1. A method for encoding and transmitting a rights expression for association with an item for use in a system for controlling use of the item in accordance with the rights expression, said method comprising: specifying rights expression information indicating a manner of use of an item, said rights expression information including at least one element, said element having a variable and corresponding value for said variable; performing an encoding process, including: identifying a rights expression template which maps to said rights expression information, determining an identifier associated with said rights expression template that maps to said rights expression information, extracting from said rights expression information said value corresponding to said variable corresponding to said element to populate said rights expression template, and encoding a license adapted to be enforced on a device based on said variable and said identifier, said license including an identification of said template and said value for said variable, transmitting said encoded license to the device; interpreting said encoded license based on said identification of said template and said value for said variable; and enforcing said manner of use of said item based upon said interpretation of said encoded license.