Catholic Law's Student Scholars Series hosted its final event of the season on March 28, featuring a presentation by Sam Bonfiglio (3L). His work, titled "Fight for Your Right (to Repair)," delved into the limitations imposed by certain repair contracts that hinder consumers from fixing their own products. Henry Wixon, former Chief Counsel at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, provided a thoughtful response to Bonfiglio's presentation.

In his article, Sam Bonfiglio brings to light how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in its current iteration implicates consumer’s right to repair their purchased devices. He argues that Section 1201 of the DMCA unfairly impedes upon both a consumer’s right to choose their desired service location as well as their right to attempt service themselves. He argues these restrictions ultimately force consumers to use a manufacturer’s licensed channel of service, effectively granting them a monopoly. The article advocates for the reintroduction of the Freedom to Repair Act to amend the DMCA to commercialize the market for these services while simultaneously protecting manufacturer’s interests. 

The Columbus School of Law Student Scholars Series was instituted in 2009 to recognize notable legal scholarship produced by members of the student body during the academic year and to foster the skills associated with presenting and defending that scholarship in a professional conference-style setting.

Below is a recording of the March 28 program.