CLOUD LICENSING AND COPYRIGHT EXHAUSTION

AUTHOR – V.M. DEEPAPRIYA, STUDENT AT THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI.

BEST CITATION – V.M. DEEPAPRIYA, CLOUD LICENSING AND COPYRIGHT EXHAUSTION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 556-561, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

     Cloud computing has changed a lot like how the people buy, use and also share the digital content such as software, music and e-books. Instead of owning or getting a copy, most the users are now getting access through cloud licensing agreements, which has limit in their rights. The exhaustion doctrine clearly says that once a copyright holder sells a product legally, their control over to resale the product or distribution ends. The cloud licensing , companies argues that users are nor really buying the work, but getting permission only to use it. Cloud licensing prevents resale, lending, or transfer of digital goods, reducing users freedom and creating legal uncertainty. This research explores the intersection of cloud licensing and the doctrine of copyright exhaustion, focusing on its application and implications for the intellectual property rights in the digital age. The study aims to highlight whether copyright law has any updated for the cloud era, the balance between creator rights and user rights is fair and future – proof.Keywords : Cloud licensing, cloud era, copyright, agreements, intersection and freedom.