First information is divided into equal-size information pieces. Serial
numbers are assigned to the information pieces, respectively. An
encryption key is generated from a base number and a variable number
varying for each of the information pieces. The base number is common to
an information range managed by one licence. The first information is
encrypted on a block-by-block basis in response to the encryption key to
get encryption-resultant information for every predetermined minimum
information unit smaller than the sizes of the information pieces. The
encryption-resultant information is recorded on a recording medium. A
determination is made as to logical addresses of heads of portions of the
recording medium which are loaded with portions of the
encryption-resultant information corresponding to the respective
information pieces. Second information representing a correspondence
relation between the determined logical addresses and the assigned serial
numbers is recorded on the recording medium.