DRM ASPECTS OF PEER-TO-PEER DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION

Aspects of peer-to-peer distribution of digital content items protected by predetermined intellectual property rights are described. The digital content items are distributed between a source communication device operated by a source entity and a proximate sink communication device operated by a sink entity, via a peer-to-peer communication session (established based on a digital identity associated with the source entity) between the source and sink devices. The source device, the sink device, and/or a network service provider arranges for a digital license granting one or more rights to an entity under one or more of the predetermined intellectual property rights to be distributed to the sink communication device. Data regarding distribution of the digital license is collected and used, among other things, to trigger e-commerce events such as billing events and consideration transfers.