ContentGuard Awarded New Patent for `Digital Tickets`
Invention Improves Distribution of Images, Audio, Video, Other E- Content
BETHESDA, Md.--July 27, 2001-- ContentGuard, Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive, flexible digital rights management technologies and solutions, has obtained a patent on ``digital tickets`` - a better way to track access to and distribute electronic content such as eBooks, images, music and video.
ContentGuard`s digital ticket concept further establishes the company as a pioneer in digital rights management innovations.
A digital ticket is a code, embedded in a computer or in a plastic card similar to a credit card, that validates whether someone has certain rights to access specific digital content. For example, a person could use a digital ticket stored on a PC or other device to display an image, print a book or play music. When the ticket is presented, it is electronically ``punched`` to indicate that a right was used.
``Digital ticketing is a dramatic step forward in helping make more content available to consumers when, where and how they want it, while protecting the rights of content owners,`` said Michael Miron, co-chairman and chief executive officer, ContentGuard.
Digital ticketing also permits the ticket information, including its ``punches,`` to always be associated or transported with the content whether the content is e-mailed, downloaded or copied. This allows the content owner to be paid even if copies are made. The invention covers use of digital tickets online and offline, such as a card that is inserted into a device.
The patent is U.S. patent 6,236,971 with a priority date of Nov. 23, 1994, which makes it an early patent in DRM and digital ticketing. It joins ContentGuard`s existing patent portfolio, which includes foundation patents in DRM based on research originally developed at Xerox Corporation`s Palo Alto Research Center.
ContentGuard intends to make the patent available for licensing by interested parties.
ContentGuard is owned by its employees, Xerox Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation.
About ContentGuard
ContentGuard, Inc., launched in April 2000, is the catalyst for the revolution in eContent(TM). The company offers digital rights management (DRM) solutions designed to encourage Internet distribution of digital content such as music, eBooks and business reports.
ContentGuard`s cross-platform technology and suite of services allow content owners to manage the digital distribution process by tracking usage, preventing unauthorized access, and enabling a range of business models for user access. ContentGuard has operations in Bethesda, Md., and El Segundo, Calif.
Customer Contact: For more information, please visit www.contentguard.com.
NOTE: The patented invention is described in simple language. The description is not meant to cover all aspects and interpretations of the inventions and disclosures in the patent document. The description is not intended for any legal interpretations, scope analysis, or evaluation of its claims or specifications.
ContentGuard is a registered trademark and the phrase ``the catalyst for the revolution in eContent`` is a trademark of ContentGuard Holdings, Inc. All other company and product trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact:
ContentGuard, Inc.
Media Contact:
Charles P. Gilliam
203-905-4503
charles.gilliam@contentguard.com.
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