Patent ID: 7685642

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for controlling use of an item, said method comprising: specifying, by a provider of an item, a computer-readable rights expression, wherein said rights expression indicates a manner of use of said item by a recipient of said item and a condition for use of said item by said recipient, said condition indicating that said use of said item by said recipient is subject to an authorization by a stakeholder; associating said rights expression with said item; receiving a request, at a repository computing device, for use of said item from said recipient; granting by said stakeholder said authorization for use of said item by said recipient, in accordance with said condition; and controlling said repository computing device by said stakeholder to thereby control said use of said item by said recipient based on said rights expression and said authorization granted by said stakeholder, wherein said controlling step comprises; employing a master license that at least one of references said rights expression and is referenced by said item, said master license including a latest version of said rights expression; checking said master license for said latest version of said rights expression; and controlling said master license by said stakeholder to control said use of said item by said recipient.