The Supreme Court hears arguments next week in Kirtsaeng v. Wiley, which could impact whether owners have the right to resell books, music and movies at anything from yard sales to online markets. Some copyright holders have brought the case in hopes of altering the law, which for more than 100 years has given consumers full ownership over the products they buy.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has joined the Owners’ Rights Initiative, which launches today. The coalition will be dedicated to upholding the law known as the “first sale doctrine,” which says after a first sale that the buyer fully owns the good he or she bought and has the freedom to resell it without needing permission from the copyright holder.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“In recent years some copyright holders have been lobbying on multiple fronts for expanded power over everything from the Internet to electronic devices. With this Supreme Court case, some large corporate copyright owners are now demanding that their rights be expanded so that they trump the rights of tangible, personal property owners.
“CCIA, which turns 40 this year, has long represented both copyright holders and e-commerce leaders. On this matter, it is critical that consumers unequivocally own what they purchase. There is a long history supporting this principle in this country and we are optimistic that both the high court and Congress will understand the need to uphold this important property right.”
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President Matt Schruers:
“Regardless of the outcome of the Supreme Court case being argued next week, Congress should protect the rights of consumers as well as secondary sales and online distribution, which is a growing part of our economy.”