Content Regulation
A method and apparatus for regulating content is provided. In one embodiment, the invention is a method. The method includes interfacing with a content outlet. The method further includes comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The method also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The method may further include monetizing the method. Additionally, the method may include distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.
1 .- 91 . (canceled)
92 . A method, comprising:
interfacing with a content outlet;
comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database; and
providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing.
93 . The method of claim 92 , further comprising: distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.
94 . The method of claim 92 , further comprising: interfacing with a first media controller.
95 . The method of claim 94 , further comprising: receiving identification data related to content from the first media controller.
96 . The method of claim 95 , further comprising: receiving identification data related to content from a second media controller.
97 . The method of claim 96 , further comprising: resolving conflicting data from the first media controller and the second media controller.
98 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: comparing involves comparing digital fingerprints of the content to be downloaded and content of the media database.
99 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: comparing involves comparing identification attributes of the content to be downloaded and content of the media database.
100 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: interfacing with the content outlet involves using a plug-in incorporated by the content outlet; and receiving requests from the plug-in.
101 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: interfacing with the content outlet involves receiving requests directly from the content outlet.
102 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: the content is an audio work represented in digital form.
103 . The method of claim 92 , wherein: the content is a video work represented in digital form.