OpenDRM: A Standards Framework for Digital Rights Expression, Messaging and Enforcement

For current version (20 Sep 02), see:
http://www.ait.utk.edu/drmworkshop/resources.htm

"OpenDRM: A Standards Framework for Digital Rights Expression, Messaging and
Enforcement"

The lack of open, accessible, interperable standards for digital rights
management has often been cited by stakeholders as a leading cause for the slow
adoption of DRM technologies. The fact that layered standards can contribute to
interoperability should be obvious; that DRM standards developed in an open
environment can contribute to the PUBLIC INTEREST is a more subtle, but equally
important point.

The attached document is a collection of thoughts that I have been developing
and maintaining for several years on the notion of a multi-layered, open DRM
standards architecture, which I think of as "OpenDRM." Some aspects of this
argument have been articulated in earlier works such as [PREP] and [FairUse].
These comments are not meant to reflect any specific project by my employer or
of any standards group, but simply my current, personal view of the world.

[PREP] John S. Erickson et.al, "Principles for Standardization and
Interoperability in Web-based Digital Rights Management: A Position Paper for
the W3C Workshop on Digital Rights Management" (January 2001).
See http://www.w3.org/2000/12/drm-ws/pp/hp-erickson.html

[FairUse] Mulligan, D., Burstein, A., and Erickson, J. "Supporting Limits on
Copyright Exclusivity in a Rights Expression Language Standard. A requirements
submission to the OASIS Rights Language Technical Committee." On behalf of The
Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic, and The Electronic Privacy
Information Center (August 13, 2002).
See http://xml.coverpages.org/OASIS-SLTPPC-EPIC-8-13-02.pdf

| John S. Erickson, Ph.D.
| Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
| PO Box 1158, Norwich, Vermont USA 05055
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| [email protected]         AIM/YIM/MSN: olyerickson