What is the first sale doctrine?

What is the first sale doctrine?

The first sale doctrine is a legal principle in copyright law that allows the owner of a copyrighted work to resell or distribute that work without needing permission from the copyright holder.

Can you give me an example of how it works?

Sure! If you buy a book, you can sell it to someone else without asking the publisher for permission. That's the first sale doctrine in action.

Are there any limitations to this doctrine?

Yes, there are limitations. For instance, it doesn't apply to digital goods in the same way it does to physical items, and it may not apply if the item was obtained illegally.

How does this affect libraries?

Libraries benefit from the first sale doctrine as it allows them to lend books and other materials without infringing copyright.