A Tracing Study on Global DRM Patents (1994–2017).

This paper focuses on the development and application trend of global DRM technology through two large-scale patent retrieval and analysis. The book trans-century tracking and analysis of global DRM (1994–2017) has been published based on this research. The main conclusions in the book, as well as in this paper, are as follows: 1. DRM is reaching a mature state; 2. Infusion and integration will become the focus in DRM application; 3. Digital watermarking is the hottest spot in patent applications; 4. Mobile rights business support technology is going through a period of fast growth; 5. Blockchain-related technology is in its infancy; 6. the U.S. is the largest source of relevant patent applications; 7. China is becoming a large filer of pertinent patent applications; 8. Most Chinese patent applicants are universities and research institutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]