Method and apparatus for dynamically assigning usage rights to digital works

Abstract

A method, system and computer program product for dynamically assigning usage rights to digital content for use in a system having at least one repository, including specifying a usage right, the usage right specifying an authorized use of digital content and being enforceable by a repository; determining a status of a dynamic condition; and dynamically assigning the usage right to the digital content based on the status of the dynamic condition.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of dynamically assigning usage rights to digital content for use in a system having at least one repository, the method comprising:
 specifying, using a processor, a usage right, the usage right comprising computer readable data stored on a recording medium, the data of the usage right specifying an authorized use of digital content and being enforceable by a repository;   determining, using a processor, a status of a dynamic condition; and   dynamically assigning, using a processor, the usage right to the digital content based on the status of the dynamic condition,   wherein access to the digital content is controlled by the repository through enforcement of the usage right assigned to the digital work.   
     
     
         2 . A system for dynamically assigning usage rights to digital content and including at least one repository, the system comprising:
 a processor programmed to specify a usage right, the usage right specifying an authorized use of digital content and being enforceable by a repository;   a processor programmed to determine a status of a dynamic condition; and   a processor programmed to dynamically assign the usage right to the digital content based on the status of the dynamic condition,   wherein access to the digital content is controlled by the repository through enforcement of the usage right assigned to the digital work.   
     
     
         3 . A device for enforcing usage rights assigned to digital content, the device comprising:
 a repository for receiving the digital content;   a processor programmed to request use of the digital content; and   a repository for enforcing use of the digital content in accordance with a usage right specifying an authorized use of the digital content, wherein the usage right is dynamically assigned to the digital content based on a determined status of a dynamic condition.