Method and system for registering and activating content

A method and system for registering and activating content are described. Ownership of instances of content is registered in a registry of accounts associated with various users. Responsive to a user selecting an instance of content from a content distributor, the user's account is updated by adding therein an identifier uniquely associated therewith. Responsive to the user requesting access to an instance of content, the identity of the user is authenticated. The request conveys a unique identifier of the instance of content and a key for activating the content. The content activating key is compared with the registry to identify the user's ownership level in the instance of content. Upon associating the user identity with the user's ownership level, the instance of content is activated to allow the user to access the instance of content according to the corresponding ownership level.