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DRM vs. no DRM

Sale vs. licence

These are two separate issues.

Theoretically yes, but technologically no. I can't "own" something with server-based DRM on it. DRM creates a right (or an ability) of revocation for the seller.

It's not DRM that prevents you from owning the book. It's the licence. The DRM just makes it easier for the licensor to enforce the terms of the licence.

I 'buy' DRM-free books from O'Reilly. The lack of DRM means that O'Reilly won't ever be able to remove my ability to read those books on a new device. However, I still don't own the books, and have no second-sale rights.

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