Apparatus and methods for data transfer beteween a plurality of user devices

A consumer premises device (CPE) configured to provide protected content to a client device in communication, the CPE comprising:

• a first interface configured to receive the protected content from a network;
• a storage device;
• a second interface capable of data communication with the client device'
• a processor in data communication with the storage device and the first and second interfaces and configured to execute at least one computer application thereon, the computer application comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed by the processor:
• based on satisfying a triggering criterion, request a transfer key from a network entity;
• receive the transfer key;
• decrypt the content using a first key which is specific to the CPE;
• re-encrypt the content using the transfer key;
• and
• transfer the protected content to the client device.

A method of providing content from a first subscriber device to a second subscriber device, the method comprising:

• receiving a request to generate a content transfer key from the first subscriber device;
• authenticating the first subscriber device;
• creating the content transfer key;
• and
• enabling the first subscriber device to access the content transfer key.

A content transfer manager apparatus configured to enable content to be transferred from a first device to a second device, the content transfer manager apparatus comprising:

• a first interface configured to receive the content from a content source;
• a storage device;
• a digital processor, the processor in data communication with the storage device and first interface and configured to execute at least one computer program thereon, the computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed:
• receive a request to generate a content transfer key from the first device;
• authenticate the first device;
• create the content transfer key;
• and
• enable the first device to access the content transfer key.

A method of receiving a plurality of content from a first user device at a second user device, the method comprising:

• receiving the plurality of content in a first format, the first format comprising a transfer format;
• requesting a transfer key from a network entity;
• after authentication of the second user device, receiving the transfer key;
• using the transfer key to decrypt the plurality of content;
• and
• re-encrypting the plurality of content using a key which is specific to the second user device.