Content distribution system, content distribution method, content distribution status monitoring apparatus and method, and content using apparatus and method

摘要

In order to appropriately manage or monitor the distribution status of content and to accurately impose a royalty based on use of the content, a content distribution system includes a monitoring apparatus for issuing authentication information indicating a consent to use the content and for monitoring the distribution of the content. The distribution system also includes a distribution apparatus for distributing the content via a predetermined distribution path with the authentication information attached thereto. The authentication information includes time identification information showing the current time and distributor identification information assigned to the distribution apparatus. The monitoring apparatus obtains the content being distributed in the distribution path, and can determine the validity of the distributed content based on whether the authentication information is attached to the content.