System and method for secure electronic digital rights management, secure transaction management and content distribution

摘要

A system (5) and a method for secure electronic rights and transaction management and content distribution. The system (5) ensures that content can be used by the user only if an appropriate license has been obtained. Content owners prepare content for release in the system (5) and make it available in electronic or physical form. Prior to purchase of the license, the user sends an offer request to the system (5). The system (5) replies by providing all possible offers or selected offers based on predefined criteria through which the license can be purchased. Each offer represents a path from the content owner to the terminal. By selecting one path, the user initiates the license request process. Upon execution of the transaction, the license is securely stored within the user's personal license management device. The user's personal usage device communicates with the user's license management device so that only licensed content can be used.