DRM (digital rights management) shapes what you can actually do with an e-book after purchase — and it's worth understanding before you buy, not after.

What DRM typically restricts

Common restrictions include limits on copying text, printing, transferring between devices, or reading outside a specific app or platform.

DRM-free doesn't mean unlicensed

Some publishers offer DRM-free e-books, which simply means fewer technical restrictions — the content is still copyrighted and licensed for personal use, not redistribution.

Check compatibility before buying

If your team uses a specific e-reader or platform, confirm the title's DRM system is compatible before purchasing, especially for organizational licenses.

Our e-book suppliers can tell you the DRM terms for a specific title before you commit — it's a fair question to ask upfront.