You can freely build on How Digital Media Purchases and Downloads Work
This patent expired in 2010. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1993
Expired
2010
Forward citations
260
What this patent covers
The patent outlines a workflow for buying and receiving digital files remotely. First, a user transfers money to a content provider via a telecommunications line, such as by providing a credit card number over a phone call. Once payment is confirmed, the system establishes a connection between the provider's storage and the user's receiver. The content is then transmitted electronically and saved directly into the user's local memory.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 5191573 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover peer-to-peer file sharing where no money is transferred between parties.
Does not cover streaming media where the signal is not stored in the second memory.
Does not cover physical media distribution like mailing a CD or DVD.
Does not cover automated subscription services that lack a specific per-transaction payment step.
Who is building on this today
Major digital media platforms like Apple, Amazon, and Google have built their entire distribution infrastructure on the logic described here. While this specific patent has expired, its core concept of remote digital transaction and delivery remains the backbone of the digital economy.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Purchasing a song on iTunes
Downloading a movie from a digital storefront
Buying a digital audiobook
On-demand digital content delivery
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 5191573. Method for transmitting a desired digital video or audio signal. Granted 1993, expired 2010. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.