Napster, Inc.

Stragent, LLC

Myspace Music LLC

Jordan Mendelson

Shawn D Fanning

Ali Aydar

Edward Kessler

In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a song claim, and comparing the song claim to records of a database of songs. To this end, results of the comparing may be indicated. In various embodiments, such songs may include musical works, compositions, etc. Of course, songs in the form of a recording are also contemplated.

Method of processing song claims involving songs including, but not limited to musical works, compositions, etc

Methods and apparatus for batch loading and self-registration of digital media files is provided. The system provides numerous methods of interfacing with a content outlet. The methods further include comparing attributes of content to be downloaded with attributes of content in a media database. The methods also includes providing restrictions based on a result of the comparing. The methods further include monetizing the methods between both retailers and right-holders using the system. Additionally, the method may include providing retail analysis, resolving disputes, and distributing royalty payments to rights-holders of content.

Batch loading and self-registration of digital media files

Communication is established between a first client and a central index server in a fluid, de-centralized network. The central index server searches the memory of the first client for usable data files which lack authentication certificates issued by the central index server. A data-file identifier is generated for a first data file among the select files lacking authentication certificates within the first client. The data-file identifier is compared to a reliable identifier in a main data base of the central index server. The reliable identifier is indexed within the main data base against a first unique reference ID. If the data-file identifier matches the reliable identifier, a valid authentication certificate is issued to the first data file in the first client. An IP address of the first client is then referenced against the first unique reference ID within the main data base of the central index server. When file request is received from a second client for a file represented by the first unique reference ID, a connection is facilitated between the first client and the second client so that the authenticated first multimedia data file can be transferred from the first client to the second client. If the data-file identifier does not match the reliable identifier within the data base, no authentication certificate is issued, and the first data-file identifier is systematically compared against a remaining plurality of identifiers within the main data base of the central index server to determine its true identity.

Method and apparatus for controlling file sharing of multimedia files over a fluid, de-centralized network

A peer-to-peer connection is established by a receiving computer with a sending computer on which a desired file is located. The sending computer encrypts the file using a track key specifically generated for this particular file transfer. Once encrypted, the encrypted file is preferably obfuscated. An application server sends a public key specific to the receiving computer to the sending computer. The sending computer encrypts the track key using the public key associated with the receiving computer, and the sending computer sends the encrypted track key and the encrypted file to the receiving computer. The receiving computer stores the received encrypted track key and the received encrypted file as a secured file on the receiving computer. When a file is transferred, associated business rules are also transferred to the receiving computer. Business rules act to restrict the extent to which a file is read, copied, or distributed.

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Jordan Mendelson