Method to control the use of custom images

A method of controlling the use of a custom image by a user at a user location in a mail processing system, said mail processing system being operated by a provider, comprising:

• receiving, by a processing device at a provider location remote from said user location, a hash of the custom image, wherein said provider location and user location are operatively connected by a network for a portion of time, said hash being generated from said custom image at the user location and said custom image stored at the user location and not transmitted to the provider location;
• assigning, by the processing device, a unique custom image identifier to the custom image, wherein the unique custom image identifier is uniquely associated with the user;
• storing, by the processing device, said hash of the custom image and said unique custom image identifier in a memory at said provider location;
• generating, by the processing device, a digital signature at said provider location, said digital signature being generated solely from said hash, said unique custom image identifier, and a provider cryptographic key;
• transmitting, by the processing device, said unique custom image identifier, said digital signature and said hash to said user location;
• receiving said digital signature at said user location;
• determining whether said digital signature can be successfully verified;
• and
• allowing said custom image to be printed by said user only if it is determined that said digital signature can be successfully verified.