Attributor Corp., a California-based company that bills itself as the world's first Web-wide content monitoring and analysis platform, has signed Reuters as a client. The Reuters deal closely follows a similar arrangement with Associated Press in May, confirming Attributor's position in the still-narrow segment of online monitoring and enforcement of intellectual-property rights.

Attributor tracks the usage of its clients' proprietary content, including text, images and video. Monitoring text as well as visuals is what differentiates Attributor from the image-focused PicScout and Idée. Though the company was established in late 2005, its technology has undergone extensive testing with a select group of publishers. The service officially launched in early 2007.

Attributor will fingerprint Reuters' content, continuously monitor its use and provide real-time usage analysis. Jim Brock, Attributor's CEO and former senior vice president at Yahoo, says that social media and self-publishing are garnering attention, driving traffic and fueling the cut-and-paste trend. Attributor helps clients adapt to the changed online environment by identifying and pursuing these new distribution and monetization opportunities.