ContentGuard, Sharp sign global DRM licensing deal

Digital rights management (DRM) technology developer ContentGuard and Sharp Corp. have entered into a global patent licensing agreement.

Under the agreement, Sharp can develop, manufacture and market mobile handset devices capable of receiving and playing DRM-enabled content. Sharp's Mobile Network Operator customers will be able to provide DRM-enabled content to Sharp's mobile handset devices without a license from ContentGuard.

ContentGuard technology enables the creation of new business models such as content rentals, content subscription, secure peer-to-peer distribution, secure delivery of content and variable pricing.

"Network operators are working hard to create positive mobile consumer communications experiences as demand for portable digital content increases," said Robert Logan, CEO of ContentGuard. "By enabling our DRM technology, Sharp will be able to better facilitate secure exchange of everything from music and video to sensitive documents via its mobile handsets and subsequently provide a seamless experience for its consumers."