This thesis deals with the application of the principle of
exhaustion of rights to copies of digital goods such as
computer programs and e-books. The issue is examined primarily
from the perspective of European Union law and then from the
law of the United States of America.  The thesis analyses the
intellectual property legislation in the European Union and the
relevant case law of the Court of Justice relating to the
issue, which the author also critically evaluates. The thesis
also compares the approaches of selected foreign jurisdictions.
Based on the analysis, the thesis identifies key challenges
related to the application of the principle of exhaustion of
rights in the digital environment and discusses possible future
developments of the legislation.