Content Regulation

Abstract

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.