DIPR Business models

Following the principles established above in the Theoretical Approach, any business model working in the Distributed Intellectual Property Rights (DIPR) environment should look at ways that maximise the distribution of PRD identified products while promoting the one-to-one exchange between producer and user. Any digital product should be looked upon as a replicating unit in the DIPR environment. Any strategy which attemps to artificially protect a digital product or limit its distribution is bound to fail.

Sharing of  informational material has always happened and always will. One of the advantages of the DIPR's system is that it could enable new revenue models which encourage sharing and paying at the same time. One way this can work is through a recommendation or referral process where one user could recommend a product to another by sending their copy of the Property Rights Descriptor. When the second user purchases the product the first user, who can be identified by the licence office identification in the original PRD, will receive a partial rebate against their initial purchase.

Discounts on follow-up products: Under this scheme a second product purchased by the original licence holder would be offered at a discount. This promotes the one-to-one exchange which benefits the provider and in this case provides an exchange benefit to the user.

Providing services which enhance or support a product will be another major component in the digital age and this again helps to maintain the close relationship between the creator and the user. Examples might be:

• Provide free storage and fast access for legal PRD products.
• Continuously upgrading or improving the product.
• Responding to individual requests for additional information or new variations.
• Subscription library service.

Rapid implementation of Electronic Copyright Management Systems to provide all the additional licensing requirements. Ideally ECMS's should run in parallel with the DIPR system and should all adopt a common set of standards and protocols but in any event the DIPR system would identify the ECMS just as readily as it identifies the creator or other product metadata.

The establishment and running of the new Rights Offices will also provide new business opportunities and the need for more Internet servers and databases. Some of the new opportunities might be:

• Selling licence services. Professional secure services will be worth a premium.
• Running free licence services paid for by advertising or product distribution.