What is a “digital watermark” or “Adobe DRM”?

Digital watermark

A “digital watermark” gives the publisher the opportunity to detect unauthorized distribution of e-books on Internet file-sharing platforms. At the same time, a “digital watermark” is designed by the technology to ensure that you as a buyer/reader are not unnecessarily restricted in your use of the titles. This includes, for example, that you can transfer the e-book to any number of your reading devices. You can read e-books that are watermarked with any e-reader without restrictions, provided that it supports the format (.epub/.pdf) of the e-book.

Do I need Adobe Digital Editions to read eBooks with watermark protection?

No. A normal PDF reader or software that can read EPUB files is sufficient.

Adobe DRM

The “Adobe DRM” system allows publishers to add rights to copyrighted e-books. This rights management controls whether you can print an e-book or how many devices you can copy an e-book to. To read e-books protected with Adobe DRM, you need Adobe Digital Editions software or other software that allows you to open e-books with Adobe DRM. Before purchasing a DRM e-book, please find out whether and how you can use the e-book on your reading device.

The e-books on kosmos.de are all protected with watermarks. You don't need Adobe DRM to read.