{
  "patent_number": "US 5191573",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Digital Media Purchases and Downloads Work",
  "original_title": "Method for transmitting a desired digital video or audio signal",
  "summary": "A 1990 patent describing the basic process of paying for digital audio or video content over a phone line and downloading it to a personal device.",
  "what_it_does": "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_it_does_not_cover": [
    "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."
  ],
  "filed": "1990-09-18",
  "granted": "1993-03-02",
  "expires": "2010-09-18",
  "status": "expired",
  "holder": "Individual",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/individual",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Arthur R. Hair",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/arthur-r-hair"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 260,
  "tags": [
    "telecommunications",
    "ecommerce",
    "consumer_electronics"
  ],
  "abstract": "The present invention is a method for transmitting a desired digital video or audio signal stored on a first memory of a first party to a second memory of a second party. The method comprises the steps of transferring money via a telecommunications line to the first party from the second party. Additionally, the method comprises the step of then connecting electronically via a telecommunications line the first memory with the second memory such that the desired signal can pass therebetween. Next, there is the step of transmitting the desired digital signal from the first memory with a transmitter in control and in possession of the first party to a receiver having the second memory at a location determined by the second party. The receiver is in possession and in control of the second party. There is also the step of then storing the digital signal in the second memory.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5191573/personal-audio-media-distribution",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5191573/personal-audio-media-distribution/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US5191573",
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}