Print to eBook Conversion

A method for processing a print work. A first entity's ownership of a print work that is lawfully owned by the first entity is recorded. The print work is a physical copy of an original copyrighted work. A disablement of the print work is recorded. While the disablement exists, a digital copy of the original work is generated or received. After initiation of generating or receiving the digital copy: (i) a digital association linking the digital copy with both the recorded ownership and the recorded disablement is generated; and (ii) the digital association is recorded in the digital copy and/or in hardware storage units. Another entity may generate the digital copy and a unique identifier of the digital copy which associates the digital copy with a unique identification of the print work.