The first-sale doctrine plays an important role in copyright and trademark law by limiting certain rights of a copyright or trademark owner. The doctrine enables the distribution chain of copyrighted products, library lending, gifting, video rentals and secondary markets for copyrighted works (for example, enabling individuals to sell their legally purchased books or CDs to others). In trademark law, this same doctrine enables reselling of trademarked products after the trademark holder put the products on the market. The doctrine is also referred to as the "right of first sale," "first sale rule," or "exhaustion rule."
The first-sale doctrine is one of the traditional safety valves.
Read more about First-sale Doctrine: Overview, Limitations, Application in Trademark Law
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“We were as twinned lambs that did frisk i’ the sun
And bleat the one at th’ other. What we changed
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The doctrine of ill-doing, nor dreamed
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And our weak spirits ne’er been higher reared
With stronger blood, we should have answered heaven
Boldly “Not guilty,” the imposition cleared
Hereditary ours.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)