First Sale Doctrine
/ˈfɜrst seɪl ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine limiting the copyright holder’s control over a particular copy of a work after its first lawful sale or transfer.
Under the first sale doctrine, libraries can lend out purchased books without infringing copyright.
Forms
- first sale doctrine
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often applied in copyright law to balance rights holders’ interests with public access; does not apply to authorized digital transmissions unless explicitly legislated.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.