Method and apparatus for managing digital content

An apparatus for managing digital content generated by applying DRM, the apparatus comprising:

• a processor, the processor comprising:
• a content execution unit which executes digital content;
• and
• a control unit which confirms whether or not digital content is in a first period in which the digital content can be normally executed in a first execution, and controls the content execution unit so that, if the digital content is in the first period, the digital content can be executed normally, and, if the digital content is in a second period which is not in the first period, the digital content can be executed in a second execution, wherein the first and second executions are different;
• wherein if a valid period included in contents of a license for the digital content includes a condition period and a grace period, the control unit determines the condition period as the first period and the grace period as the second period, and wherein execution of the digital content is prevented if the digital content is outside the valid period;
• wherein if the digital content is in the second period, the control unit provides a message indicating that the valid period approaches expiration;
• wherein the message comprises information regarding at least one of restricting reproduction of part of the digital content and lowering quality of all or part of the digital content, and
• wherein the information comprises at least one of an information item on a playback position and a size of the part of the digital content that is not reproduced, and an information item indicating a degree to which the quality of the digital content is lowered.

A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having embodied thereon a computer program for executing a method of managing digital content generated by applying DRM, the method comprising:

• confirming whether or not the digital content is in a first period in which the digital content can be normally executed in a first execution;
• and
• if the digital content is in the first period, normally executing the digital content, and if the digital content is in a second period which is not in the first period, executing the digital content in a second execution, wherein the first and the second executions are different;
• wherein if a valid period included in contents of a license for the digital content includes a condition period and a grace period, the first period is the condition period and the second period is the grace period, and wherein execution of the digital content is prevented if the digital content is outside the valid period;
• wherein if the digital content is in the second period, providing a message indicating that the valid period approaches expiration;
• wherein the message comprises information regarding at least one of restricting reproduction of part of the digital content and said lowering quality of all or part of the digital content, and
• wherein the information comprises at least one of an information item on a playback position and a size of the part of the digital content that is not reproduced, and an information item indicating a degree to which the quality of the digital content is lowered.