There's presently a rather terrifying piece of legislation slithering its way to the Supreme Court. Essentially, if it should pass, consumers would have virtually no right to resell goods; if any part of said goods was made abroad, they would need to obtain explicit permission from any and all copyright holders involved -- whether directly or peripherally -- in its manufacture.
This presents, I think, an interesting hypothetical scenario for civil disobedience. Continuing to sell used goods online regardless of the law, even if one makes no attempt to hide one's identity, still has too great a sense of anonymity. I'm imagining groups of people buying products, or taking products they already own, gathering in a public space, and selling them there, like a giant civil disobedience garage sale.
What do you all think of this?
(Incidentally, for those interested, there is also a petition opposing the legislation.)
Reminds me of the Brave New World slogan "Ending is Better than Mending". I wonder what would then happen to stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army... and selling used goods is good for many reasons: it's better for the environment, it's cheaper, and less money goes to big business (which is probably exactly why this law is being proposed).
ReplyDeleteI think your idea of a giant garage sale is great. I don't see, however, how the law could come to pass: once you've bought an object it is yours. To say that you have no right to sell it throws up serious questions of property rights.