Consumers' Attitudes to Digital Rights Management (DRM) in the German Trade eBook Market

Abstract

In relation to the German trade eBook market, this paper presents results from an exploratory survey into eBooks consumers’ attitudes to Digital Rights Management (DRM). Thereby, this paper illuminates the effects of DRM implementation on usability and the resulting marketability of eBooks. Findings suggest that eBooks are perceived as being generally useful, although there is a considerable difference in the evaluation of free (unprotected) and purchasable (protected) eBooks.