Abstract

This article discusses the pitfalls and uncertainties of the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) from the perspective of libraries and information consumers. UCITA overwhelmingly favors vendors in ways that take bargaining power away from information users and jeopardizes important uses of intellectual property like fair use, the library exemption, and the first sale doctrine. The Virginia Library Association proposed an amendment addressing these issues, but it was rejected. Additional groups have weighed in on Virginia’s version of the Act and suggested amendments - some of which were adopted - but the General Assembly is still working on revisions. The uncertainty of UCITA combined with the negative consequences it creates for information users prove that the Act is far from ready for prime time.

Document Type

Article

Publication Information

8 The Richmond Journal of Law & Technology 5- (2001)

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