System and method for distributing electronic content utilizing electronic license keys

摘要

A system and method for distributing electronic content from a content creator to an end-user operating an end-user device. The end-user purchases a number of license tokens, which are electronically distributed to the end-user device from a distributor. The license tokens are utilized to access protected software in the end-user device for decrypting encrypted electronic content. The end-user selects a content piece from the distributor's menu, which indicates a content identifier and a predefined number of license tokens required for each content piece. The end-user then downloads the selected content piece in encrypted form and the device utilizes the predefined number of license tokens and the content identifier to generate a license key and access decryption software in the end-user device, which is utilized to decrypt the downloaded content piece. The consumed license tokens and decrypted content are reported to the distributor for proper allocation of revenue to those in the distribution chain.