Patent ID: 7299499

Claim:
A data transfer apparatus comprising: transfer means for transferring content data encrypted in a predetermined manner from a first recording means which can store encrypted content data to a first external apparatus and a second external apparatus; discrimination means for making discrimination between said first external apparatus which can record only encrypted content data to a second recording means accommodated in said first external apparatus connected to said data transfer apparatus and said second external apparatus which can record only decrypted content data to a third recording means accommodated in said second external apparatus connected to said data transfer apparatus; and if said first external apparatus is discriminated by said discrimination means, control means for decrementing a transfer count of the encrypted content data when transferring said encrypted content data from said first recording means to said first external apparatus, incrementing said transfer count when said encrypted content data are returned from said first external apparatus, and disabling the transfer of said content data from said first recording means to said first external apparatus if said transfer count has exceeded a predetermined limit value and, if said second external apparatus is determined by said discrimination means, said control means disabling the return of the encrypted content data from said second external apparatus.