[Michael L. Love: proclus on Blogger] Do you really own your computer?

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Jun 22, 2012, 5:05:44 PM6/22/12

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Friends-

Do you really own the smartphone or computer you’re using to read this email?

If you sold your computer, would you be breaking the law? A federal court in New York says you would be.

It's unbelievable, but trademark and copyright holders really are trying to take away your right to sell things that you own. Please click here to fight back:

http://www.youvebeenowned.org/

The First-Sale Doctrine gives us the right to sell most property we own. But if the Supreme Court supports the lower court’s decision, we won't really “own” anything if it's from a different country. We expect them to issue a ruling later this year.

The President can urge the Court to side with consumers; then Congress will probably weigh in on the issue, no matter how the Court rules. If we lose this fight, anybody who wants to resell foreign products, from Macbooks and iPhones to our clothing and textbooks, will have to ask copyright holders for permission first. And they'll have the right to deny it! It's bad for so many reasons: It'll undermine Craigslist and Ebay, hurt the environment, increase incentives for manufacturers to move jobs off-shore, and effectively ban the traditional American yard sale.
Just click here to email your lawmakers right away:

http://www.youvebeenowned.org/

Thanks!

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Posted By Blogger to Michael L. Love: proclus on Blogger at 6/22/2012 02:05:00 PM