Safe Repair Project Statement on FTC/DOJ Comment to Copyright Office
The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice joined the Federal Trade Commission in weighing in on the issue of right to repair by submitting comments to the U.S. Copyright Office as they consider exemptions under Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). See here for our statement in response:
“It’s crucial for our government agencies to recognize that when it comes to medical devices, the right to repair could have serious implications on the patients they serve. Patient safety should always be top of mind, and repairs by individuals who lack proper training and certifications could be incredibly dangerous. We urge the Copyright Office to acknowledge these potential hazards and reverse their previous decision to exempt these products from copyright laws. Ensuring that all technicians adhere strictly to the rigorous standards and guidelines established by OEMs under the FDA oversight is essential for maintaining the integrity of healthcare services.“