Managing Rights Management

Amazon and Simons Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Amazon, the first of this week's patents addresses techniques for verifiable cryptographically secured ledgers for human resource systems. Assigned to Jordan Simons, the second patent addresses a  distributed multi-ledger gambling architecture.

Two IBM Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Both of today's Spotlight Applications continue the the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed.

NXM and nChain Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Both of this week's Spotlight Applications concern blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Both applications also concern semiconductors. Assigned to nChain, the first application discloses techniques for implementing logic gate functionality using a blockchain. Assigned to NXM, the second application discloses techniques for a blockchain identification system.

Intel and PWC Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. This today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Intel, the first application discloses techniques for data confidentiality in distributed ledger. Assigned to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the second application discloses techniques for validation of distributed data storage systems.

Merck and Xerox Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Merck (DE) the first patent addresses a reader device for reading a marking comprising a physical unclonable function [see spec and claims for blockchain discussions]. Assigned to Xerox, the second patent addresses techniques for secure revisioning auditing system for electronic document files.

Two Blockchain ASICs Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. This week's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed and both are assigned to Blockchain ASICs LLC. The first patent concerns techniques for a transform-enabled integrated circuit for use in cryptographic proof-of-work systems. The second patent concerns a cryptographic ASIC and method for autonomously storing a unique internal identifier into a one-time programmable memory in isolation by a foundry.

nChain and Intensity Analytics Blockchain and DRM Patent Application

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays. This week's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to nChain Holdings (AG), the first application discloses techniques for implementing logic gate functionality using a blockchain.  Assigned to Intensity Analytics Corporation, the second application discloses techniques for providing attribution to blockchain transactions.

Sony and Strong Force IOT Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Both of today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Sony (JP), the first applications discloses techniques for processing a genuine instance of a digital good using a blockchain.  Assigned to  Strong Force IOT Portfolio 2016, LLC, the second application discloses techniques for the industrial internet of things.

Akiri and Blockchain ASICs Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Both of today's Spotlight Patents continue our theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Akiri, the first patent addresses techniques for trust based access to records via encrypted protocol communications with authentication system. Assigned to Blockchain ASICs, the second patent addresses techniques for a cryptographic ASIC and method for enforcing a derivative key hierarchy for managing an information stream.

Two Oracle Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Both of today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed and both are assigned to Oracle. The first application discloses techniques for providing a representational state transfer proxy service for a blockchain cloud service. The second application discloses techniques for managing a blockchain cloud service.

Kedena and Ericsson Blockchian and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledgers, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Kadena, LLC, the first application discloses techniques for providing for a proof-of-work parallel-chain architecture for a distributed ledger system (e.g., a blockchain) with efficient throughout and security. Assigned to Ericsson (SE), the second application discloses techniques for handling transfer of a data object between network domains.

Two Amazon Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Both of today's patents are assigned to Amazon. The first patent addresses techniques for key distribution in a distributed computing environment. The second patent addresses techniques for key revocation.

Proclus Technologies and Leng and Leng Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Both of today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Proclus Technologies Limited (CN), the first patent addresses techniques for securing a blockchain with proof-of-transactions. Apparently assigned to the inventors, Leng and Leng, the second patent addresses techniques for splitting digital promises recorded in a blockchain.

Oracle and StartEngine Crowdfunding Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays by the USPTO.  Today's Spotlight Applications continue the themes of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Oracle, the first application discloses techniques for digital asset traceability and assurance using a distributed ledger. Assigned to StartEngine Crowdfunding, the second application discloses techniques for peer-to-peer trading with blockchain technology.

Amazon and Bull SAS Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Both of today's Spotlight Patents concern aspects of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Amazon the first patent addresses techniques for signature delegation. Assigned to Bull SAS (FR), the second patent addresses techniques for the creation and management of decentralized authorizations for connected objects.

Two nChain Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Both of today's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of blockhain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. The first application discloses techniques registry and automated management for blockchain-enforced smart contract. The second application discloses techniques for blockchain implemented counting system and method for use in secure voting and distribution.

Liquineq and Forcepoint Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications concern the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Liquineq (CH),  the first application discloses techniques for multi-tiered distributed network transactional database. Assigned to Forcepoint, the second application discloses techniques for managing access to user profile information via a distributed transaction database.

Proclus Technologies and nChain Holdings Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays by the USPTO. This week's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Proclus Technologies (CN),  the first application discloses techniques for securing a blockchain with proof-of-transactions (see also 20190043024 and 20190044734). Assigned to nChain Holdings (AG), the second application discloses tokenisation techniques for implementing exchanges on a blockchain.

Blockchain ASICs and Accenture Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Blockchain ASICs, LLC, the first patent addresses a cryptographic ASIC with autonomous onboard permanent storage. Assigned to Accenture, the second patent addresses techniques for an entitlement management system.

Labyrinth Research and Comcast Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Labyrinth Research, the first application discloses techniques for unified control of privacy-impacting devices. Assigned to Comcast, the second application discloses techniques for managing digital rights.

Merck and Costanz Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are published by the USPTO on Tuesdays. Today's Spotlight Patents concern aspects of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Merck (DE), the first patent addresses techniques for automatic object recognition and authentication. Assigned to Costanz, the second patent addresses techniques for interaction object reconciliation in a blockchain environment.

Comcast and IBM Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays by the USPTO. Today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Comcast, the first application discloses techniques for managing device associations. Assigned to IBM, the second application discloses techniques for authorizing account access via blinded identifiers.

Kountable and BurstIQ Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications continue our theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Kountable, the first application discloses techniques that utilize blockchain digital certificates for data transactions. Assigned to BurstIQ Analytics Corporation, the second application discloses techniques for secure adaptive data storage platforms.

Forcepoint and Accenture Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesdays. This week's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Forcepoint, the first patent addresses techniques for generating a cyber behavior profile. Assigned to Accenture, the second patent addresses techniques for an entitlement management system.

Thomson and Tautenhan Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. This week's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Thomson (FR), the first application discloses techniques for transfer of content in a peer-to-peer network. Assigned to Tautenhan, the second application discloses techniques for peer-to-peer electronic exchange of intellectual property.

Axoni and GM Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Axoni, the first of today's applications discloses techniques for distributed privately subspaced blockchain data structures with secure access restriction management. Assigned to General Motors, the second application discloses techniques for using a blockchain database for data exchange between vehicles and entities.

Symbiont.IO and Northern Trust Blockchain and DRM Patents

The USPTO issues new patents on Tuesdays. Both of today's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to Symbiont.IO, the first patent addresses techniques for implementing a programming model for smart contracts within a decentralized computer network. Assigned to Northern Trust, the second patent addresses techniques for implementing smart contract modules on a decentralized network.

NXM Labs and CenturyLink Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays. Today's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to NXM Labs, the first application discloses techniques for utilizing connected devices to enable secure and anonymous electronic interaction in a decentralized manner. Assigned to CenturyLink, the second application discloses techniques for implementing scaling and distribution of blockchains without ledger limitations.

BofA and Amazon Blockchain and DRM Patents

New patents are issued by the USPTO on Tuesday's. This week's Spotlight Patents continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to BofA, the first patent addresses techniques for for establishing secure access for users in a process data network. Assigned to Amazon, the second patent addresses techniques for signature delegation.

IBM and ARM Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays.  This week's Spotlight Applications continue the theme of blockchain (distributed ledger, smart contracts) and digital rights management broadly construed. Assigned to IBM, the first application discloses techniques for policy enforcement via peer devices using a blockchain. Assigned to ARM, the second application discloses techniques using a blockchain for securing and/or managing IOT network-type infrastructure.

Cable Labs and Clause DRM and Blockchain Patent Applications

New pending patent applications are published by the USPTO on Thursdays Today we continue our Spotlight Application focus on digital rights management broadly construed and blockchain (distributed ledger) technologies. Assigned to Cable Labs (see also these), the first of today's applications discloses techniques for blockchain virtualization and scalability. Assigned to Clause, the second application discloses techniques for forming, storing, managing, and executing contracts.

The Real McCoy and Comcast DRM and Blockchain Patent Applications

We continue the theme of patent applications combining blockchain (distributed ledger) and digital rights management broadly understood. Assigned to The Real McCoy, the first of today's Spotlight Applications address techniques for establishing, securing and transferring computer readable information using peer-to-peer public and private key cryptography. Assigned to Comcast, the second of today's applications addresses techniques for distributed data access control.

IP Squared and Adobe DRM Patent Applications

Thursdays the PTO publishes new pending patent applications. Both of the Spotlight Applications presented address aspects of digital rights management. Assigned to IP Squared Technologies, the first application discloses techniques for managing data assets associated with peer-to-peer networks. Assigned to Adobe, the second application discloses a digital rights management retrieval system.

Microsoft and Huawei DRM Patent Applications

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Notwithstanding the holiday, the PTO publishes new pending patent applications on Thursdays. Both of today's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of digital rights management. Assigned to Microsoft, the first application discloses techniques for managing distributed operating system physical resources. Assigned to Huawei (CN), the second application discloses techniques for configuring access rights, control point, device and communication system

NEC and Vringo DRM Patent Applications

Thursdays the Patent Office publishes new pending patent applications. Both of today's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of digital rights management. Assigned to NEC (JP), the first of today's applications discloses an access management system for mobile and enterprise systems. Assigned to Vringo Infrastructure, the second application discloses techniques for Copyrights with post-payments for P2P file sharing.

Intertrust and Microsoft DRM Patents

On Tuesdays the USPTO issues new patents. Both of today's Spotlight Patents addresses aspects of digital rights management. Assigned to Intertrust (Hi Talal), the first patent concerns techniques for retrofitting electronic appliances to accept different content formats. Assigned to Microosoft, the second patent concerns peer-to-peer networks with protections.

Verizon and Cyberlink DRM Patent Applications

On Thursdays the USPTO publishes new pending patent applications. Both of today's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of Digital Rights Management. Assigned to Verizon, the first application discloses techniques for peer-to-peer content distribution with digital rights management. Assigned to Cyberlink (TW), the second application discloses techniques for the secure execution of code using a hardware protection module.

Protected Data Path and BitTorrent (P2P) Related DRM Patent Applications

On Thursdays the USPTO publishes new patent applications. Both of today's Spotlight Applications concern aspects of DRM. The first application discloses techniques for validating protected intra-system interconnects for DRM, no assignee given. The second application discloses techniques for digital rights protection in BitTorrent-like P2P systems, assigned to George Mason University.

Vanishing Act

The NYTimes article on reports on the work of University of Washington computer scientists on "self-destructing messages."

Vanish uses a key-based encryption system in a different way, making it possible for a decrypted message to be automatically re-encrypted at a specified point in the future without fear that a third party will be able to gain access to the key needed to read the message.

The pieces of the key, small numbers, tend to “erode” over time as they gradually fall out of use. To make keys erode, or timeout, Vanish takes advantage of the structure of a peer-to-peer file system. Such networks are based on millions of personal computers whose Internet addresses change as they come and go from the network. This would make it exceedingly difficult for an eavesdropper or spy to reassemble the pieces of the key because the key is never held in a single location. The Vanish technology is applicable to more than just e-mail or other electronic messages. Tadayoshi Kohno, a University of Washington assistant professor who is one of Vanish’s designers, said Vanish makes it possible to control the “lifetime” of any type of data stored in the cloud, including information on Facebook, Google documents or blogs. In addition to Mr. Kohno, the authors of the paper, "Vanish: Increasing Data Privacy with Self-Destructing Data," include Roxana Geambasu, Amit A. Levy and Henry M. Levy.

In a posting on Dave Farber's Interesting Persons list, Ed Garek observes:

Congratulations on the NYT article. However, the significant point of using a trust model that does not depend on the integrity of third parties is not new, while relying on a peer-to-peer network for "key hiding" is by itself an unsolved problem today (both technically and commercially). The free "Zmail Basic" listed in "Ten Free Services To Send Self-Destructing Emails Which Expire/Disappear Automatically After Specified Time Interval" ... also uses a trust model that does not depend on the integrity of third parties but the novelty there is that keys are not stored anywhere (each dialogue party holds a part of it), and uses a system of "minority control" to allow independent destruction of the capability to reassemble the entire key.

Fingerprinting and Watermarking Patent Applications

On Thursdays the USPTO publishes new pending patent applications. Today's Spotlight Applications concern various aspects of digital fingerprinting and watermarking. Assigned to Barracuda, the first application discloses techniques for Peer-to-Peer traffic control using fingerprinting. Assigned to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the second application discloses techniques for reversible image watermarking based on integer to integer wavelet transforms.

Hearing In RIAA Copyright Case Postponed - RIAA Appeals

The hearing previously scheduled for today in the RIAA instigated law suit against Joel Tennebaum (Sony BMG Music Entertainment v. Tenenbaum) has been postponed to allow the RIAA to appeal Judge Nancy Gertner's decision to allow the hearing to be webcast.

Subscriber's Email Address Remains In DRM-Free Tracks From iTunes

Writing on CNet.UK, Nate Lanxon says that all though DRM has been removed from iTunes tracks, consumers should be aware that these files do still have the email address of the iTunes subscriber.

Although iTunes Plus files feature no copy protection, files downloaded still contain the email address you have registered with iTunes. So although files can physically be shared with, and played by, friends and family, any of your purchases that end up on file-sharing networks, for example, can be traced back to you.

If you're interested in an easy way to check your own files, find an iTunes Plus file on your computer. Then choose to open it with a text editor (Windows Notepad works fine). It'll take a while to open and will appear to be full of nonsense text, but if you choose the 'Find' option and type in the email address you have registered with the iTunes Store, you'll find that your DRM-free music is not personal information-free.

Apple Drops DRM, Adopts Variable Pricing

Apple has dropped the use of its FairPlay DRM that restricted the number of copies that could be made of music tracks while adopted variable pricing and giving pricing control back to the labels. This Variety article has a good summary of the situation.

Since the labels are throwing in the towel on DRM for music, it's not so surprising that the RIAA appears to be shifting its focus as well. After all, FairPlay DRM was pretty effective in protecting music obtained from iTunes. It now makes even less sense for the labels to pursue individual file sharers and colleges and universities since eliminating FairPlay DRM can be interpreted as encouraging file sharing, or at least not discouraging it.

WSJ: RIAA Drops MediaSentry, Picks Up DtecNet

The Wall Street Journal reports that the RIAA has dropped MediaSentry (Safenet), an application that finds and documents copyrighted music on consumer and student PCs. The information is then used as evidence in the RIAA-instigated lawsuits against individuals. Instead, the RIAA will use software or servies from Danish software provider DtecNet.

The RIAA announced last month that it planned to curtail its practice of filing mass lawsuits for copyright infringement. However, it still plans to closely monitor people it believes are illegally uploading copyrighted music, and continue with the legal action it already has in progress. It says it will still file lawsuits for exceptional cases.

In place of MediaSentry, the RIAA says it will use Copenhagen-based DtecNet Software ApS. The music industry had worked with DtecNet previously both in the U.S. and overseas, and liked its technology, said RIAA spokesman Jonathan Lamy.

Obviously, this apparent change in strategy and technology doesn't do anything to fix the record industry's broken business model.

RIAA Stops Suing Consumers - Not!

The NYTimes and other outlets reported that the RIAA is ending its lawsuits individual music downloaders. Not so, says Slashdot:

According to a report on Wired.com, the RIAA spokesman claims that the RIAA has not filed any new lawsuits "for months"; according to the Wall Street Journal report the RIAA stopped filing mass lawsuits "early this fall"; and the Associated Press was apparently told that the RIAA had stopped bringing new lawsuits in August.

Being very familiar with the RIAA's penchant for "misspeaking", even when under oath, I investigated the matter a bit, and learned that a large number of suits have been brought by the RIAA quite recently, one as recently as this Monday.

Turning ISPs into the content police won't work either. To repeat: the business model is broken. Unless and until the music industry figures out other ways to monetize, all of these efforts must fail.

To borrow from Pete Seeger, when will they ever learn.

CNET: The RIAA's Letter to ISPs

cnet.com has obtained a copy of letters sent by the RIAA to ISPs regarding P2P downloading of music files.

Please bear in mind that this letter serves as an official notice to you that this network user may be liable for the illegal activity occurring on your network. This letter does not constitute a waiver of our members' rights to recover or claim relief for damages incurred by this illegal activity, nor does it waive the right to bring legal action against the user at issue for engaging in music theft. We assert that the information in this notice is accurate, based upon the data available to us. Under penalty of perjury, we submit that the RIAA is authorized to act on behalf of its member companies in matters involving the infringement of their sound recordings, including enforcing their copyrights and common law rights on the Internet.

It's unfortunate that the major labels do not recognize that their fundamental business model is substantially broken and that these rear guard actions will not put humpty dumpty back together again. The money spent would be far better used to work toward thinking through the challenging problems that come with business model change and then implementing a new course.

Textbooks Shared On BitTorrent

[tip o' the hat to Farber's IP list]. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the Association of American Publishers (AAP) is increasingly concerned about the use P2P BitTorrent to share textbooks.

One Web site, called Textbook Torrents, promises more than 5,000 textbooks for download in PDF format, complete with the original textbook layout and full-color illustrations. Users must simply set up a free account and download a free software program that uses a popular peer-to-peer system called BitTorrent. Other textbook-download sites are even easier to use, offering digital books at the click of a mouse.

How The RIAA Battles Piracy: Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing

Reuter's Susan Butler wrote an in-depth account of the RIAA.'s efforts to curb piracy that is well worth reading. Whether their efforts will have any long lasting effect is debatable. By all accounts, the music industry is doing well. It's the record / CD business that's broken. The business model hasn't worked since Armageddon arrived: broadband, high quality compression, and inexpensive storage.

Despite the RIAA's efforts, data suggest that demand for pirated content remains strong. A recent NPD Group report estimates that 19% of U.S. Internet subscribers 13 and older download free music from P2P services, barely less than the 20% reported when the RIAA began its user litigation campaign in 2003.

As noted in these pages, similar efforts by the MPAA are inaccurate. Researchers recently got them to accuse three laser printers of piracy. Perhaps toasters and coke machines are next.

Colligo and InterTrust Fingerprinting and Watermarking Patent Applications

On Thursdays, the USPTO publishes new patent applications. Today's Spotlight applications address the use of watermarking and fingerprinting. Assigned to Colligo Networks, the first application discloses techniques for codeword-enhanced P2P authentication. The second application is another divisional (same specification, different claims) of the InterTrust trusted and secure item delivery (including e-mail) application (one of mine).

M.P.A.A. Accuses Laser Printers of File Sharing Copyright Violations - Really

Brad Stone's NYTimes blog entry describes research conducted by Tadayoshi Kohno, an assistant professor, Michael Piatek a graduate student, and Arvind Krishnamurthy, a research assistant professor, all at the University of Washington. The research was directed toward understanding  how the M.P.A.A. identifies those who received nastygrams from the trade association. Stone blogicle says: