An old topic that still frustrates consumers, eBook geographic restrictions limit the purchase of certain titles to specific countries. Here is an explanation of geographic restrictions from both sides.
Geographic Restriction: What is it?
Depending on how the eBook contract was written, eBook stores can't sell specific books to customers who live in certain countries. It varies from book to book. When a consumer goes to purchase an ebook, they will see a list of countries that are not allowed or allowed to purchase the book.
Why Would Publishers Place this Limitation?
With the paper book business, rights of books have been sold to different publishers by geographic region. This practice may be outdated when it comes to ebook technology; however, the rules are still in place. If a publisher violates the contract, they will face legal action. Also, sellers must also follow these rules as they could face publishers withdrawing the books from their stock.
Let's Complain to the Publisher
A letter or email of complaint may sound good in this situation; however, it isn't going to help. The biggest problem is that the ebook rights might be held by several different publishers in different countries. The publisher that gives the right to sell the ebook only has the permission to do so in the country or countries noted in the contract.
There is Another Side to this Story
It is frustrating when we have our heart set on buying a book, and then find out that we can't. This is true for European and Australian countries. These restrictions don't really touch the American consumer. It is a hot topic amongst the ereader owner population, but there is another side to this story.
In order to preserve a country's local economy and reflect cultural differences in the market, these restrictions are present. The money made from country-specific international editions help keep an infrastructure that supports local publishing. Local pricing choices and earned profits are the heartbeat of an economy.
American publishers, big-time players in the publishing world can drown smaller countries. This truly can affect a small country's economy. In addition, international tax on ebooks can take its toll on these countries as well.
When restrictions affect our love of reading, it is a sensitive topic, but unfortunately, publishers must abide by the rules. Hopefully in time, these restrictions will be modified to adhere with ebook technology.
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