New Watermark Helps Detect Copyright Infringement Online

BEAVERTON, Ore. — The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent to Digimarc Corporation for a software application that uses watermarks to scour the Internet for unauthorized content and report violations to the rights holder.

According to Digimarc CEO Bruce Davis, the patent covers an as yet unnamed application that the company is working on to solve copyright issues posed by user-generated content and social networking sites such as YouTube and MySpace.

The ideas protected by the Digimarc patent would allow content producers to embed contact information in their material in the same way photographers use watermarks, Davis said.

“Digital watermarking — and, in particular, the innovations described in this newly issued patent — can be an important element of building long-term viable business models from the disruptive changes in entertainment distribution and consumption that have evolved, as embodied most strikingly in social networking sites,” Davis said.

Davis said he thinks Digimarc’s patent could not only help copyright holders protect their material online, but also allow for content producers to find new revenue streams on social networking sites.

“Much of the repurposed content on YouTube, for example, contains copyrighted entertainment,” he said. “If social networking sites implemented software to check each stream, they could identify copyrighted subject matter, create a report, negotiate compensation for the value chain and sell targeted advertising for related goods and services. The specific identification of the content could guide provision of related goods, services and community designed to maximize the consumer’s enjoyment of the entertainment experience.”

In practice, the system would work only if players in each part of the distribution chain used the system, ArsTechnica writer Ken Fisher said.

But Fisher cautioned, the system is best suited for sites such as YouTube rather than file-sharing sites because the application scans public webpages, not P2P networks.

The patent is entitled, “Method For Monitoring Internet Dissemination Of Image, Video and/or Audio Files.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Penthouse Names Sharna Beckman July's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Australian model Sharna Beckman as Pet of the Month for July.

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More