Patent ID: 7614087
Filing Date: 2009-11-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A content usage control apparatus comprising: acquisition means for acquiring first user identification information identifying a first user requesting use of content; registration means for registering the first user identification information in a database, and for subsequently registering a second user requesting use of the content by replacing the first user identification information in the database with second user identification information identifying the second user; change limitation means for preventing the registration means from further replacing the second user identification information in the database in accordance with a limitation on replacing user identification information, wherein the limitation is a maximum number of times user identification information can be replaced; limitation modifying means for modifying the limitation on replacing user identification information to increase the maximum number of times user identification information can be replaced; and usage control means for, in response to the request for use of the content issued by the second user, determining whether the use of the content is allowed on the basis of whether the second user identification information is currently registered in the database.