in reality, when usage rights 71 are transferred to the second broadcasting company 60B, the first broadcasting company 60A loses usage rights 71. Meanwhile, the second broadcasting company 60B acquires usage rights 73, which specifies the broadcasting rights for the creative work 30E (step S51).

[0063] Thereafter, a remuneration sharing contract 74 is issued to the second broadcasting company 60B, describing the contractual terms agreed upon in the broadcast of the creative work 30E before the creative work 30E is used for secondary purposes (step S52). Furthermore, if the second broadcasting company 60B uses the creative work 30E for secondary purposes, such as broadcasting, the second broadcasting company 60B pays a usage fee to the fourth creator 20E in accordance with the contract. The management system 100 issues a payment history 75 describing the amount and payment method paid by the second broadcasting company 60B to the fourth creator 20E. Furthermore, the management system 100 issues a payment history 76 corresponding to the payment history 75 to the wallet of the fourth creator 20E (step S53).

[0064] In this way, the management system 100 can issue usage rights not only as SBTs but also as transferable NFTs. This allows a person who purchases usage rights from a creator to not only exercise the usage rights themselves but also sell the usage rights to others. Note that usage rights may be issued as multiple NFTs, or as SFTs as rights that can be held by multiple people. In other words, the management system 100 allows rights to be used flexibly by designing tokens with different properties in line with the intentions of creators and rights management companies.

[0065] Taking copyright as an example, SBTs are suitable for certifying the moral rights of authors that cannot be transferred to anyone other than the author (in Japan, the right to publish, the right to display the name, and the right to maintain the integrity of the work). NFTs are also suitable for certifying the possession of transferable sub-rights of copyright (in Japan, the right to reproduce, perform, screen, transmit to the public, etc., oral rights, exhibition rights, distribution rights, transfer rights, lending rights, translation rights, adaptation rights, rights related to derivative works, etc.). SFTs are also suitable for certifying copyright-related usage agreements, remuneration distribution, payment history, etc. The rights and contracts represented by each token are merely examples, and the management system 100 may issue tokens to represent rights and contracts other than those shown in the examples.

[0066] As explained using Figures 1 to 5, the management system 100 represents rights and contracts using tokens with different properties, and by associating these tokens with each other, it is possible to utilize copyrights and the like in various ways in accordance with the intentions of the author.

[0067] For example, the author can determine the number of NFTs that can be issued as usage rights by controlling the limit, and by controlling the number of NFTs that can be used, the author can vary the usage value according to demand.In addition, since the blockchain 300 can also register works jointly created by multiple authors, the management system 100 can also stipulate contracts between creators.

[0068] Furthermore, the management system 100 can associate the copyright certificate of the original creative work with the copyright certificate of the secondary work created by secondary use of that creative work, thereby managing rights related not only to secondary use but also to tertiary and quaternary use. Furthermore, the management system 100 can grasp detailed usage, such as use as training data for AI learning, allowing appropriate reward distribution to copyright holders. Because reward distribution and other information are recorded on the blockchain 300, users of the management system 100 can easily view information such as who the copyright holder is and who has the rights to use the work. Furthermore, rights holders can easily participate in reward distribution even when there are many providers, such as those providing data as training material for AI learning.

[0069] According to the management method of the embodiment, users of copyrighted works can flexibly select payment methods, such as not only a lump-sum payment at the time of signing a usage contract, but also deferred payment according to sales, or a fixed amount paid in advance followed by additional payments based on sales. Furthermore, creators can easily check how much their copyrighted works have been used for what purposes and how much sales they have generated.

[0070] (1-2. Configuration of Management System According to Embodiment) Next, a configuration of the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0071] 6, the management system 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The management system 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator or the like who manages the management system 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0072] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface controller, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N (such as the Internet) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the creator terminal 10 and in blockchains such as the blockchain 300 via the network N.

[0073] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 has a creator storage unit 121, a management information storage unit 122, and an affiliated service storage unit 123.

[0074] The creator storage unit 121 stores information about the creator who registered the copyrighted work. For example, the creator storage unit 121 stores identification information for identifying the creator, the creator's account name, the wallet address linked by the blockchain 300, etc.

[0075] The management information storage unit 122 stores management information related to the management of creators and creative works (copyrighted works). For example, the management information storage unit 122 stores information (for example, addresses on the blockchain 300) related to a work certificate SBT indicating that a work has been created, a copyrighted work usage right NFT or usage right SFT, an SFT describing a usage contract for each copyrighted work, and the like.

[0076] An example of management information is shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the contents and relationships of the management information. Note that the management information shown in Fig. 7 is actually written on the blockchain 300, not in the management information storage unit 122.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 7, the work certification SBT80 includes an address indicating the smart contract, a token ID, a token format, a chain, the name of the linked work, the registration date and time, a link to the work, etc.

[0078] The usage right SBT 81 holds the same information as the work certificate SBT 80, as well as the address and token ID of the linked work certificate SBT 80. This allows the management system 100 to track which work certificate the usage right SBT 81 is linked to.

[0079] Furthermore, the reward distribution SFT 82 holds information such as the reward distribution ratio related to the contract, as well as the address and token ID of the linked usage right SBT 81. This allows the management system 100 to track which usage right the reward distribution SFT 82 is linked to.

[0080] Furthermore, the payment history SFT 83 holds information such as the amount of payment paid to copyright holders, etc., as well as the address and token ID of the associated reward distribution SFT 82. This allows the management system 100 to track what reward distribution contract the payment history SFT 83 was executed under.

[0081] 6, the explanation will be continued. The affiliated service storage unit 123 stores information about services for utilizing rights related to copyrighted works in cooperation with the management system 100. For example, the affiliated service storage unit 123 stores identification information for identifying each service, information about the business operator providing the service, and information about the rights and contracts used in the service.

[0082] The control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. executing a program (for example, a management program according to the present disclosure) stored inside the management system 100 using a random access memory (RAM) etc. as a work area. The control unit 130 is also a controller, and may be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0083] 6, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a registration unit 132, an issuance unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0084] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information stored in the storage unit 120 and various types of information described in the blockchain 300.

[0085] The acquisition unit 131 also acquires various requests from each user of the information processing system 1. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a request regarding management of a first creative work from a creator who created the creative work. Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 acquires an application for copyright registration of a musical piece or other work created by the creator via a service affiliated with the DAW or the like used by the creator.

[0086] The acquisition unit 131 also acquires a request for secondary use of the creative work. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a request for secondary use from a second creator 20B who wishes to use a part of the creative work 30A in his or her own music. If the request for secondary use relates to a derivative work, the subsequent issuing unit 133 can issue a license (usage right) for the creation in SBT. On the other hand, if the request for secondary use relates to a simple secondary use, such as broadcasting the creative work 30A, the issuing unit 133 may issue the secondary use license in NFT. In other words, the management system 100 can issue tokens related to usage rights with different properties depending on the nature of the secondary use.

[0087] The registration unit 132 registers various information in the storage unit 120 or the blockchain 300. For example, based on the request acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the registration unit 132 registers the creative work in the blockchain 300 as a subject to be managed.

[0088] The issuing unit 133 issues various types of information. For example, when the registration unit 132 registers a creative work or the like, the issuing unit 133 issues management information, which is information for managing the creative work, as multiple tokens each having different properties in the blockchain 300.

[0089] As an example, the issuing unit 133 issues, from among the management information, rights information that belongs only to the creator who created the creative work, as an SBT that is non-fungible and non-transferable in the blockchain 300. Furthermore, when a request for derivative work of a creative work is registered, the issuing unit 133 may issue permission information for derivative work of the creative work to the requester as a usage right SBT.

[0090] Furthermore, the issuing unit 133 may issue rights information regarding the secondary use of the creative work, which is part of the management information, as an SFT in the blockchain 300. For example, the issuing unit 133 issues, as rights information regarding the use of the creative work, a reward distribution agreement to the rights holder of the creative work for the secondary use of the creative work, as a reward distribution agreement SFT shared between the rights holder of the creative work and the user of the creative work.

[0091] Furthermore, the issuing unit 133 may issue, as rights information regarding the use of a creative work, a payment history of royalties paid to the rights holder of the creative work resulting from the secondary use of the creative work, as a payment history SFT shared between the rights holder of the creative work and the user of the creative work. This allows the rights holder of the creative work and the secondary user to verify what payments were made and based on what contract.

[0092] In addition, when the issuing unit 133 receives a request for secondary use of a creative work, it issues permission information for the secondary use of the creative work to the requester as an NFT based on the request for secondary use of the creative work.

[0093] Unlike SBTs, NFTs are transferable, allowing secondary users who acquire usage rights NFTs to transfer or sell them. In other words, when the issuing unit 133 receives a request for the transfer of an NFT (usage rights NFT) related to the permission information of a creative work, it transfers the usage rights NFT to the transferee based on the request. Specifically, the issuing unit 133 uses a smart contract to describe the transfer of the usage rights NFT wallet in the blockchain 300. In this way, the management system 100 can issue non-personal rights, such as moral rights, as NFTs that are transferable between parties, thereby enabling flexible use of rights.

[0094] At this time, the issuing unit 133 may impose certain conditions, such as specifying the upper limit on the number of usage right NFTs to be issued or limiting the recipients of the usage right NFTs, based on a request from the rights holder who holds the rights to the secondary use of the creative work. This allows the holder of the rights to the creative work to control the manner in which the usage right NFTs are used and the recipients of the usage right NFTs according to their own will.

[0095] (1-3. Information Processing Procedure According to the Embodiment) Next, the information processing procedure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. First, the registration process of a copyrighted work according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram (1) showing the procedure of the management method according to the embodiment.

[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 8, a first creator 20A creates a work 30A using a music production tool provided by a first service 50A, and applies for copyright registration of the work 30A (step S101).

[0097] Based on the requested information, the first service 50A requests the management system 100 to issue a token (step S102). The management system 100 issues a work certificate SBT91 in the wallet 90A of the first creator 20A using a smart contract (step S103). This process is called Mint or the like.

[0098] After the work certificate SBT 91 is issued, the management system 100 notifies the first service 50A that the work certificate SBT 91 has been issued (step S104).

[0099] The first service 50A notifies the first creator 20A that the work certificate SBT91 has been issued (step S105). After receiving the notification and checking the contents of the issued SBT, the first creator 20A transmits a notice to the first service 50A approving the work certificate SBT91 (step S106).

[0100] The first service 50A transmits to the management system 100 a notice that the first creator 20A has approved the SBT (step S107). Upon receiving the approval, the management system 100 validates the unapproved SBT and records the copyrighted work certificate SBT 92 in the wallet 90A (step S108).

[0101] Next, the process in which the second creator 20B applies for usage rights will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram (2) showing the procedure of the management method according to the embodiment.

[0102] 9, a second creator 20B accesses a second service 50B that manages copyrighted works in order to view copyrighted works that can be used for his / her own creation (step S121). The second service 50B accesses the management system 100 and obtains a list of copyrighted work certificates SBT managed by the management system 100 (step S122).

[0103] After that, the second creator 20B checks the copyrighted work and decides which copyrighted work he / she wants to use for secondary purposes, and then sends a usage application to the second service 50B (step S123). At this time, the second creator 20B may also send information such as the distribution of rewards when the second creator 20B uses the copyrighted work. The second service 50B sends the usage application registration to the management system 100 (step S124).

[0104] When the management system 100 identifies the copyrighted work desired by the second creator 20B, it issues a usage right SBT94 related to the copyrighted work to the wallet 90B of the second creator 20B (step S125). At this point, the usage right SBT94 is unapproved and has no effect. Similarly, the management system 100 issues a reward sharing agreement SFT95 to the wallet 90B based on the application of the second creator 20B (step S126). At this point, the reward sharing agreement SFT95, like the usage right SBT94, is unapproved and has no effect.

[0105] The management system 100 also issues a remuneration sharing agreement 93 containing the same content as the remuneration sharing agreement SFT95 to the wallet 90A of the first creator 20A (step S127). The remuneration sharing agreement 93 is also unapproved at this point.

[0106] Thereafter, the management system 100 notifies the first service 50A that a usage application has been submitted for the work of the first creator 20A (step S128). The first service 50A transmits a notification to the first creator 20A (step S129).

[0107] The first creator 20A checks the conditions and remuneration for use of the copyrighted work, and if he / she accepts the contents, transmits approval of use to the first service 50A (step S130).

[0108] When the management system 100 receives the usage approval via the first service 50A, it stores the usage right SBT97 in which the usage right SBT94 has been activated in the wallet 90B (step S131). Also, the management system 100 stores the reward sharing agreement SFT98 in which the reward sharing agreement SFT95 has been activated in the wallet 90B (step S132).

[0109] Similarly, the management system 100 stores the reward sharing agreement SFT96 in which the reward sharing agreement SFT93 has been validated in the wallet 90A (step S133).

[0110] In this way, the management system 100 can create a reward distribution contract or the like from an invalid state and later go through a process of validating it, thereby describing information about rights in the blockchain 300, including, for example, the date and time of contract registration and a history of parties refusing to sign the contract. The management system 100 may also issue an SFT with conditions such as making some information related to the reward distribution contract (such as the reward distribution rate) unchangeable. This allows the management system 100 to prevent in advance inconveniences such as a decrease in the amount of reward received by the original rights holder due to a later increase in the number of parties involved in the contract.

[0111] Next, a process in which the second creator 20B pays a usage fee in accordance with the use of a copyrighted work will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram (3) showing the procedure of the management method according to the embodiment.

[0112] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the second creator 20B carries out payment procedures to the second service 50B in accordance with the contract with the first creator 20A as a usage fee for the secondary use of the creative work 30A (step S141).

[0113] The second service 50B executes payment processing based on the application from the second creator 20B (step S142). Specifically, the second service 50B transmits to the management system 100 information that the second creator 20B has applied for the usage fee payment procedure.

[0114] The management system 100 executes a payment process according to the usage fee by referring to the reward sharing agreement 98 between the first creator 20A and the second creator 20B (step S143). For example, the management system 100 executes a smart contract to transfer the crypto asset held in the wallet 90B of the second creator 20B to the wallet 90A of the first creator 20A in an amount equivalent to the usage fee.

[0115] The management system 100 notifies the first service 50A that the payment process for the usage fee has been completed (step S144). The first service 50A notifies the first creator 20A that the payment process has been executed (step S145).

[0116] (1-4. Modifications of the embodiment) (1-4-1. Visualization of management information) According to the management method of the embodiment, the management system 100 can grasp which copyrighted work has been used, in what manner, and to what extent, and can therefore present the grasped information to creators and the like. An example of such processing will be shown using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface 220 according to a modification.

[0117] The user interface 220 is a screen display provided by the management system 100, and is a management screen that can be viewed by each creator.

[0118] The user interface 220 includes a sales result 221 that shows, for example, the number of copyrighted works registered in association with the creator, sales figures, etc. The user interface 220 also includes a graph 222 that shows how a copyrighted work is being used and the percentage of sales for each type. The graph 222 may also show a percentage indicating which of multiple copyrighted works associated with the creator has received the most compensation based on secondary use.

[0119] The user interface 220 may also include statistical data 223 that visualizes sales over time. The management system 100 can obtain information to be displayed in the graph 222 or the statistical data 223 based on, for example, NFTs held in a wallet in the blockchain 300 associated with the creator.

[0120] In this way, the management system 100 not only stores management information in the blockchain 300, but also presents information that can be calculated or tracked based on the management information for each creator or each copyrighted work. This allows creators to check information in real time regarding sales and usage patterns related to the use of their copyrighted work, such as secondary use fees, which were previously only available at the time of contract. In other words, by managing information about copyrighted works on the blockchain 300, the management system 100 can visualize sales and other information from token and transaction information, allowing creators to check them themselves. For example, the management system 100 can obtain the information necessary for visualization by acquiring NFTs and other assets in a wallet linked to a creator. Furthermore, the management system 100 may visualize not only sales but also contract information, such as what contracts are linked to a particular copyrighted work. For example, the management system 100 can obtain NFTs and other assets held by a creator using an information acquisition function or the like to obtain the relationship between the copyrighted work and the contract history, thereby visualizing the obtained information.

[0121] (1-4-2. Processing for Detecting Infringement of Copyrighted Works) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which a creator registers a creative work in the management system 100 via a service. However, because digital creative works are easily imitated, it may be difficult to obtain proof that the registered creative work is original. In other words, there is a possibility that the registered creative work is a work that has been created in violation of the copyright of a third party.

[0122] Therefore, the management system 100 may incorporate information into the management information indicating that the registered creative work does not infringe copyrights or the like and has been genuinely created by the author. This point will be explained using Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing management information according to a modified example.

[0123] Compared with the example shown in FIG. 7, the work certification SBT 230 shown in FIG. 12 further includes items such as "confirmed flag," "confirmation method," and "confirmation date and time."

[0124] The "confirmed flag" is information indicating whether the copyrighted work linked to the copyrighted work certification SBT 230 has been certified as original. The "confirmation method" is the method used to certify the originality of the copyrighted work. The "confirmation date and time" is the date and time when the originality of the copyrighted work was certified.

[0125] There are various ways to prove the originality of a work. One example is when a trusted organization, such as a public institution in the country, approves the work as original. Specifically, an organization with a proven track record and a social responsibility checks whether the applied work is an adaptation of another creative work, and approves the work based on the results of that check.

[0126] The management system 100 may also utilize an automatic detection system for copyrighted works. For example, the management system 100 may use AI to search for content such as audio or video that is similar to the copyrighted work for which the request has been made, and check whether there is any similar content that existed at the time the copyrighted work was created. The management system 100 may also use AI to check whether other content is being used in the copyrighted work without permission.

[0127] When the management system 100 checks whether other content is being used without permission in the copyrighted work using AI, the name and creator of the AI ​​may be made public. This allows the creator of the AI ​​to advertise that their AI has been used in the checking system of a rights-holder organization, and can motivate them to continue creating AI.

[0128] Furthermore, the management system 100 may employ a method for having a community surrounding a creator prove the originality of a work. For example, a creator-centered community may function as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), and members of the DAO may cooperate to search for similar songs, keep search results as evidence, and report any unauthorized use discovered. This point will be explained using FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of infringement activity detection according to a modified example.

[0129] 13 shows the environment surrounding the first creator 20A, in which the followers 240 of the first creator 20A each use websites, SNS (Social Networking Services), word-of-mouth services, etc. In this example, the followers 240 are members of a DAO centered around the first creator 20A.

[0130] Since followers 240 inevitably come into contact with many songs and videos similar to the work created by first creator 20A, they are in a position where they can easily discover works by third parties that are similar to the work. For this reason, followers 240 can post information about similar works on websites, etc., or post that the work in question was definitely created before the similar work.

[0131] The management system 100 can also manage information collected from followers 240 in this way on the blockchain 300. For example, when registering a copyrighted work, the management system 100 can record a confirmation history at the time of registration by writing a confirmation flag in the copyrighted work certification SBT 241. The management system 100 may also issue a similar work discovery SFT 242 in association with the copyrighted work certification SBT 241. The similar work discovery SFT 242 lists information on similar works and the like discovered by followers 240.

[0132] In this way, the management system 100 can describe discovery information and the like in a list format in the management information linked from the work certification SBT 241. Therefore, it is proven that the work has received originality certification that combines multiple factors, such as certification from an official institution and confirmation from followers 240.

[0133] Furthermore, when describing certification information in the work certification SBT, the management system 100 may use the DAO to conduct voting (referred to as a "governance vote" or the like in the DAO) by the followers 240 and users related to the first creator 20A (such as rights holders related to the creative work). In other words, the management system 100 may determine whether or not to describe certification information in the work certification SBT based on the votes of multiple users related to the first creator 20A. This allows the management system 100 to ensure reliability when describing the certification information.

[0134] As described above, creators can update the internal data (metadata) of their works by registering works that have received various certifications, thereby increasing the reliability of their works. Furthermore, organizations that cooperate in improving reliability can receive incentives, such as increased recognition of their organization from those around them, making organizational activities easier, and participating in reward distribution. Note that the above-described similarity search and other techniques may be provided to interested parties in the form of an SDK (Software Development Kit), for example, from a platform (a management service using blockchain) provided by the information processing system 1.

[0135] (1-4-3. Executor of Management Method) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the information processing according to the present disclosure is executed by the management system 100. However, the information processing according to the present disclosure may also be executed by the creator terminal 10, which is a local terminal, or other external devices working together. In other words, the information processing according to the present disclosure is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment, and may also be executed on an information processing system 1 including various devices.

[0136] (1-4-4. Rights Information) In the above embodiment, information on copyrights related to creative works, permission for secondary use of music, terms of use, etc. has been shown as examples of rights related to creative works. However, information on rights related to creative works is not limited to this.

[0137] For example, the rights information may include information on not only the songwriter and composer of the song, but also the arranger, the person to whom the copyright has been assigned, the performer, the person who holds neighboring rights, etc. The rights information may also include the share of the rights of each right holder, consensus information (agreement information) indicating the agreement of each right holder regarding the share, the contract details or message when an agreement is reached, contact information of each right holder, etc.

[0138] In addition, the rights information may include various information, such as rights that originally arise based on creation in the country to which the technology disclosed herein is applied, and rights that are granted based on the application of the creator.

[0139] (1-4-5. Production System) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which creation was performed on the creator terminal 10 operated by the creator 20. However, creation may also be performed simultaneously in parallel by multiple terminal devices operated by multiple creators.

[0140] For example, when a file that multiple creators are working on is shared on the cloud, the management system 100 may register the created music or other work as a joint work when the shared file is completed.

[0141] (1-4-6. Application Examples) The copyrighted work of the present disclosure is not limited to songs and videos, but may also be photographs, illustrations, 3D modeling, etc. Furthermore, each copyrighted work may be used in various ways. For example, if the copyrighted work is a song (music), it may be used for sales, broadcasting, derivative works such as video background music, adaptations, ambient background music, karaoke, etc. Furthermore, if the copyrighted work is a video, it may be used for derivative works such as video distribution sites, video posting sites, broadcasting, and video clippings. Furthermore, if the copyrighted work is a photograph, the management system 100 can manage each process such as photography and retouching (processing), thereby detecting whether the work has been used in derivative works such as postcards and calendars or in advertisements. Furthermore, if the copyrighted work is an illustration, it may be used for conversion into an icon or a commercial character, etc. Furthermore, if the copyrighted work is 3D modeling, it may be used in avatars in games or VR technology, metaverse worlds, etc. In addition, copyrighted works such as images, music, and videos used for AI learning may be provided as training data for AI learning, and rewards may be distributed to the provider each time the AI ​​is used.

[0142] (1-4-7. Properties of Tokens) In the above embodiment, the management system 100 issues an SBT, which is a non-transferable NFT, as proof of copyright, and issues an SFT, which is an NFT that can be held by multiple people, as a reward sharing agreement, etc. However, these are just examples, and the management system 100 may issue an NFT with any properties depending on the intentions of the rights holder or rights transferee, the properties of the agreement, etc.

[0143] (1-4-8. Reward Return Agreement) (1-4-8-1. Overview of Reward Return) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the management system 100 uses the blockchain 300 to manage a contract between a first creator who created original content and a second creator who created derivative content. However, the management system 100 may also manage different contracts.

[0144] As mentioned above, contracts for derivative works typically have a compensation structure in which the secondary creator returns the compensation earned from the derivative work to the primary creator. However, in recent years, as individuals have become more easily able to distribute videos, music, and messages, individual creative activities and public relations activities have become more common, resulting in a promotional effect based on the spread of derivative works and their fans. This promotional effect often increases awareness of the original work and the original creator, thereby contributing to increased sales of the original work. For example, if the original work is music, a music video may be produced as a derivative work based on that music, and the music video may be shared on a video streaming site, thereby increasing the popularity of the original music and resulting in increased sales of the original music.

[0145] In cases like the above, various problems can arise, such as the absence of a compensation clause in the contract for the use of the original work, or the failure to enforce the contract even if one existed, or the inability to provide compensation for situations not anticipated at the time of the contract (sales above or below expectations). In other words, traditional contracts did not allow for rules on behavior after the contract was signed, and it was also difficult to prove the extent of the contribution of derivative works.

[0146] According to the management system 100 of the present disclosure, it is possible to visualize and regulate contracts and transfers of funds based on smart contracts by utilizing the blockchain 300. In other words, the management system 100 can manage contracts in which a first creator returns a portion of sales to a person who has contributed to the promotional effect of the original work, and a second creator receives compensation according to the degree of contribution.

[0147] This process will be explained using Figure 14 and subsequent figures. Figure 14 shows an overview of the reward return process. Figure 14 shows an example in which a first creator 20A creates a creative work 30A and records in the blockchain 300 a contract that provides for a certain amount of money to be returned to those who contribute to promoting the creator's creative work.

[0148] 14, a person who has created a work that contributes to the sales of the first creator 20A is exemplified as a third creator 250. The third creator 250 is, for example, a fan of the first creator 20A. The third creator 250 is a person who contributes to the sales of the work of the first creator 20A by introducing the work of the first creator 20A on social media or creating derivative works without an explicit contract with the first creator 20A.

[0149] First, the first creator 20A creates a creation 30A (step S201). The first creator 20A continuously earns profits from sales of the creation 30A (step S202). As will be described later, the first creator 20A pools a portion of the profits for future reward distribution.

[0150] Meanwhile, the third creator 250 creates a derivative work 30C based on the original work 30A, separately from the first creator 20A (step S203). The derivative work 30C contributes to increasing the first creator 20A's revenue by, for example, becoming a hot topic on social media (step S204). As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the third creator 250 may request the issuance of a copyright certificate 260 as an SBT in the blockchain 300 in connection with the creation of the derivative work 30C (step S205). The first creator 20A then enters into a reward sharing agreement or the like regarding the secondary use of the derivative work 30C, as shown in FIG. 2 and other figures (step S206). This allows the first creator 20A to become aware of the existence of the derivative work 30C.

[0151] Thereafter, the first creator 20A requests the issuance of the reward return agreement 262 as an SFT from the copyrighted work certificate 260, which is the "SBT that certifies the creation" of the derivative work, at any timing (step S207). For example, the first creator 20A requests the issuance of the reward return agreement 262 when it recognizes that the derivative work 30C has contributed to the sales of the first creator 20A, when a request is made by the third creator 250, etc.

[0152] The reward return agreement 262 records the circumstances under which the first creator 20A will return rewards to those who have contributed to the first creator 20A's sales. This will be explained using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the reward return agreement 262.

[0153] As shown in Figure 15, the reward return agreement 262 records the timing (start date and time) when the reward return will begin, the period for which the reward will be returned, the reward amount for the contribution level, etc. These are set as essential elements in the reward return agreement. Note that the reward return agreement 262 may also record, as optional setting items, the reward reduction cycle, the wallet address in which the funds for the reward return are recorded, SBT information indicating the work for which the reward return is to be made, etc.

[0154] Returning to FIG. 14 , the explanation continues. Because the reward return agreement 262A is issued as an SFT, the first creator 20A can share the reward return agreement 262A with derivative creators, his / her fans, etc. For example, after issuing the reward return agreement 262A, the first creator 20A shares the agreement with the third creator 250 (step S208). For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the reward return agreement 262B held by the third creator 250 records the date on which the third creator 250 sold the derivative work 30C, the date on which the third creator 250 began fan activities for the first creator 20A, and the like.

[0155] As described above, the first creator 20A pools a portion of the revenue 255 in advance in a wallet 268, which serves as a reward return source wallet, to use as a source of funds for reward return. When the time for reward return arrives, the first creator 20A returns a portion of the creative work 30A to the third creator 250 in accordance with the reward return agreement 262 and in accordance with the third creator 250's level of contribution (step S209). For example, the first creator 20A returns the reward when the amount of the reward return pool in the revenue 255 reaches a predetermined amount, or when a predetermined period of time has passed since the sale of the creative work 30A. Evidence of such reward return is recorded in the blockchain 300 as a payment history 264, which is an SFT.

[0156] In this way, the management system 100 provides a mechanism for returning a reward to a secondary creator according to the degree of contribution when the primary creator recognizes that the derivative work is "content that contributes to the primary creator." This allows the management system 100 to evaluate the fan activities of individuals who contribute to the sales of the primary work as creators or fans, and to return the evaluation as a reward.

[0157] The reward return will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reward return contract.

[0158] The fourth creator 250C shown in Figure 16 is a person who created a derivative work based on the original work of the first creator 20A, and as a result contributed to the sales of the original work. Furthermore, the fan 250D is a person who contributed to the recognition of the original work (number of plays, number of views, increase in number of followers of the first creator 20A, etc.) by introducing the original work of the first creator 20A on social media, etc. The fourth creator 250C has concluded a reward return agreement 262C with the first creator 20A. The fan 250D has also concluded a reward return agreement 262D with the first creator 20A.

[0159] The first creator 20A returns a portion of the sales from his / her creation to the fourth creator 250C and the fan 250D based on the contents of the reward return agreement 262C and the reward return agreement 262D. For example, if the first creator 20A has set in the reward return agreement 262 that 50% of the portion of sales pooled for reward return is to be returned, 50% of the pooled amount is returned to the fourth creator 250C, etc. In the example of Figure 16, the sales and the returned reward are represented as coins, which are fictitious cryptocurrency.

[0160] For example, assume that first creator 20A has pooled 12 coins in his / her wallet 268 by the reward return date. In this case, 50% of the 12 coins, i.e., 6 coins, will be distributed to those who had contributions in reward return agreement 262C and reward return agreement 262D.

[0161] In the example of FIG. 16 , September 20, 2024, the date when the fourth creator 250C published the derivative work, is recorded as the start date and time set in the reward return contract 262C. The reward return contract 262C sets a six-month reward return period, and the contribution level is calculated based on the activities over the past six months. The contribution level may be determined quantitatively, for example, based on the duration and frequency of fan activities, or may be determined qualitatively and subjectively by the first creator 20A. In the example of FIG. 16 , the fourth creator 250C has received a contribution level of "2" for the current reward return period.

[0162] On the other hand, October 15, 2024, the date on which fan 250D started fan activities, is recorded as the start date and time set in reward return contract 262D. Fan 250D also receives a contribution of "1" for the current reward return period.

[0163] In this case, the management system 100 returns the amount distributed based on the contribution level as a reward to the first creator 20A, i.e., "4 coins" to the fourth creator 250C and "2 coins" to the fan 250D.

[0164] The reward redemption described above may be performed periodically for each distribution period. In this case, the management system 100 may adjust the contribution level and the amount of the reward redemption to be distributed based on the reward redemption contract. Such an example will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between reward redemption and contribution level.

[0165] The example shown in Figure 17 shows a case where the first creator 20A returns rewards every predetermined reward return period (e.g., six months). Assume that the first creator 20A has set a reward of 1 million yen each from pooled sales from the first return period 280 to the fourth return period 286. Assume that the first creator 20A has set a contribution level of 100 for each of the multiple fans for each period.

[0166] In the first return period of 280, the contribution level set for all fans is "100" and the return amount is "1 million yen." Therefore, the yen rate for one contribution level is "10,000 yen."

[0167] In the second-period rebate 282, the contribution level set for all fans is increased by 100 in the second period, becoming 200. Meanwhile, the rebate amount is set at 1 million yen, so the yen rate for one contribution level is 5,000 yen. In this case, fans who have maintained their contribution level since the first period have cumulatively received a reward of 15,000 yen for one contribution level.

[0168] In the third-period rebate 284, the contribution level set for all fans increases by 100 in the third period, to 300. Meanwhile, the rebate amount is set at 1 million yen, so the yen rate for one contribution level is 3,300 yen. In this case, fans who have maintained their contribution level since the first period have cumulatively received a reward of 18,300 yen for one contribution level.

[0169] In the fourth-period rebate 286, the contribution level set for all fans increases by 100 in the fourth period, to 400. Meanwhile, the rebate amount is set at 1 million yen, so the yen rate for one contribution level is 25,000 yen. In this case, fans who have maintained their contribution level since the first period have cumulatively received a reward of 20,800 yen for one contribution level.

[0170] In this way, the management system 100 can set the amount of return so that the sales revenue, which is the source of the return, is not depleted and sufficient return can be made to fans who have contributed for a long time by periodically returning the return. Note that the setting of the return amount shown in FIG. 17 is one example, and the first creator 20A may increase or decrease the amount of return at any time, or may increase or decrease the contribution level of each person depending on the fan activities.

[0171] As described above, the management system 100 manages the reward return contract as an SFT on the blockchain 300, thereby enabling the repayment of rewards for fan activities, which is normally difficult to achieve.

[0172] For example, by using the blockchain 300, the management system 100 can track evidence of reward-return agreements, the authors of derivative works, fan activities, etc. Therefore, the management system 100 can return rewards from primary creators based on the actual status of the derivative works and fan activities, which are usually difficult to prove. Furthermore, because the management system 100 can verify the copyright proof of the derivative works as SBT, it is also possible to retroactively return rewards from primary creators for derivative works whose contributions are later recognized. Therefore, even if the contribution effect of the derivative works is unclear, primary creators can recognize contributions to past derivative works once the recognition and revenue of the primary work have sufficiently increased. Furthermore, secondary creators and fans can accumulate contributions as shown in FIG. 17, which motivates them to continue their derivative work activities and fan activities.

[0173] On the other hand, the primary creator can dynamically change the contribution level of secondary creators or fans whose contributions have decreased or who have been found to be violating etiquette, thereby selecting those who have truly contributed and distributing rewards appropriately.

[0174] (1-4-8-2. Regarding Reward Redemption Amount) As described above, the management system 100 can pool a portion of the sales of primary creators in advance. Generally, not all primary creators are aware of reward redemption, and situations may arise in which a sufficient amount of reward redemption cannot be secured for fan activities, etc. However, according to the mechanism disclosed herein, by pooling a portion of sales, it is possible to prevent the depletion of funds for reward redemption.

[0175] The management system 100 can dynamically change the reward pool ratio and the distribution amount to be returned from sales. For example, the management system 100 may gradually reduce the distribution amount for past contributions over time. In other words, since the influence of fan activities that influenced (contributed to) original creations is expected to diminish over time, the management system 100 may realize a return that reflects this reality. On the other hand, for those who continuously engage in fan activities, the management system 100 may execute a process to increase the contribution level according to the track record of their activities or to prevent a reduction in the reward for the contribution level.

[0176] Furthermore, the reward return does not necessarily have to be carried out periodically. For example, the management system 100 may carry out the reward return when a certain amount of the pool from the sales of the original creation has been accumulated.

[0177] Furthermore, while the above example shows a case where the reward is paid in cryptocurrency, the reward redemption is not limited to this example. For example, the management system 100 may set the reward as a token paid according to the contribution level. In this case, the token may be set as something that can be exchanged for some kind of benefit on the network, such as an event invitation ticket or a special item exchange ticket.

[0178] (1-4-8-3. Contribution Level) The contribution level is issued, for example, as a token of the blockchain 300. The contribution level may be set subjectively by the primary creator or may be set in accordance with any regulations in the blockchain 300.

[0179] For example, if a derivative creator determines that they have contributed to the sales of an original work, they may request the original creator to set a contribution level for that contribution. For example, the derivative creator may request approval of the contribution level based on evidence such as the sales trends of the original work recorded in the blockchain 300 or the number of times the original work was viewed after the derivative creator's own derivative work was viewed. Specifically, similar to mechanisms such as online advertising, the management system 100 may calculate the contribution level of the creator of the derivative work based on evidence such as clicking a link on the viewing page of the derivative work and then reaching the viewing page of the original work. Note that the management system 100 may use, as an index to evaluate the contribution level, not only the number of views of the original work or the derivative work (number of plays of music or actions), but also the growth rate of the number of plays or the timing of the increase. For example, if the number of views of a primary work clearly increases immediately after the publication of a secondary work, the management system 100 may determine that the derivative work had a significant impact on the primary work and calculate a high contribution level for the creator of the derivative work.

[0180] On the other hand, if a secondary creator or fan engages in undesirable fan activities or fraudulent derivative works, the primary creator can reduce the contribution points of the person who engaged in such activities. Furthermore, the primary creator can approve or deny fan activities for which approval of contribution points has been requested by fans.

[0181] The management system 100 may also include in the calculation of the contribution level actions taken outside the blockchain 300, such as a fan's participation in a real-world event, if such actions can be proven in some way. For example, when a fan presents a two-dimensional code or the like indicating that the fan participated in an event to the system, the management system 100 may use the fan's location information on the day of the event as evidence to determine whether the fan actually participated in the event.

[0182] (1-4-8-4. Visualization using blockchain) In the reward return mechanism described above, for example, if a derivative work is developed in a different field, the primary creator may not be able to grasp the appropriate amount of reward, and reward distribution may not be carried out appropriately. For example, if the primary creator is a music creator, they may not be aware of the going rate of rewards for the derivative work's video production. In such a situation, by applying the reward return mechanism using blockchain 300, management system 100 can grasp the information exchanged between many parties in transactions, etc., and visualize the going rate, etc., thereby enabling appropriate reward return operations.

[0183] That is, the management system 100 performs the above-described reward return on the blockchain 300, so that the primary creator and secondary creator can confirm evidence that other people are returning rewards. Therefore, the primary creator and secondary creator can confirm the general amount of rewards being returned on the blockchain 300, confirm the contribution level that each person has set, and confirm what kind of fan activities the contribution level has been set for.

[0184] As a result, if the reward return amount is set at an unreasonably low amount, the secondary creator or fan can request an increase in the reward from the primary creator. Alternatively, if the reward return amount is set at an unreasonably high amount, the primary creator can reset the reward return to a more reasonable amount. In other words, based on the records in the blockchain 300, the management system 100 can present primary creators and fans with indicators regarding the appropriateness of the market rates for sales and reward distribution. This allows the management system 100 to achieve appropriate reward distribution for promotional activities that are generally difficult to quantify, such as fan activities.

[0185] (1-4-8-5. Summary of configuration related to reward return) As described above, the management system 100 registers a reward return agreement related to the first creative work (creative work 30A in this embodiment) in the blockchain 300. Then, based on the degree of contribution of an action related to the first creative work by a person other than the creator of the first creative work, the management system 100 returns a reward according to the reward return agreement to a person who performed the action.

[0186] In this way, the management system 100 manages the reward return contracts on the blockchain 300 and returns rewards to those who have engaged in derivative creative activities or fan activities in accordance with the contents of the contracts. This allows the management system 100 to appropriately evaluate fan activities that have contributed to sales of original creative works, etc., and return the evaluation as rewards, thereby stimulating creative activities and fan activities.

[0187] For example, the management system 100 determines the contribution of an action related to a first creative work from the influence of a promotional action on the first creative work by a second creative work (in this embodiment, derivative work 30C) related to the first creative work. Specifically, the management system 100 determines the contribution as the influence based on the number of views of the second creative work, the number of views of the first creative work after the second creative work is released, the growth rate of the number of views, etc.

[0188] Alternatively, the management system 100 may determine the contribution of an action related to the first creation from the influence of a promotional action that promoted the first creation or the creator. Specifically, the management system 100 determines the contribution based on the influence, such as the frequency of the action of introducing the first creation or the creator on SNS, the influence of the action of introducing the first creation or the creator on SNS (the number of impressions of an article, the increase in the number of followers, etc.), the number of participants in an event held by the creator, etc.

[0189] Furthermore, the management system 100 may present the creator or the person who performed the action with the past reward amount recorded in the blockchain 300. This allows the creator or fan to know an index of how much reward other creators have returned or how much contribution is set for each action, and thus allows reward return according to the index.

[0190] Furthermore, with regard to a first creative work for which a refund is scheduled in the refund contract, the management system 100 may register a portion of the sales of the first creative work as a source of reward refund in the blockchain 300. This allows the management system 100 to prevent a situation in which the source of reward refund has been depleted by the time the reward refund stage arrives.

[0191] Furthermore, the management system 100 may return rewards according to the degree of contribution for each period stipulated in the reward return contract. In this case, the management system 100 may dynamically change the amount of reward distribution according to the degree of contribution. For example, the management system 100 may automatically gradually reduce the amount of distribution in consideration of the time that has passed since the derivative work or fan activities affected the sales of the original work. In this way, the management system 100 can return an appropriate amount according to the continuation of fan activities.

[0192] The management system 100 may return the reward when sales of the first creative work exceed a certain amount, rather than returning the reward at each period stipulated in the reward return contract. This allows the management system 100 to return the reward at an appropriate time without straining the reward return funds.

[0193] (2. Other Embodiments) The processing according to each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0194] For example, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. Furthermore, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0195] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. For example, the information stored in the memory unit 120 is not limited to being stored within the management system 100, but may also be stored in an external storage device such as a cloud server, or in a distributed file system using a protocol such as IPFL (Inter Planetary File System).

[0196] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0197] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0198] (3. Effects of the Management Method According to the Present Disclosure) As described above, the management system according to the present disclosure (management system 100 in the embodiment) executes the management method according to the present disclosure. In the management method, the management system acquires a request for management of a first creation (creation 30A in the embodiment), and, based on the request, registers the first creation in a blockchain (blockchain 300 in the embodiment) as a management target. Then, once registration is performed, the management system issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creation, as multiple tokens in the blockchain, each having different properties.

[0199] In this way, the management method of the present disclosure uses blockchain to manage rights related to creative works, and by managing each right using different tokens, it is possible to utilize the rights related to the creations safely and effectively.

[0200] In addition, the management system issues the rights information of the first management information that belongs only to the creator who created the first creative work (in this embodiment, the first creator 20A) as an SBT, which is a token that is non-fungible and non-transferable in the blockchain.

[0201] In this way, according to this management method, rights that belong exclusively to the creator are managed using a non-transferable SBT, so that the creator can utilize the multiple rights that arise from their creation in a way that suits the characteristics of each right.

[0202] In addition, the management system acquires a request for derivative work of the first creative work, and based on the acquired request for derivative work of the first creative work, issues permission information for derivative work of the first creative work to the requestor (in this embodiment, the second creator 20B) as an SBT.

[0203] According to this management method, when a primary creation is used in a derivative work, the usage rights to the derivative work are issued in SBT, allowing the creator of the primary creation to prevent the usage rights from being transferred or used by unknown parties. Furthermore, since the derivative work can confirm the usage rights recorded in the blockchain, the derivative work can prove to third parties that they have obtained permission to create a derivative work, thereby avoiding problems related to usage rights.

[0204] In addition, the management system issues the rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, which is part of the first management information, as an SFT, a token that is non-fungible and can be shared by multiple entities, on the blockchain.

[0205] For example, the management system issues, as rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, a contract for distribution of rewards to the rights holder of the first creative work for secondary use of the first creative work, as an SFT shared between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work.

[0206] In addition, the management system issues, as rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, a payment history of usage fees to the rights holder of the first creative work resulting from the secondary use of the first creative work, as an SFT held between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work.

[0207] In this way, according to this management method, contracts and the like relating to rights are written using SFT, so that the rights holder and the licensee can check each other's contract contents, distribution ratios, payment history, etc. at any time.

[0208] The management system also acquires a request for secondary use of the first creative work, and based on the acquired request for secondary use of the first creative work, issues permission information for the secondary use of the first creative work to the requester as an NFT, which is a transferable non-fungible token.

[0209] For example, the management system obtains a request for the transfer of an NFT related to the permission information of a first creative work, and based on the request for the transfer of an NFT related to the permission information of the first creative work, transfers the NFT related to the permission information of the first creative work to a transferee.

[0210] At this time, the management system may issue NFTs with a limited number of issuances or limited transfer recipients based on the request of the rights holder who has the rights regarding the secondary use of the first creative work.

[0211] In this way, under this management method, secondary uses such as broadcasting of creative works are described in transferable NFTs rather than SBTs, allowing rights holders to utilize their rights in a variety of ways, such as entering into multiple license agreements for a single work or permitting the transfer of that license to a third party. Furthermore, licensees can effectively utilize their secondary use rights by transferring the license rights according to the supply and demand of the work or by arbitrarily setting the price for transfer.

[0212] In addition, the management system issues the moral rights of the author, which are rights that belong only to the creator who created the first creative work, as SBTs, and issues the copyright fraction, which is a right related to the use of the first creative work and is a transferable right, as NFTs, among the first management information.

[0213] According to this management method, if the right related to a creation is a copyright, an NFT will be issued according to its nature, allowing the creator or rights holder to utilize the copyright according to its nature.

[0214] Furthermore, when a second work of creation that is a derivative work of the first work of creation is created, the management system acquires a request for management of the second work of creation and registers the second work of creation in the blockchain as a subject to management based on the request. Furthermore, when the registration is performed, the management system issues second management information, which is information for managing the second work of creation, by linking it with any information in the first management information.

[0215] In this way, according to this management method, rights for secondary use and beyond are issued in a manner that links them to the original work, so the rights holder of the original creative work can receive royalties for the Nth use and can understand how his or her work is being used.

[0216] The management system also acquires information relating to the use of the first creative work, and transmits the acquired information to the creator or rights holder of the first creative work.

[0217] For example, the management system transmits, as information regarding the use of the first creative work, at least one of the following: the number of creative works linked to the creator of the first creative work and registered on the blockchain; the total amount of remuneration obtained based on the secondary use of the creative works registered on the blockchain; and the percentage of remuneration obtained based on the secondary use of multiple creative works registered on the blockchain. For example, the management system transmits content (user interface 220 in this embodiment) displaying a list of this information.

[0218] This management method allows creators and rights holders to view information about their creations at a glance, making it easy to understand the use and distribution of their works, which was previously unclear.

[0219] The management system also registers, as first management information, certification information in the SBT that certifies that the first creation was created by the creator who claims to have created it.

[0220] For example, the management system determines whether to register certification information in SBT based on approval from an organization that manages rights related to the creation, or the results of detection by a program that detects works similar to the first creative work (such as AI or a program for using AI).

[0221] Alternatively, the management system may determine whether to register the certification information in the SBT based on the verification results regarding similar works of the first creation by multiple users associated with the creator.

[0222] In this case, the management system may determine whether to register the certification information in the SBT based on the results of voting performed on the verification results by multiple users.

[0223] In this way, according to this management method, certification information is written on the blockchain that proves that the work was truly created by the creator who applied to register it, so users can safely use their creative rights, such as by entering into contracts only for works whose authenticity is guaranteed.

[0224] (4. Hardware Configuration) Information devices such as the management system 100 according to each embodiment described above are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 18 . The management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below as an example. FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the management system 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. The various components of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0225] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each component based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to the various programs.

[0226] The ROM 1300 stores boot programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that is executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000 .

[0227] HDD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, HDD 1400 is a recording medium that records a management program according to the present disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0228] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from other devices and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0229] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to an output device such as a display, a speaker, or a printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs and the like recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Examples of media include optical recording media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), magneto-optical recording media such as an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, and semiconductor memories.

[0230] For example, when computer 1000 functions as management system 100 according to an embodiment, CPU 1100 of computer 1000 executes a management program loaded onto RAM 1200 to realize functions of control unit 130, etc. Also, HDD 1400 stores the management program according to the present disclosure and data in storage unit 120. Note that CPU 1100 reads and executes program data 1450 from HDD 1400, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via external network 1550.

[0231] Note that the present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A management method in which a computer acquires a request for management of a first creative work, and, based on the request, registers the first creative work on a blockchain as a subject to be managed, and, once the registration is complete, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creative work, as a plurality of tokens, each having different properties, on the blockchain. (2) The management method described in (1), in which, of the first management information, rights information that belongs only to the creator who created the first creative work is issued as an SBT (Soul Bound Token), which is a non-fungible and non-transferable token on the blockchain. (3) The management method described in (2), in which a request for derivative work of the first creative work is acquired, and, based on the request for derivative work of the first creative work, permission information for derivative work of the first creative work is issued as an SBT to a requester. (4) The management method according to (3), wherein, of the first management information, rights information regarding the use of the first creative work is issued as a semi-fungible token (SFT), which is a token that is non-fungible and can be shared by multiple entities, on the blockchain. (5) The management method according to (4), wherein, as the rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, a reward distribution agreement to the rights holder of the first creative work resulting from the secondary use of the first creative work is issued as an SFT shared between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work. (6) The management method according to (5), wherein, as the rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, a payment history of usage fees to the rights holder of the first creative work resulting from the secondary use of the first creative work is issued as an SFT shared between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work. (7) A management method according to any one of (4) to (6), comprising: acquiring a request for secondary use of the first creative work; and issuing permission information for the secondary use of the first creative work to the requester based on the request for secondary use of the first creative work as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), which is a transferable non-fungible token.(8) The management method according to (7), comprising: acquiring a request for the transfer of NFTs related to the permission information of the first creative work; and transferring the NFTs related to the permission information of the first creative work to a transferee based on the request for the transfer of NFTs related to the permission information of the first creative work. (9) The management method according to (7) or (8), comprising: issuing the NFTs with a limited number of issuances or limited transferees based on a request from a rights holder who has rights related to secondary use of the first creative work. (10) The management method according to any of (7) to (9), comprising: issuing, as SBTs, moral rights of the author, which are rights that belong only to the creator who created the first creative work, and issuing, as NFTs, a portion of copyright, which is a right related to the use of the first creative work and is a transferable right. (11) The management method according to any of (3) to (10), comprising, when a second work that is a derivative work of the first work is created, acquiring a request for management of the second work, registering the second work on the blockchain as a subject to management based on the request, and once the registration is complete, issuing second management information that is information for managing the second work, linked to any information in the first management information. (12) The management method according to any of (4) to (11), acquiring information regarding the use of the first work, and sending the acquired information to the creator or rights holder of the first work. (13) The management method according to (12), transmitting, as information regarding the use of the first work, at least one of the number of works registered on the blockchain linked to the creator of the first work, the total amount of remuneration earned based on the secondary use of the works registered on the blockchain, and the proportion of remuneration earned based on the secondary use of multiple works registered on the blockchain. (14) The management method according to any one of (2) to (13), wherein certification information that certifies that the first creative work was created by a creator who claims to have created the first creative work is registered in the SBT as the first management information.(15) The management method according to (14), wherein it is determined whether to register the certification information in the SBT based on approval from an organization that manages rights related to a creation or on the detection results of a program that detects works similar to the first creation. (16) The management method according to (14) or (15), wherein it is determined whether to register the certification information in the SBT based on verification results of works similar to the first creation by a plurality of users associated with the creator. (17) The management method according to (16), wherein it is determined whether to register the certification information in the SBT based on voting results performed on the verification results by the plurality of users. (18) A management system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a request for management of a first creation; a registration unit that registers the first creation in a blockchain as a management target based on the request; and an issuance unit that, when the registration is performed, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creation, as a plurality of tokens, each having different properties, in the blockchain. (19) A management program that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires a request for management of a first creative work; a registration unit that, based on the request, registers the first creative work in a blockchain as a subject to management; and an issuance unit that, once the registration is made, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creative work, as a plurality of tokens, each having different properties, in the blockchain. (20) A management method in which a computer registers a reward return agreement for the first creative work in a blockchain, and, based on the degree of contribution of an action related to the first creative work by a person other than the creator of the first creative work, issues a reward in accordance with the reward return agreement to a person who has taken such action. (21) The management method described in (20), further including: the computer determining the degree of contribution of, as an action related to the first creative work, an action from the degree of influence of a promotional action for the first creative work by a second creative work related to the first creative work.(22) The management method according to (21), wherein the contribution level is determined based on the number of views of the second creative work, the number of views of the first creative work after the release of the second creative work, or the growth rate of the number of views, as the degree of influence. (23) The management method according to any of (20) to (22), wherein the computer further determines the contribution level of an action related to the first creative work from the influence of a promotional action promoting the first creative work or the creator. (24) The management method according to (23), wherein the contribution level is determined based on at least one of the frequency of an action introducing the first creative work or the creator on social media, the number of impressions of an article introducing the first creative work on social media, the increase in the number of followers of the creator on social media, and the number of participants in an event held by the creator. (25) The management method according to any of (20) to (24), wherein the computer further presents the past amount of remuneration recorded in the blockchain to the creator or the person who took the action. (26) The management method according to any of (20) to (25), further including the computer registering, in the blockchain, a portion of the sales of the first creative work for which a reward is to be returned in the reward return contract as a source of reward return. (27) The management method according to (26), for the first creative work for which a reward is to be returned in the reward return contract, when a portion of the sales of the first creative work exceeds an amount specified in the reward return contract, returning a reward according to the degree of contribution. (28) The management method according to any of (20) to (27), for returning a reward according to the degree of contribution for each period specified in the reward return contract. (29) The management method according to (28), dynamically changing the amount of reward distributed to the degree of contribution according to the passage of the period specified in the reward return contract.

[0232] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Creator terminal 20 Creator 100 Management system 110 Communication unit 120 Storage unit 121 Creator storage unit 122 Management information storage unit 123 Partnership service storage unit 130 Control unit 131 Acquisition unit 132 Registration unit 133 Issuance unit 134 Transmission unit 300 Blockchain

Claims

1. A management method in which a computer receives a request for management of a first creation, registers the first creation on a blockchain as a subject to management based on the request, and, once the registration is complete, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creation, as multiple tokens, each having different properties, on the blockchain.

2. The management method described in claim 1, wherein, of the first management information, rights information that belongs only to the creator who created the first creative work is issued as an SBT (Soul Bound Token), which is a token that is non-fungible and non-transferable in the blockchain.

3. The management method described in claim 2, further comprising: obtaining a request for a derivative work of the first work; and issuing permission information for the derivative work of the first work as an SBT to the requester based on the request for the derivative work of the first work.

4. The management method described in claim 3, wherein, of the first management information, rights information regarding the use of the first creative work is issued as an SFT (Semi-Fungible Token), which is a token that is non-fungible and can be shared by multiple entities, on the blockchain.

5. The management method described in claim 4, wherein a contract for distribution of remuneration to the rights holder of the first creative work for secondary use of the first creative work is issued as rights information regarding the use of the first creative work as an SFT shared between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work.

6. The management method described in claim 5, wherein, as rights information regarding the use of the first creative work, a payment history of royalties to the rights holder of the first creative work resulting from the secondary use of the first creative work is issued as an SFT shared between the rights holder of the first creative work and the user of the first creative work.

7. The management method described in claim 4, further comprising: acquiring a request for secondary use of the first creative work; and, based on the request for secondary use of the first creative work, issuing permission information for the secondary use of the first creative work to the requester as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), which is a transferable non-fungible token.

8. The management method described in claim 7, further comprising: obtaining a request for the transfer of an NFT related to the permission information of the first creative work; and transferring the NFT related to the permission information of the first creative work to a transferee based on the request for the transfer of the NFT related to the permission information of the first creative work.

9. The management method described in claim 7, wherein the NFT is issued with a limited number of issuances or a limited number of transferees based on a request from the rights holder who has the rights regarding the secondary use of the first creative work.

10. The management method described in claim 7, wherein, of the first management information, moral rights of the author, which are rights that belong only to the creator who created the first creative work, are issued as SBT, and a sub-right of copyright, which is a right related to the use of the first creative work and is a transferable right, is issued as NFT.

11. The management method described in claim 3, wherein, when a second creation that is a derivative work of the first creation is created, a request for management of the second creation is obtained, and based on the request, the second creation is registered on the blockchain as a subject to be managed, and once the registration is completed, second management information, which is information for managing the second creation, is issued in association with any information in the first management information.

12. The management method according to claim 4, further comprising obtaining information regarding the use of the first creative work, and transmitting the obtained information to the creator or rights holder of the first creative work.

13. The management method described in claim 12, wherein at least one of the following information regarding the use of the first creative work is transmitted: the number of creative works linked to the creator of the first creative work and registered on the blockchain; the total amount of remuneration obtained based on the secondary use of the creative works registered on the blockchain; and the proportion of remuneration obtained based on the secondary use of multiple creative works registered on the blockchain.

14. The management method according to claim 2, wherein certification information certifying that the first creative work was created by a creator who claims to have created the first creative work is registered in the SBT as the first management information.

15. The management method described in claim 14, wherein whether or not to register the certification information in the SBT is determined based on approval by an organization that manages rights related to creations or the results of detection by a program that detects works similar to the first creative work.

16. The management method according to claim 14, further comprising determining whether or not to register the certification information in the SBT based on verification results regarding similar works of the first creation by a plurality of users associated with the creator.

17. The management method according to claim 16, further comprising determining whether or not to register the certification information in the SBT based on a voting result performed on the verification results by the plurality of users.

18. A management system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a request for management of a first creation; a registration unit that registers the first creation in a blockchain as a management target based on the request; and an issuance unit that, when the registration is performed, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creation, as multiple tokens each having different properties in the blockchain.

19. A management program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires a request for management of a first creation; a registration unit that registers the first creation in a blockchain as a subject to management based on the request; and an issuance unit that, once the registration is made, issues first management information, which is information for managing the first creation, as multiple tokens, each having different properties, in the blockchain.

Images