Quote:
Originally Posted by Jellby
Except if they are selling a non-transferable license to read (and only read) a single format.
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No, they can't have their cake and eat it. They're either selling a copy in a specific format, which can be transferred, or they're selling the right to consume the content, which can't. Those are two different things.
If intellectual property is indeed 'property' then transactions in it are subject to the same constraints as other property deals. If I own a hammer and decide to sell it, then I give up my rights in that hammer; I can't tell the new owner he can only use it on Wednesdays, or only use it with certain types of nails*. Likewise, when a rights-holder sells a work to someone they give up some of their rights in return for the compensation paid to them. That's a fundamental principle.
*Well, I could
try to tell him that, but such terms would be unenforceable and void.