Embodiments of the present invention overcome the problems in the existing
art described above by providing a secure digital content licensing
system and method. Rental of the digital content occurs within an online
environment including one or more user network-enabled devices and one or
more server network devices connected by a communications link to the one
or more user network-enabled devices. A user selects content displayed on
a main website and requests download of the selected content to the user
network-enabled device. To be able to access the content the user must
obtain a license. The user's request for a license for specific content
comprises information about a desired rental model, an expiration date
for the rental model, and information that identifies the user's user
network-enabled device, along with other information. A license for the
content is generated which comprises the above information and also
includes an encryption key for the selected movie. Media player and
security technology residing on the user network-enabled device provides
protection against unauthorized access to the content by ensuring that
only licensed content is viewed and is accessed according to the rental
model contained in the license. Media player and security technology also
provides security against tampering by performing integrity checks on its
various components and other components within the user network-enabled
device. Revocation of access rights is made possible by revocation
certificates that inhibit accessing of particular content for various
reasons including compromised files or components.