The Fight for the Right to Repair.

The article focuses on the evolution and current state of the right-to-repair movement in the United States, which advocates for requiring manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair providers access to replacement parts, repair manuals, and related materials. Originating in automobile repair, the movement has expanded to include consumer electronics, appliances, agricultural, and medical equipment, with legislative efforts at both federal and state levels, as well as voluntary industry agreements known as memoranda of understanding (MOUs). Federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have prioritized right-to-repair enforcement and supported related legislation, although no federal law has yet been enacted. The article also discusses how federal antitrust law intersects with right-to-repair claims, highlighting recent court cases involving Tesla and Deere & Co. that illustrate the legal complexities of aftermarket repair restrictions. Finally, it addresses policy considerations including consumer benefits, cybersecurity risks, environmental impacts, and the distinction between consumer products and enterprise-level goods in shaping right-to-repair initiatives.