A process for managing and authorizing rights in a computer system
accounts for the dynamic, multi-dimensional, and granular nature of
rights. A database structure divides works and rights into two related
tables. A works table includes information sufficient to identify works
managed by the system, while a rights table identifies a right associated
with a work and includes one or more date fields delimiting the right.
The rights table may also include type of use information. Additional
tables, such as a work relation table, a party table, or an order table,
may be provided. The process involves managing and querying the database
structure and has broad applicability to intellectual, real, and personal
property; contract management; and similar items. The process may be
performed in a computer system operating in standalone mode,
client/server mode, or over the Internet.
