Comment Number:	539814-00668
Received:	1/27/2009 4:17:47 PM
Organization:
Commenter:	Matthew Wilbur
State:	CA
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:

It is my belief that Digital Rights Management schemes are harmful to consumers. DRM limits the consumers ability to use a purchased product as the consumer sees fit. Outside of making copies of the product and giving them away, consumers should be allowed to copy the software, movies and music they purchase freely to their own equipment. That is, I should be allowed to copy my DVDs to my computer for use as a dedicated movie "jukebox" and I should be allowed to install a game on any machine as many times as I need to for whatever reason. I purchased the product, the company recieved its money for the purchase and I'm not giving the product away to anyone else. DRM drives honest people to piracy. People have expectations when they purchase a product. The freedom to use that product as they see fit is paramount among those expectations. I understand the concerns of the entertainment industry. They fear losing their business. However, the vast majority of people will continue to purchase products without DRM and will not engage in piracy as the entertainment companies fear. People want the physical media and they want the support that comes with the purchase of a product.. Thank you for your consideration. Matthew Wilbur