A system for distributing an electronic version of a printed document is disclosed. The system comprises a memory device storing at least one document file that is based at least in part on a source document, which is an electronic version of a printed document. The system further comprises a distribution system programmed for: responding to requests from a client for delivery of a document file; retrieving a file copy from the memory device; assigning at least one right to the file copy, the right defining at least one action capable of being performed on at least a portion of the file copy; encrypting the file copy with a key based at least in part on the identity of the client and on the at least one right; and providing the encrypted file copy, with the associated key, to the client.