Importance

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Abstract

A system and method are provided for enabling the operation of one or more functions of electronic devices. A user establishes a financial account with a financial account provider, the account having associated funds. The user obtains an electronic device, such as a music player or image display device, the device configured so that one or more functions will not operate without receiving authorization from a service provider. The user provides financial account information to the service provider to pay for a service, and the service provider transmits information, such as a key, to the electronic device to enable operation. In one embodiment, the user transmits financial account information to the service provider, which associates that information with information regarding the user's device. In use, the electronic device establishes a communication link over the Internet to the service provider and transmits a device i.d.

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First Claim