July''s novel technology for peer-to-peer viral distribution of content

BANGALORE: July Systems announced the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office has issued the company a patent in the area of rights-managed peer-to-peer distribution of mobile content.

The patent, "Authorized Distribution of Digital Content over Mobile Networks" (US Patent 7139372) recognizes July's novel technology for peer-to-peer viral distribution of content while safeguarding the content and service provider's revenue streams through stringent enforcement of copyrights, licenses, and payments at every stage of viral content distribution. The technology promises to safely enable powerful new distribution mechanisms such as gifting, sharing and referrals for mobile content and applications among users. This latest patent comes on the heels of July's two recent patent wins for mobile digital rights management (DRM) and real-time personalization of mobile services.

"The biggest success stories in consumer digital content and applications have - almost without exception - been powered by peer-to-peer viral distribution and propagation. Consumers want to express their personalities and preferences by sharing their favorite games, pictures, videos and music with their community of friends, family and others," said Linda Barrabee, Program Manager, Yankee Group. "So far, real concerns about copyright protection and revenue leakage have deterred the mobile entertainment industry from tapping the full potential of viral marketing."

July's super-distribution technology will now allow mobile content retailers to make the most of distribution mechanisms to help significantly increase the mobile content consumer base. Users can refer, forward and even gift mobile content to friends and family, with rights management controls in place to remove piracy concerns that hinder the power of viral distribution. This allows content to spontaneously flourish in community environments that can often serve as self-automated promotional vehicles.

"July is excited to bring to the industry yet another innovative technology that has the potential to transform the way mobile content is sold and distributed today," said July Systems Chairman & CEO Ashok Narasimhan. "Our recent record of patent wins in key areas such as mobile DRM, personalization and now super-distribution confirms July Systems' position as a leader and innovator in the mobile content retailing space."

CIOL Bureau