Intel and Elixsys Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

We continue the theme of blockchain (block chain, distributed ledger) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Intel, the first Spotlight Application discloses techniques for blockchain-based shadow images to facilitate copyright protection of digital content. Assigned to Elixsys, the second application discloses techniques for using smart contracts to control the trade, supply, manufacture, and distribution of commodities.

20180068091, "Blockchain-based shadow images to facilitate copyright protection of digital content," assigned to Intel.
Abstract

A client platform supports digital rights management. The client platform comprises a digital rights management (DRM) engine which, when executed, enables the client platform to monitor download operations performed by the client platform and to obtain a shadow image for a digital content item from a DRM blockchain, in response to an operation to download the digital content item from a remote source. The shadow image comprises a hash of the digital content item and copyright policy settings to indicate security constraints for the digital content item. The client platform may automatically determine whether the copyright policy settings for the digital content item allow modification of the digital content item. A user may be allowed to create a modified version of the digital content item only if the copyright policy settings allow modification of the digital content item. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

20180068359, "Systems and methods for using smart contracts to control the trade, supply, manufacture, and distribution of commodities," assigned to Elixsys Group LLC.

Abstract

The present principles are directed to systems and methods for providing a trading system cooperatively integrated with manufacturing control and distribution systems, and, more specifically, to provide a trading, clearance, settlement, and depository for securities, commodities, and their derivatives (collectively "securities") that utilize asset-backed, virtualized data tokens and blockchain technology to facilitate price discovery and automated transactions at all stages of the asset development, manufacturing, and distribution of commodities.