Discounted Referral Model for Electronic Content Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sales models for electronic content on mobile devices are inadequate in addressing digital piracy and declining sales, as they lack effective mechanisms for authorized distribution and referral of protected content among multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A viral marketing-based, discounted referral and recommendation model that allows users to share electronic content through mobile devices, enabling peer-to-peer distribution with options for discounted purchases, gifting, and requesting content, while maintaining DRM protections where necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sales models are used for electronic content delivery, then content protection can be maintained through DRM, but sales are declining due to digital piracy and lack of authorized distribution mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of digital piracy into a beneficial referral mechanism. Instead of solely fighting piracy through restrictive DRM, the system allows controlled sharing where referrers receive commissions and referees get discounted content, transforming unauthorized sharing attempts into authorized referral sales that protect content while boosting revenue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content distribution model into distinct roles: referrers who share content and receive commissions, referees who receive discounted content, and the content provider. This segmentation creates multiple revenue streams and authorized distribution channels that combat piracy while maintaining content protection
2Productivity
If discounted referral models are implemented to increase sales volume, then revenue can be enhanced, but system complexity increases due to referral tracking and commission management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the referral system automatically tracks referrals, calculates commissions, and processes discounted purchases without manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of referral tracking and commission management, reducing the burden on users while enabling enhanced sales volume through discounted pricing
3Adaptability or versatility
If peer-to-peer content sharing is enabled to counteract piracy, then authorized distribution increases, but content protection mechanisms may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary referral system that mediates between content providers and users. Instead of direct peer-to-peer sharing that could compromise protection, the referral system acts as a controlled intermediary that facilitates authorized distribution while maintaining DRM protections and tracking all content transfers through the referral mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods and systems for sharing and distributing electronic content using a mobile device are presented. In more specific terms, a viral marketing-based, discounted referral and recommendation model by which users may forward electronic content to other users in disclosed. In one aspect, a method of distributing electronic media content over a network includes displaying a discounted offer on a first device that has been transmitted from another device for which the electronic media content has been purchased. A notification is then received, and upon receiving an acceptance from the first device, the electronic media content is transmitted to the device.