Regarding the ballot Question 4, Right to Repair Law:
Now we have independent car repair shops asking for copyright material. Sorry, they are not included or have paid for protected repair privileges. Independent shops can survive by addressing flat tires, dead batteries, exhaust issues, brakes, suspension problems and radiator issues and doing inspections.
Even if a “yes” to repair wins, it goes nowhere. It has been argued in court that technical data is protected by copyright; the dispute is unresolved. Not all is lost, however. The independent shops can still repair shocks, exhaust, brakes, etc., but they do not have a right to copyrighted data.
Maine voters should know that this question on the ballot is a go-nowhere vote. When was the last time any of us were treated fairly at the auto shop?
Kevin Noel
Portland
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