An internal data storage unit stores distributed music data. A copyright
management table stores a process right to each music data item. The
process right includes a playback right and a right to copy the data to
an external storage medium. A control unit refers to the stored process
right to determine whether an inputted instruction can be executed. If
determining that the instruction can be executed, the control unit
supplies a control signal to a playback unit or another relevant process
unit. A display unit displays the stored process right based on an
operation mode set in a mode storage unit. The playback and copy rights
to the data are displayed with icons. If an icon indicating a copyright
in use is selected, information is displayed about the external medium to
which the data was copied. If the inputted instruction cannot be
executed, a warning screen is displayed.