Exhaustion Rights of Computer Programs

Strong intellectual property (IP) protection is a fundamental issue in establishing a market for new products and services. IP can empower owners of intangible assets in the financing, manufacturing, or general commerce. However, like any other type of power, too much power can have adverse effects. This work provides a discussion of the limits of intellectual property by examining the doctrine of exhaustion of rights. This paper briefly illustrates the legal evolution of the doctrine of trademarks and digital rights. The discussion continues on the controversial concept of international exhaustion and the gist of digital exhaustion.