Security and Digital Rights Management

 

1. Our Approach to Content Protection

PublishDrive does not apply additional proprietary protection directly to your ebook files. Instead:

• We work only with Stores that provide copyright protection measures.

• We specify the required level of DRM within the metadata supplied to distribution outlets.

• The Store applies the protection according to its own technical capabilities and policies.

The most common protection method used by Stores is DRM.

 

2. Types of DRM Protection

Different Stores have different DRM capabilities. The protection level may vary by outlet.

Hard DRM (Encryption-Based Protection)

Hard DRM is used by Stores such as:

• Amazon

• Google Play

• Apple Books

• Everand

Hard DRM typically:

• Encrypts the file

• Prevents copying or file extraction

• Limits device transfers

• Does not provide the raw EPUB file to the buyer

• Allows reading only within the Store’s authorized reading app or ecosystem

This is the strongest form of DRM available.

 

Soft DRM (Watermarking)

Some ebook Stores do not support hard DRM. In these cases, protection may include watermarking technologies.

Watermarking:

• Allows copying of the file

• Embeds invisible buyer information within the book

• Makes unauthorized distribution traceable

• Does not prevent copying, but deters illegal sharing

The buyer cannot see the embedded data, but it can be used to identify the source of unauthorized copies.

 

3. DRM Limitations

Please note:

• Not all Stores support DRM.

• DRM capabilities differ between distribution partners.

• No DRM system is fully secure.

• Online piracy continues to evolve.

While we implement available protection measures, we cannot guarantee that your works will never be pirated or illegally distributed.

 

4. The Most Effective Anti-Piracy Strategy

The best way to reduce illegal copies circulating online is to:

• Make your book legally available in as many Stores as possible

• Price your book competitively within its genre

Wide distribution and fair pricing reduce incentives for piracy and make it easier for readers to access legitimate copies.

 

5. What To Do If You Discover Illegal Distribution

If you find your book on a website offering unauthorized downloads:

Step 1 – Verify the Site

Before taking action, confirm that:

• The book is actually hosted on the site

• The file is downloadable

• It is not simply a listing or fake download page

There are numerous phishing websites whose only purpose is to collect personal data. These sites:

• Claim to offer ebook downloads

• Ask users to enter personal or credit card information

• Do not actually host the book file

If your book appears on such a phishing site, it is typically not being distributed — it is being used as bait to deceive users.

 

Step 2 – Submit a DMCA Takedown

If the book is genuinely hosted and downloadable, you may:

• File a DMCA takedown notice with the hosting provider

• Contact the platform directly to report copyright infringement

• Pursue legal action independently if necessary

PublishDrive does not initiate DMCA claims on behalf of authors. 

 

6. Summary

PublishDrive helps protect your books by:

✔ Working with Stores that apply DRM or watermarking

✔ Indicating required DRM levels in metadata

✔ Supporting distribution through copyright-protecting outlets

 

However:

• DRM capabilities vary by Store

• No system guarantees complete protection

• Authors are responsible for initiating enforcement actions

 

If you have questions about DRM availability for a specific Store, please contact Support.