A common backup format of a backup rights object according to embodiments of the present invention has the following features: License information that is not critical for cryptographic security of the rights object is kept in “plain text” with a well defined syntax in a first data container, license information that is critical for cryptographic security of the rights object is stored in cryptographically protected form that is specific for the originating device to which the rights object is bound to in a second data container, and the rights object is cryptographically signed by the originating device such that it may not be manipulated. The signature is stored in a third data container.