It is clear that copyright management must begin on the creative desktop at the point of creation of new content. When creators register new works as authorized users of distributed registration servers, the complete information about the work, minimum permissions, and linkages to communications services become associated with the work and part of its registry entry. All information associated with a work becomes accessible through the content itself and through virtual clearinghouse access points. Enhanced attribution first becomes apparent when a possible infringement occurs. Through the same interface the user instantly has the opportunity to review ownership details, examine minimum permissions for user, and obtain a more extensive set of terms.
Enhanced attribution does more than facilitate electronic licensing, however.
The interface enables the user to immediately communicate with the owner or creative talent using their current, preferred means of communication. This interface may be used to negotiate new licensing terms or to establish collaborative development arrangements. Finally, the worldwide network of registration servers is accessible, allowing searches for content and providers based on type of work, media, subject matter, and other parameters. During the next two years we will witness the deployment of a number of rights management systems offering competing technologies and underlying management models. The providers of these tools and technologies are the new kids on the multimedia development block, marketing to an industry that demands interoperability and has established a variety of standards to this end.