Adobe PDF Merchant 1.0 is a server-based software development kit (SDK) that integrates seamlessly into existing e-commerce and transaction servers, enabling the secure exchange of content electronically -- from sensitive corporate data to eBooks. PDF Merchant locks PDF files and then distributes access keys (also known as license files) to unlock the PDF files. With PDF Merchant, you can define the parameters of the license exchange and securely sell or exchange electronic content online.

As a content owner who uses PDF Merchant, you can specify what rights your customers have to the PDF files you distribute, including privileges for printing, changing the document, selecting text and graphics, and adding or changing annotations and form fields. For example, a textbook publisher may allow annotations, but disallow alteration or duplication of the PDF file's content.