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

摘要

A method and apparatus for establishing a secure communications channel between a first repository and a second repository using a repository transaction protocol. A registration identifier and registration message including an identification certificate, and an identifier of a master repository that encrypted the identification certificate are generated by the first repository. The registration identifier and message are sent to the second repository and the identity of the first repository by is verified by verifying the identification certificate. Messages containing at least one session key are exchanged between the first and second repositories and a usage transactions related to a digital work are conducted between the first repository and the second repository using the session keys.