Digital Rights Management or DRM is primarily meant to prevent copying of e-books although it is quite possible that it will result to complete denial of access in purchase. The transaction that occurs in DRM is more similar to a rental or lease rather than a purchase since an e-book under a DRM scheme would come with a number of restrictions whereby the different parties involved can remove access to the purchase.

It is usual that e-books under some format of DRM are tied to specific computers or devices. In these cases, the purchaser is able to move the book a limited number of times. After which, he/she will not be able to move it on additional devices. Some DRM forms depend on the existence of online services. Purchasers will be unable to access the e-book if the company providing such service goes out of business.