Comment Number:	539814-00023
Received:	1/7/2009 10:09:08 AM
Organization:	N/A
Commenter:	Jason Johnson
State:	FL
Agency:	Federal Trade Commission
Rule:	FTC Town Hall to Address Digital Rights Management Technologies - Event Takes Place Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Seattle
Attachments:

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Comments:

DRM needs to be disclosed to the end user at the time of purchase. If the DRM is not %100 removable after the software is uninstalled from the PC, this needs to be disclosed to the consumer. The type of DRM used and what restrictions (limited installs, internet activation, etc..) are implemented need to be disclosed to the consumer. This information needs to be clearly marked on the products front cover or top flap, and/or on the system requirements panel. DRM also prevents resale of titles and therefor needs to be disclosed in a way that will not prevent the return of the software to the place of purchase. Most stores do not allow the return of opened software. Many instances you will not know what DRM is used until the software has been opened and installed on your system. It is clear that publishers wish to hide this information from consumers to prevent loss of sale based on DRM being used in their product. While I personally dislike DRM, I understand the need to protect ones intellectual property. In this case, the use of DRM needs to be disclosed to the consumer before purchase as outlined above. Thank you, Jason T. Johnson