Digital Rights Management (DRM) on Intertek Inform
Many digital Standards provided by Intertek Inform are secured using Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM ensures compliance with publisher copyright rules, prevents unauthorised distribution, and protects intellectual property.
This guide explains how to correctly download, open, and troubleshoot DRM-protected PDFs.
Important Notes Before You Start
- DRM-protected PDFs cannot be opened in a web browser
- Files must be downloaded to your local computer
- You must use a supported PDF reader (see below)
To access DRM-protected files, use one of the following supported applications:
Windows
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- PDF-XChange Editor
macOS
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
Do not use:
- Web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari)
- Mac Preview
These applications are not compatible with DRM-protected files.
Tip: Some organisations restrict software installations. If required, contact your IT team to approve and install a supported PDF reader.
To ensure PDFs download correctly instead of opening in your browser:
- Click the three vertical dots (top-right corner of Chrome)
- Select Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security (left panel)
- Open Site Settings
- Expand Additional content settings
- Select PDF documents
- Enable Download PDFs (blue toggle)
- Go to Downloads (left panel)
- Enable Ask where to save each file before downloading
- Download the PDF to your computer
- Open your Downloads folder
- Right-click the file
- Select Open with → Adobe Acrobat
DRM relies on cookies to track authorised devices. Incorrect JavaScript settings may prevent access.
How to Disable Global Object Security Policy (GOSP)
Note: Disabling GOSP is safe and will not harm your system.
Adobe Acrobat (Windows)
- Open Adobe Acrobat
- Go to Edit → Preferences (or press CTRL + K)
- Select JavaScript
- Ensure Enable Acrobat JavaScript is checked
- Untick Enable global object security policy
- Click OK
Adobe Acrobat (Mac)
- Open Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Go to Acrobat Reader → Preferences
- Select JavaScript
- Ensure Enable Acrobat JavaScript is checked
- Untick Enable global object security policy
- Click OK
PDF-XChange Editor (Windows)
- Open PDF-XChange
- Go to File → Preferences
- Select JavaScript
- Untick Enable global object security policy
- Click OK
For quick access without downloading, Intertek Inform offers a View Online feature.
How to Access
- Log in
- Go to Collections
- Click View Online
Features
- Browser-based reading
- Highlighting and annotations
- Works across devices
Requirements
- Active internet connection
- Pop-ups enabled in your browser
- Security Warning Pop-ups
-
- May appear the first or second time you open a DRM file
-
- Tick “Remember this action”
-
- Click Allow
- Network or Firewall Issues
Cause: DRM validation blocked by firewall or proxy
Solution:
Ask your IT team to whitelist the following:
- Port 443 (or the configured port)
- Printing Issues in Adobe
If printing fails:
- Go to Edit → Preferences → Security (Enhanced)
- Untick:
- Enable Protected Mode at Startup
- Enable Enhanced Security
- Save and restart Adobe
- Reopen the PDF and try printing again
Scenario:
You download a DRM-protected PDF but receive an error when trying to open it in your browser.
What should you do?
Correct Answer:
Download the file and open it using a supported PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If issues persist, disable the Global Object Security Policy (GOSP) setting in your PDF reader.