New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. This week's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchains (distributed ledgers, smart contracts) and rights management broadly construed. Assigned to DISH, the first application discloses a content anti-piracy management system and method. Assigned to Prescient Innovations (CA), the second application discloses techniques for providing reliable and authoritative attribution of digital media works at the time of submission to a media distribution service using distributed ledger and machine learning technology.
20200012765, "Content anti-piracy management system and method," assigned to DISH Network LLC.
Abstract
A software and/or hardware facility that can be used by content owners to assert ownership of content so that copyright friendly websites and services can take action against copyright piracy effectively, efficiently and is scalable is disclosed. The facility makes available to all content owners watermarking/fingerprinting technology so an identifier (e.g., a unique code) can be embedded in the content (e.g., video/audio portion of each video content asset). The facility utilizes blockchain technology to add information related to each unique identifier in a database and allows an authorized user (e.g., the owner) to update the information through a blockchain transaction.
20200012676, "Media attribution systems and methods," assigned to Prescient Innovations Inc. (CA)
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing reliable and authoritative attribution of digital media works at the time of submission to a media distribution service using distributed ledger and machine learning technology. In particular, the described systems and methods facilitate establishing a link between the creator or owner, and their work, in an authoritative and reliable manner.