Marketplace All-in-One What does ownership mean in the digital age?
Sep 17, 2025
Aaron Perzanowski, a law professor at the University of Michigan and author of "The End of Ownership," dives into the complexities of digital ownership. He explores the implications of a class action lawsuit against Amazon Prime Video, revealing how digital licensing complicates our understanding of ownership. Perzanowski discusses the risks consumers face with expiring licenses, the sparse legal protections for digital transactions, and the yearning for tangible media, exemplified by the vinyl resurgence. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of consumer rights in the digital age.
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Digital Buys Often Are Licenses
- Aaron Perzanowski explains digital purchases often grant permissions, not traditional ownership.
- Licenses vary by provider and create consumer uncertainty about rights and uses.
Paid Access Can Disappear
- Licenses may say rights last indefinitely but can vanish when retailer agreements expire or content is pulled.
- Consumers risk losing access even after paying when catalogs change or companies close.
Check For Clear License Notices
- California's AB 2426 requires clarity if sellers use 'buy' but only license digital goods without offline downloads.
- Look for clear, conspicuous notices that your purchase is a license rather than ownership when buying digitally.
