The transfer of protected content from a content source to a remote packet-based device is effected. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network-based server implements a routing application at a user's content or content source to respond to content requests from remote packet-based devices to facilitate the transfer of protected content. The content is transferred in accordance with applicable rights associated with the content. In some instances, the content is transferred in a protected format; in other instances, the content is transferred in a re-protected format; and in other instances, the content is not transferred as requested, where rights associated with the content prohibit or otherwise restrict the transfer.