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Old 09-12-2008, 11:53 AM   #5 (permalink)
Cynthetiq
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ironman View Post
Yes you can, you are selling not the mp3 but your rights to it. As long as you delete the file from your computer and keep no copy of it, you are good to go. It's a simple transmission of goods.
Oh, and it's no different than selling a dvd or a cd, in both scenarios, what you sell is your license.
If there is no DRM, then maybe, the above is true somewhat. But if that's the case, then why would you delete it after you sold it? being honest?

As far as I can tell, the answer is no based on my conversations with the contracts and rights groups I work with. The rights holder licenses the buyer, but generally limits the transfer of the license only to the buyer. There is no ability for the buyer to resell his license to another party. The real answer is found when you read the EULA or TOS for receiving the download.

This is why there are specific copies for libraries and rental companies like Blockbuster and Netflix. The license for those copies are very different and reflect transfer of license for owning the rental copy and renting it. There are even provisions for selling off copies (those bargains you see after the movies are released on video and are no longer hot rentals) and then finally destroying those unsold copies. Those units must be destroyed and that doesn't mean just thrown in the trash.

aaah... the knowledge I've gained working in the legal department for a publishing company...
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