Tracking an image-recording medium using a watermark and associated memory

A method for distributing an image-recording medium, the method comprising the steps of:

• encoding an identifying mark into an image bearing segment of an image-recording medium to form a marked image-recording medium;
• storing the marked image-recording medium using a first packaging having a first memory;
• storing tracking data in the first memory from which the identifying mark on the image bearing segment of the marked image bearing recording medium can be used to determine information about the distribution of the marked image-recording medium,
• recording an image onto the marked image-recording medium, to form an image-recording medium;
• storing the image-recording medium using second packaging having a second memory;
• reading tracking data from said first memory;
• storing information in the second memory from which the markings on the imaged recording medium can be used to determine information about the distribution of the marked image-recording medium.

A method for tracing the source of an illegal copy of a motion picture, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) encoding an identifying mark onto a segment of an image-recording medium to form a marked segment of said image-recording medium, said identifying mark associated with a data location in a memory, said memory coupled to said marked segment of said image-recording medium, said data location comprising data identifying said marked segment;
• (b) extracting said identifying mark from said marked segment of the illegal copy;
• (c) decoding said encoded identifying mark to obtain said data location;
• and
• (d) accessing said memory to obtain data stored at said data location.