Can computer software be resold?
If a copy of a computer software program is purchased instead of obtained through a license, the purchaser has the right to transfer that one copy of the material. The First Sale Doctrine allows the copyright owner to control the initial sale or distribution of the material to the public, but once title to the material changes hands, the copyright owner has no right to control the subsequent resale or transfer of that one copy. The First Sale Doctrine applies only to copies of the material that were lawfully made or obtained. Thus, if the computer software was a pirated copy, the purchaser does not have the right to subsequently transfer or sell that copy. If the computer software is obtained through a license, as is the case for most software, the First Sale Doctrine is inapplicable and the user should consult the license agreement to determine whether the copy may be resold.
