Peer-to-peer media sharing

Abstract

A system and method for peer-to-peer media sharing through a network such as the Internet. The shared media will often be audio media, but could include other types as well. A server, for example an instant messaging (IM) server in communication with the network receives requests to initiate media-sharing sessions, the requests including the addresses of potential participants. Upon receiving the request, the IM server determines if any of the potential participants are, in fact, connected to the network and, if so, transmits their network address to the requesting entity so that it can begin transmitting the media to each of them. The media is usually played from a recording by one of the participants, but the selection is heard by the group members as it is being transmitted, creating a shared-listening environment. To avoid potential copyright infringement, the media is played but not stored for later play at any of the recipient terminals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.