Network-based content distribution system

Abstract

A method and system for transferring electronic media information over a public network in such a way as to provide safeguards for inappropriate distribution of copyright or otherwise protected materials are described. The media information is transparently watermarked with a unique ID, such as one generated from X.509 Digital Certificate and public-key cryptography public/private key pairs, such that the information can be identified as belonging to a particular individual. A system and method for monitoring the movement of such watermarked files, positively identifying people who have inappropriately distributed copyright materials over a public network without permission, and taking appropriate enforcement action against such people.

1 . A system for network-based content distribution comprising:
 an interface module configured to interface with a network;   a transaction module coupled to said interface module and configured to initialize a transaction with a user, authenticate the identity of a user and obtain a digital certificate related to said user, search for content desired by said user, implement a payment transaction, obtain a watermark related to said user, and transfer content selected to said user and insert said watermark into said content;   a transaction database configured to store information related to transactions carried out by said transaction module;   an archive database configured to store content selected by users; and   a certification authority configured to authenticate users.   
   
   
       2 . A method for distributing content over a network, the method comprising:
 initializing a transaction with a user;   authenticating the digital certificate of a user;   allowing a user to search for and select content to be downloaded;   generating a watermark relating to the content to be downloaded, the source of the content and the identity of the user; and   inserting said watermark into said content.   
   
   
       3 . A method for verifying, searching for and identifying content accessible over a network, the method comprising:
 identifying files accessible over the network;   for each such file, searching for content including a watermark related to the source of the content and the identification of the authorized user of the content; and   determining whether the present location of said content with said watermark is in an authorized location.