Managing Rights Management

IBM and SAP Blockchain and DRM Patent Applications

New patent applications are published 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 IBM, the first application discloses techniques for privacy-preserving transaction validation mechanisms for smart contracts that are included in a ledger. Assigned to SAP, the second application discloses techniques for a database management system with dynamic allocation of database requests [the blockchain references are in the specification].

Intertrust and Microsoft DRM Patents

On Tuedays the USPTO issues new patents. Both of today's Spotlight Patents concern aspects of digital rights management. Assigned to Intertrust, the first patent addresses aspects of a trusted clearinghouse infrastructure for secure electronic commerce. Assigned to Microsoft, the second patent addresses a digital rights management system protecting consumer privacy.