German Court Fixes Book Prices On Ebay

krez writes "Yesterday, a German court decided that it is illegal to sell books below the prices set by publishing houses. In the court's view, German books are exempt from EU free-market restrictions because they represent an "important cultural good". I guess this is what happens when the rights of collectives, and groups of peoples supersede the rights of the individual to do with his property as he/she sees fit. The implications of this could be far reaching, having an impact on your right to sell old CDs, DVDs, perhaps even art?"

Comments

At least it does in Germany..

[cfoster611]

Though the way international law works these days, it wouldn't surprise me to see this judgment fester and infect those of other EU member states or even the US.

Like scalping tickets...

[svenjob]

It's similar to not being able to sell tickets for a sporting event or concert to people below their listed price.

So what if it only applies to new books?

[gurps_npc]

You guys act like that matters?

What they are really saying is that they want to protect the inefficient companies that have handling costs of $10, at the expense of the effecient internet sales companies with $1 handling costs.

Because if the free market was to rule, the idiots that can't sell it for less than cover price would be forced to either go out of business, offer service WORTH the over-charging they ofer, or learn how to be more effecient.

This ruling prevents the growth of the companies that could sell the books for $1 handling instead of $10, thereby artifically propping up the ridiculous over-priced book stores.

I read a lot. I buy my books from Barnes and Nobles. I get paper back, not hard cover because of the huge number of books that I buy. I do not use internet services because I like the speed of going in to a book store, picking one I did not know I wanted and begin reading it right away.