EUROPEAN GAMERS...European Courts Rule Publishes Can't Stop You From Reselling Digital Content

[Smokin Shadowz]

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled gamers are allowed to resell the digital content they purchased. Publishers will not be able to stop consumers from selling their downloadable games, in Europe anyway. Since this isn't a US Court, we won't see direct results here in America but this does set a precedent.

 

The ruling specifically says, "An author of software cannot oppose the resale of his 'used' licenses allowing the use of his programs downloaded from the internet." The court also added the exclusive right of distribution is "exhausted on its first sale". Regardless of EULAs, gamers in European Union states are allowed to sell games from Steam, Origin, or a similar service.

 

This ruling pretty much goes against everything publishers want. Publishers here in America frequently speak out against stores like GameStop who allow gamers to resell their games. Do you think we'll see a similar ruling here in the states? How will publishers react if there is?

 

For more on the ruling and how it will affect gamers in Europe, check out Eurogamer.

 

http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725580/european-courts-rule-publishes-cant-stop-you-from-reselling-digital-content/