Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study the concepts, scopes and characteristic features of copyright law Thailand comparing with the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) regarding the distribution of copyrighted works in electronic format digital goods. This research found that there were three controversial issues regarding the distribution of copyrighted goods in electronic format or digital goods, i.e, 1) Ownership Right: it was questionable if the distribution of digital goods is under purchasing agreement or licensing agreement; 2) Distribution method (as it is rarely possible to avoid infringement); 3) Exhaustion of rights which was debatable if this concept is applicable to the copyright of the digital goods. Still, these controversial issues have been questionable. As the characteristics of the digital goods are unique and different from tangible goods in various aspects, the Author see that the resolution of such problems should be starting from the interpretation. The research shows that the distribution of copyrighted goods in electronic format should be permitted by copyright law. This includes the use of specific technology to assist copyright owners in case they are uncertain if their consumers have deleted digital goods from their devices yet or in case of non-deterioration. In addition, the use of technology can also prevent consumers from violating owners distribution right and any other reproductions and infringements. Therefore, consumers right in digital goods will be treated the same as the consumers right in tangible goods.