In 2006, when DRM technologies were being developed by IT industry players such as FairPlay by Apple, or Windows Media DRM (WMDRM) by Microsoft, there were significant demands from the consumer electronics (CE) industry for a DRM technology that would be more suitable for CE products. Panasonic, Philips, Samsung Electronics and Sony together with Intertrust Technologies, which owns basic DRM technologies, developed a CE friendly DRM called Marlin. This DRM supports a wide range of products including CE devices, PC and mobile, thus it not only supports video, but music, books and other types of media. Marlin also supports various user experiences including domain model, downloads and streaming.

Marlin Organizations
Based on Marlin JDA, the five founding companies now take the initiative via two organizations. The Marlin Developer Community (MDC) is a forum to develop Marlin specifications, while the Marlin Trust Management Organization (MTMO) provides the commercial license for Marlin specifications.

● Marlin Developer Community (MDC)
Companies from diverse fields (not only the CE industry) are currently members of MDC. Members cooperate in developing specifications, but even non-members are able to download all completed specifications. MDC also conducts Marlin DRM promotional activities as well as liaison activities with other standards organizations.
For further information, please visit: http://www.marlin-community.com

● Marlin Trust Management Organization (MTMO)
Those wishing to use Marlin technology for commercial purposes must first enter into a licensing agreement with the MTMO. The MTMO has prepared licensing agreements for manufacturers of end-user products, component manufacturers who supply to end-user product manufacturers, service providers and service element vendors who supply to service providers. There are currently more than 48 licensees (as of August 2012).
For further information, please visit: http://www.marlin-trust.com/

In addition to these two organizations, a Marlin-DRM Users Forum Japan has been established to support the smooth introduction of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in Japan. The purpose of this forum is to study, formulate and provide specific compliance rules and implementation guidelines needed to support commercial use in Japan. It currently has 77 corporate members (as of August 2012).
For further information, please visit: http://www.marlinusers-japan.org

There are some Marlin DRM specifications for various purposes. The two most promising types are Marlin BB (Broadband) and Marlin IPTV-ES.

1) Marlin BB-provides multiple copies among user's devices
As the name suggests, Marlin BB is designed for use in distribution via broadband internet. A communication protocol based on the web service technology called NEMO is used for the content distribution. Messages are exchanged using XML format (*) and RSA (a public key cryptography) is used to exchange decryption keys. The usage rules of content are written in byte-code called Plankton and the content itself is encrypted by the Advanced Encryption Standard, an encryption system endorsed by the U.S. government.

One of the most characteristic parts of Marlin BB is its support for the domain model. Other proposed DRM systems failed to offer a simple way to share downloaded AV content among devices. The domain model concept was introduced as a way of overcoming this drawback while still protecting copyrights. A domain is a group of devices among which the user wishes to share files. A domain model can be created using the following method.

1. The user and the user's devices are registered on the Marlin service server.
2. The server creates a domain key for that user.
3. The server issues a domain key to each device and the device securely stores the domain key.

In order to download content, the distribution server sends the encrypted content and the license to the device. The content is decrypted with the content key using the AES algorithm. The license includes the content key (which has been encrypted using the domain key) and the content usage rules.

To play back content, the domain key is used to decrypt the encrypted content key contained in the license. The device then uses the content key to decrypt the encrypted content, which can then be played back in accordance with the usage rules stipulated in the license. Because the user is entitled to copy the content among devices that belongs to a domain under the same domain key, it is possible to offer the same kind of experience users get with MP3 files.

2) IPTV-ES-for Digital Television Platforms
IPTV-ES was introduced in 2007 as the first DRM system designed for the IPTV business in Japan. In addition to streaming applications such as video on demand (VOD) and IP multicast, this technology also supports download service, whereby content is played back after being stored on a hard drive or other devices, and exporting functions, which allow content to be written into media protected by different DRM systems such as Memory Stick or Blu-ray discs. It is suitable for the latest digital television platforms, which support DLNA (DTCP-IP) (*). The content is securely protected using the AES algorithm.

Sony has extensive experience with DRM technologies including OpenMG. Marlin BB and Marlin IPTV-ES were created based on familiarity with these technologies. Marlin is already used in numerous Sony devices/services and is being used in conjunction with broadcast content and home networks. Moving forward, Marlin will continue to evolve as a DRM system to address new features and uses as they arise.

If the usage rules are too restrictive or complicated, DRM technology can become a nuisance for users. If the usage rules are too lax, illegal copies may thrive which, in turn, prevents it will content providers from investing in future productions.

Electronics divisions within Sony have led the industry as a bridge with content holders and service providers and remains committed to support user-friendly DRM technology that consumers feel secure about wing.