Multimedia search engine

A method for presenting multimedia content to a user comprising the following computer-executable acts:

• causing a processor to receive a query from the user directed towards a search engine, wherein the query pertains to a multimedia item;
• causing the search engine to output a first choice to the user for downloading a first instance of the multimedia item, wherein the first instance includes at least one digital rights management restriction, wherein the at least one digital rights management restriction restricts at least one of a device that is able to access the first instance of the multimedia item, a type of device that is able to access the first instance of the multimedia item, a number of times that the first instance of the multimedia item is accessible, or a window of time that the first instance of the multimedia item is accessible, and wherein downloading the first instance of the multimedia item is free to the user;
• causing the search engine to output a second choice to the user for downloading a second instance of the multimedia item, wherein the second instance is free of the at least one digital rights management restrictions, and wherein a fee is charged to the user if the user selects the second choice;
• receiving a selection from the user of one of the first choice or the second choice;
• causing the search engine to transmit one of the first instance of the multimedia item or the second instance of the multimedia item to the user based at least in part upon the received selection of one of the first choice or the second choice;
• and
• causing the search engine to transmit payment to an owner of copyright in the multimedia item regardless of whether the user selected the first choice or the second choice.

A memory comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform acts comprising:

• presenting a user with a plurality of choices pertaining to a multimedia item retrieved by a search engine responsive to a query submitted to the search engine by the user, wherein the plurality of choices comprise:
• a first choice for downloading a first instance of the multimedia item, wherein the first instance of the multimedia item has at least one digital rights management restriction that restricts access to the first instance of the multimedia item to a predefined device;
• and
• a second choice for downloading a second instance of the multimedia item, wherein the second instance of the multimedia item is free of the at least one digital rights management restriction;
• if the user selects the first choice, transmitting the first instance of the multimedia item to a computer operated by the user at no charge to the user;
• if the user selects the second choice, transmitting the second instance of the multimedia item to a computer operated by the user subsequent to receiving payment from the user for the second instance of the multimedia item;
• and
• causing the search engine to transmit payment to a copyright holder in the multimedia item regardless of whether the user selected the first choice or the second choice.