Everyone has resold something in their lifetime. Even if it's selling your old CDs or books to a friend, you've participated in what may soon be illegal. Right now it is legal to sell your things because the original copyright is only valid for the first sale, or when you buy it originally. There is a case coming before the Supreme Court later this year in which an argument will be made that people should get permission from, and pay royalties to, the original copyright owner for products that are made outside of the United States. Brendan Spaar believes that this is an attempt by the government to encourage consumers to purchase more American made products. The only problem with this is that when it comes to electronics like your iPhone or computer, even though it was designed in the United States, it was manufactured overseas for cost reasons. Most foreign cars are assembled overseas so this would be an added cost when you go to trade in that old Toyota. This is going to be a tough law to enforce with all of the garage sales and yard sales out there. It would definately put shows like American Pickers and Antiques Road Show out of business. Then what about eBay and Craigslist? This country has a huge resale industry and you have to wonder if giving more money to foreign copyright holders would do more harm to our economy than the stimulus that it seeks.
Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/your-right-to-resell-your-own-stuff-is-in-peril-2012-10-04
Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/your-right-to-resell-your-own-stuff-is-in-peril-2012-10-04
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