DRM in PDFs?

Hi,
Is it possible to add rights management to a PDF? Maybe some way of getting the PDF to report back to a server when it's opened, and check if the document is copyright protected?
I'm thinking of situations where you might have copyright material, that you would sell, and you don't want people to distribute the document to others, via file sharing sites or whatever, after they've purchased it?
If it is possible, what kind of information can be sent back to the DRM server? Username, IP Address etc?
Thanks
Ben

I've had a look around, and it looks like Adobe Content Server 4 deals with PDF DRM.
I'm just wondering, how does the end user deal with PDFs that have DRM on them? What do they see? Do they need any extra plugins? Can they tell it has DRM protection?
Thanks
Ben

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Trouble opening LiveCycle DRM-encrypted PDFs in Adobe Acrobat v.10.0.2

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pharmalib wrote:
And, if there is a bug, is there any solution other than to upgrade to the next version?
Usually bugs are fixed in updated software versions; what kind of other solution do you expect?
Actually, looking at ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/10.x/ I see that 10.0.2 has been removed completely, so this appears to have been an especially buggy version.

Cannot copy text from DRM-free PDF on PC

I can on my Mac. Both use Adobe Reader v11.x. I think the behaviour started when I updated to version 11 on the PC.
I cannot copy text from DRM-free PDFs that I read. I can switch to the Select Tool cursor but drag-select does not work as it did before. Double-click can highlight (and copy) a word. A triple-click can do so for a line. This is clumsy and inefficient and I cannot grab more than a line of text.
File > Properties: Security shows 'No Security'. I am stumped. Is there some detail I am missing? (I downloaded and switched to FoxIt Reader to take notes now but prefer my knowledge of navigation shortcuts in Adobe Reader.)

Hi jroth,
How are you "re-printing" the PDF? Once you have a PDF file, it shouldn't be necessary to re-create it just because you've made changes. You could simply save the file at that point. But it sounds like you're concerned about preventing changes to the comments. If that's the case, rather than reprinting, you could assign some document permissions to the PDF to prevent people from changing the content. To assign that security, choose File > Properties and click the Security tab.
I'm guessing here, because I'm not sure what process you're using, but it sounds as though that second iteration is being printed as an image. That would change the searchable text to an image, and could certainly cause the issue you're encountering.
Best,
Sara

DRM-protected PDF crashes Safari on iPad

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Thanks.

Reset the device:
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button together for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
If that doesn't help, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
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Bluefire Reader can't open DRM protected PDF

I transferred a DRM protected PDF to my iPad and now I want to open it via Bluefire Reader on the iPad. When trying to open the PDF, I get a message: " Add Account: This application is authorised with the following user accounts: (here goes my user account xxx). This item (i.e. PDF) was originally downloaded with a different user account or Adobe ID. To continue, please add that account". I don't understand why. My Digital Editions has the same Adobe ID as the Bluefire reader.
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If you downloaded the PDF to the PC before authorizing your Adobe ID on the PC, then the PDF will be locked to a sort of anonymous ID that ADE uses when not authorized to a 'proper' ID. In that case you would not be able to read the PDF on the PC any longer after authorizing ADE with your own ID, or read it anywhere else. Unfortunately, in that case I do not think there is any way to return to a previous anonymous ID and recover access to the document.
If the book was downloaded after authorizing your Adobe ID on the PC, it should be OK. I don't know if Bluefire suffers the same as ADE and sometimes gets authorizations confused. Try deregistering Bluefire from your ID and reregistering it.

Non-latin text disappears from DRM-protected pdf file

Hi,
I'm facing with following issue - when I package pdf with non-latin data (for example, arabian characters), they are not shown in ADE.
Adobe Content Server: 4.2
Client: ADE 2.0, DL Reader 2.4.7 (Android), Bluefire Reader 1.5.7
Screenshot of 3rd page of document in ADE
Pdf file is here - http://engineering-scratch-copyright-com.s3.amazonaws.com/nonproduction/ACS/arabic.pdf

marlisa324 wrote:
Hello,
Hope someone can clue me into what I am doing wrong. I use Overdrive for EPUB files from the library but they also have PDF files I would like to read which are DRM protected. On the website it says that I can use Adobe Digital Editions and transfer the file from the library website to my computer and then my computer to my phone. I can't seem to get the file to transfer from my computer to the phone. Does anyone know what I may be doing wrong?
Thanks for any help.
To Wildman,
Here is a link to Overdrive where the OP is getting the files that are either epub or pdf format that comes with DRM protection. I looked into using it at one time for lending books from my library and reading on my Nook e-reader, but never got around to setting it up completely.
http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com/E4B52B8C-D4C4-4F21-BE70-496DD9D689F6/10/502/en/default.htm

DRM protected PDF files

Hello,
Hope someone can clue me into what I am doing wrong. I use Overdrive for EPUB files from the library but they also have PDF files I would like to read which are DRM protected. On the website it says that I can use Adobe Digital Editions and transfer the file from the library website to my computer and then my computer to my phone. I can't seem to get the file to transfer from my computer to the phone. Does anyone know what I may be doing wrong?
Thanks for any help.

marlisa324 wrote:
Hello,
Hope someone can clue me into what I am doing wrong. I use Overdrive for EPUB files from the library but they also have PDF files I would like to read which are DRM protected. On the website it says that I can use Adobe Digital Editions and transfer the file from the library website to my computer and then my computer to my phone. I can't seem to get the file to transfer from my computer to the phone. Does anyone know what I may be doing wrong?
Thanks for any help.
To Wildman,
Here is a link to Overdrive where the OP is getting the files that are either epub or pdf format that comes with DRM protection. I looked into using it at one time for lending books from my library and reading on my Nook e-reader, but never got around to setting it up completely.
http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com/E4B52B8C-D4C4-4F21-BE70-496DD9D689F6/10/502/en/default.htm

Cannot re-open DRM-prot pdf file on Bebook One

Yesterday I bought a Bebook One. Charged the batteries of the Bebook. Installed Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on my (Windows 7) computer. Authorized my computer. Bought two e-books on http://www.bol.com and downloaded them with ADE. Moved the books (pdf with DRM-protection) to the Bebook library that was visible in ADE. Disconnected the Bebook from the computer and I was able to read the e-books on the Bebook. So far, so good.
Then I stopped reading. I might have viewed the same books using ADE on my computer after that; I am not sure. Later on I wanted to re-open the book on the BeBook One again. But then I could not open the e-book anymore. When selecting the book, the "hourglass" is visible for 2 or 3 seconds, and then disappears, the menu is re-displayed again and then nothing happens.
However, I can open free (no drm) pdf's and Word files (*.doc) on the Bebook. So, I assume it is something with the DRM. Any suggestions?

Yesterday I bought a Bebook One. Charged the batteries of the Bebook. Installed Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on my (Windows 7) computer. Authorized my computer. Bought two e-books on http://www.bol.com and downloaded them with ADE. Moved the books (pdf with DRM-protection) to the Bebook library that was visible in ADE. Disconnected the Bebook from the computer and I was able to read the e-books on the Bebook. So far, so good.
Then I stopped reading. I might have viewed the same books using ADE on my computer after that; I am not sure. Later on I wanted to re-open the book on the BeBook One again. But then I could not open the e-book anymore. When selecting the book, the "hourglass" is visible for 2 or 3 seconds, and then disappears, the menu is re-displayed again and then nothing happens.
However, I can open free (no drm) pdf's and Word files (*.doc) on the Bebook. So, I assume it is something with the DRM. Any suggestions?

Can't transfer iBooks pdfs from first gen iPad to new MacBook Pro

I have a bunch of important pdf files on a first gen iPad (iOS 5.1.1) that I want to transfer to iBooks in a 13" MacBook Retina.
In iTunes, choosing Devices >Transfer Purchases from My iPad isn't moving them over. I've been able to transfer all the non iBooks pdfs from GoodReader, etc. In iTunes, I can see them in the Books section of "On This iPad" but can't do anything but view info.
In iBooks, choosing File >Move Books from iTunes isn't doing it either.
Syncing warns me that it's going to delete the iPad files.
I'd rather not pay for 3rd party software if I can avoid it.
Thanks.

No they're not in the iTunes library. Purchased titles transferred and a few other things but a bunch of DRM-free pdfs and DRM-free EPUBS won't Budge.
"Or you don't see them with the iPad connected to the Mac, with iTunes running, the iPad selected under devices and then look in the books tab of iTunes on the right?"...
No. However, if I go a couple tabs further to the right, to "On This iPad" and select Books in the left column, they're all listed. I just can't do anything but view their info or rate them.

Can DRM be better?

hello,
I have read many forums on DRM for pdf version of books. However, the comments on DRM, were 99% unhappy ones'
So i just want to ask Adobe technical employees, if it is possible to modify the PDF to be created or already created using Adobe tools to do the following,
- Restrict copying content, editing content (though highlighting is possible), printing
- Restrict emaling (Avoiding attachments), uploading (i know these 2 would be not possible, but still placing a thought)
- Allowing the PDF to be copied only once after downloading it (keeping in mind, multiple devices available to read & users might like to read the book at multiple places
- Also while copying, it must not be considered as a copy when placed on pen drives, CDs etc, but only when placed on PC, cell phones ipad etc. Also if the pdf is opened from external digital media, then considered it as a copy & no more copies can be created. (This can be done by setting an internal counter on file created)
By usng this process, DRM can be protected not upto 100%, but for sure upto some good extent, i think. If you guys want to discuss on it more, please do let me know.
Thanks

Adobe LiveCycle DRM can prevent content being extracted or edited.
While it's possible to assign a license to a DRM-protected file that allocates it to a particular device, there is no legal way to stop someone transferring a file, either by disc copying or email. The only method that can do that is to secretly install 'rootkit' software behind the operating system to restrict low-level access to discs. That was once tried by a music publisher to stop people ripping CDs, they ended up in court and were taken to the cleaners. Never going to happen again.

Cannot open LiveCycle protected pdf

When trying the iOS reader to open a Livecycle DRM protected pdf, I get the following error (I'm obfuscating the server name on purpose) - "Access to this document is restricted by this remote server xxxxx.xxxxx.com, however we are unable to connect it at this time. Please try to open it again later. If you continue to see this message, check whether your device is supported by this server."
I can open the exact same pdf on a Windows desktop using Adobe Reader. Is there something on the LiveCycle server that needs to be configured for the iOS client?

Hi, please review the FAQ referenced off of blogs.adobe.com/security/2011/10/just-released-adobe-reader-10-1-for-ios-and-android.html. Please make sure that you have a supported server version running, no problems with SSL, and a appropriately-configured policy. If you still experience problems, please contact Adobe Support to help debug your specific enviornment. Thanks!

Trouble opening library PDF book with Adobe Touch - help???

In trying to open a library book (PDF format) on my new Windows8 Tablet, using Adobe Touch, I get a message saying, 'There are features in this file that are not supported by this program.' It doesn't allow me to open it anyway. It seems there must be a way to do this Does anyone know what it is?

Library eBooks are not regular PDF files. They are protected by the Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology.
Unfortunately, Adobe Reader Touch (or Reader for iOS/Android) does not support DRM-protected PDF files.
You may want to try OverDrive Media Console for Windows. According to the tech spec, the application is compatible with Windows 8 and RT.

Locking a pdf file from opening

Hello,
I searched the posts first but didn't see this question asked. Is there a way to prevent a pdf file from being opened if that file is already opened by another person? It doesn't have to be done via Adobe iteself, although that would be easiest. We don't want to use passwords since a password would allow the pdf to be opened by anyone who knows the password.
Thanks for any help,
Chuck

Hi,
Something to try.
Use the search string "DRM for PDF" in the search engine of you choice.
The query return provides a phletora of possibilities.
Which provider is best for you will be a function of your specific needs and budget.
Be well...

Viewing Protected PDF's

My online school locks their PDF files using Protectedpdf by Vitrium Systems. These documents require Adobe Reader to login and unlock the document upon opening the file; however I'm unable to enter my user name and password into the document (doesn't support forms?). After entering my credentials they are validated via the internet with my school and the document is unlocked. Is this a feature that could be incorporated into a future release?

The files in question are PDFs issued by the University of Phoenix. Below is the response I got. When asked if they will support DRM files with a future release I was informed it would be documented as a suggestion. Fingers crossed I'll some day be able to view these types of PDF documents on my iPod and iPad.
The pdf that you are opening is a DRM protected pdf.
Adobe Reader on iOS opens password secured and LiveCycle Rights Managed files but does not support opening of DRM protected content.

Unable to open eccouncil Adobe DRM

Hi,
ADE used to add eccouncil DRM protected pdfs to the library OK.
However with CEH v 8 pdfs, ADE v 2 reports this error:
"Unable to add document
Errors were encountered in this item"
Any help?

Real answer is I don't know; but a few random thoughts that may help.
Are they Adobe DRM documents?
If they are not DRM open them using a normal PDF reader such as Adobe Reader.
ADE should be able to open non-DRM PDF, but maybe they use a later PDF version than ADE supports?
Or maybe they use some special CEH v 8 encryption rather than standard Adobe DRM?

DRM in PDFs?

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