Method and system for distributing digital media content

US9646292B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Follett Corporation · US

Inventors

• Doug Thompson · Pleasant Grove, US
• Donald R. Peterson · Westmont, US
• Steve Holstad · La Grange Park, US
• Terry Mainiero · Arlington Heights, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2012
• Grant date: May 9, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q20/1235
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for distributing digital content to customers at a plurality of points of transaction that allows each content provider to use its own method of digital rights management. A master digital catalog is used to load product data from a plurality of different content providers. The catalog contents are provided to retailers and other points of transaction. A digital activation broker processes customer orders from the points of transaction and provides information that allows the customer access to the content. The content may be provided by the digital activation broker or through a third-party website. In some embodiments, a payment processor is used to process payments submitted by the customers. The digital activation broker may also void transactions and look up lost authorization codes.