Parallel Importing and the Blurred Lines of the Digital Age: The Implications of Avoiding the Geo-Block

Abstract

New Zealand removed copyright law restrictions on parallel imports in order to improve the well-being of consumers by lowering the prices of and increasing access to goods. Avoiding a geo-block can achieve the same results and has been seen as the digital age equivalent. This essay assesses the accuracy of referring to the circumvention of a geo-block as a parallel import. It addresses the theoretical underpinnings of parallel import and how they are affected by the nature of digital transactions. Lastly, the paper looks at how, regardless of parallel importing, circumventing the geo-block can restore the balance to copyright law and provide benefits to both producers and consumers.