System and method for controlling rights expressions by stakeholders of an item

A system for controlling use of an item, the method comprising:

• a module operable to specify a computer-readable rights expression, wherein the rights expression indicates a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a first condition for use of the item by the recipient, the first condition indicating that the use of the item by the recipient is subject to control by a stakeholder;
• a module operable to associate the rights expression with the item;
• a module operable to receive a request, at a repository computing device, for use of the item from the recipient;
• a module operable to grant by the stakeholder an authorization for use of the item by the recipient, in accordance with the first condition, the authorization including a second condition that must be satisfied for use of the item;
• and
• a module operable to control the repository computing device by the stakeholder to thereby control the use of the item by the recipient based on the rights expression and the authorization granted by the stakeholder, wherein control of the repository computing device comprises the steps of:
• employing a master license that at least one of references the rights expression and is referenced by the item, the master license including a latest version of the rights expression;
• and
• controlling the master license by the stakeholder to control the use of the item by the recipient.