US Patent:
20050289011, Dec 29, 2005
Inventors:
Manushantha Sporny - Blacksburg VA, US
Assignee:
DIGITAL BAZAR, INC. - Blacksburg VA
International Classification:
G06Q030/00
Abstract:
A Secure File Distribution Network (SFDN) method and computer system allows copyrighted digital works to be sold securely by independent sales parties and ensures that all creators and distributors of the work are paid all royalties and fees owed to them, regardless of who is selling the work. A verification authority tracks all buyers, sellers and digital works being traded on the file sales network, matches buyers with sellers, and provides a digital works search service for users of the system. Once a digital work is located in a desired media format, and at an attractive price, a buyer and seller can negotiate a secure transaction. Once the transaction is completed using the SFDN, the verification authority distributes payments to the seller and all creators involved in a particular work. Thus the SFDN provides content creators security in earning a living while not impinging on consumer's fair use rights.