The U.S. Appeals Court for the Ninth Circuit today issued a ruling that could restrict the resale of computer software. The ruling is here.
The following comment is attributed to Sherwin Siy, deputy legal director of Public Knowledge:
“This ruling will have far-reaching consequences for consumers. It could conceivably shut down the market for used software and computer games.
“The court has blessed a system in which a publisher can use fine print to circumvent the traditional rules of first sale, maintaining control of distribution throughout the entire lifetime of the copy.
“Nothing good can come of a system like this. We look forward to this case being further appealed and to having this decision reversed.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.