Patent ID: 6327600
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A document management method comprising the steps of:storing a document that is produced be a document production means in a document storage means;setting copyright management information with respect to a constituent element of the document stored in the document storage means, so that the copyright management information is stored in a copyright management information storage means in connection with information representing the constituent element to which the copyright management information is set;determining a use-allowed part within a prescribed portion of another document that is stored in the document storage means and whose use is requested while the document production means produces the document, wherein the use-allowed part is determined based on the copyright management information of the constituent element that overlaps with the prescribed portion;incorporating the use-allowed part of said another document into the document;performing an application process to file an application for approval of use with respect to a constituent element of said another document that requires the application for the use and that overlaps with the prescribed portion that the document production means requests to use; andincorporating the constituent element into the document if said approval is granted.