System for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets

摘要

A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works (101) using digital tickets. In the present invention, a "digital ticket" is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right (102) with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce digital works usage rights (105) when usage of a digital work is requested by a requesting repository (103,104). Each repository has a "generic ticket agent" which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a "special ticket agent" residing on another repository may be needed.