Are Your Bits Worn Out? The DMCA, Replacement Parts, and Forced Repeat Software Purchases

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 185 I. THE DMCA AND REPLACEMENT PARTS .............................. 187 II. OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICABLE DMCA PROVISIONS ......... 191 A. Anti-circumvention Provision ............................................... 192 B. Antitrafficking Provision ...................................................... 193 C. Reverse Engineering Exception ............................................. 194 III. VIDEO GAMES, TONER CARTRIDGES AND GARAGE DOOR OPENERS ........................................................................ 195 A. Sega ...................................................................................... 195 B. Lexmark ............................................................................... 196 C. Chamberlain ......................................................................... 197 IV. APPLICATION TO REPLACEMENT PARTS ............................... 199 A. Congress Did Not Intend This Outcome ................................. 199 B. First Sale Doctrine ................................................................ 201 C. Separability .......................................................................... 204 D. Fair Use ............................................................................... 204 E. Misuse .................................................................................. 208 F. Practical Aspects of Computer Programs ................................. 209 G. No Additional Copies ............................................................ 212 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................... 214