DRM, also known as Digital Restrictions Management, is technology built into electronic products that aims to limit the use of the product for copyright purposes. DRM protection has been implemented in most media-based industries over the last decade. Prior to the rise of copyright infringement in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, DRM was virtually unheard of as a technology. The need for DRM rose to prominence after file-sharing was getting out of hand and media companies needed regulation. Companies like Napster and torrent sites like Piratebay changed the way people accepted media prices and commerce, upsetting the stability of an industry overnight.
These days, although intellectual property theft is still widely common, DRM technology helps prevent the reuse or reconstruction of property. One recent example of DRM implementation is with some movie rental companies who only allow a couple of viewings for a rented movie until locking occurs on the DVD.
Below are just a few vital ways DRM protection is important for saving your digital property or electronic product.
Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) Capabilities
Encryption of Data
DRM is a system of encryption and security for data. Usually, the system will encrypt the data so that it can only be accessed by authorized users and computer systems. This is essential for a digital world where most activity is currently done online. Without the proper protection, hard work, and trademarked data will roam freely for hackers to access.
Data security is more important today than ever before thanks to the convenience of internet communication and organization. But with great power comes great responsibility – people can send pictures, videos, and software to friends with the click of a button. Without proper encryption or bugging, your electronic product will suffer from replication and piracy. The best part of DRM is the embedded coding of the security, only allowing access during certain times of the day or limited devices. The system is customizable to your security desires. Obviously, paying consumers of your electronic product have the right to use it, but limiting the product functionality for multiple devices or operating systems makes it less likely to be stolen and distributed.
Impossible to Police Copyright Infringement
Prior to the digital era and modern economy, most businesses understood copyright infringement. If you stole another company’s product idea or ripped off their marketing campaign and logo, you would be sued for everything you had. Even though today, individuals and companies are protected by copyright laws, policing the Web and catching culprits, especially when the problem is by its nature a loss of containment, is next to impossible. Finding the proper evidence and executing a settlement for compensation would take more time than just implementing a DRM technology for each copyrighted product. This makes it impossible to steal content in the first place, saving money on the investigation, case, court, and lawyer fees.
Some DRM protection systems and their policies can also restrict users from exercising their rights under copyright law, such as backing up copies of CD’s or DVD’s or using copyrighted materials for research and education. Digital locks have been placed on most commercially marketed and distributed products or services to restrict consumer behavior for the protection of the industry.
As internet usage and digital communications become more integrated into our everyday lives, people will begin to see more DRM protection systems for intellectual property. Certain industries with high levels of intellectual property or with profits linking to the success of intellectual properties need to protect their asset properly. If your product is electronic in any way, you must implement a DRM system for the hardware or software. Ecommerce platforms like FastSpring can help you make DRM a part of your online store right off the bat.
Matthew Hall is a freelance writer and professional student who specializes in writing articles and advice on topics affecting digital marketing and the modern business world.