What is the 'right to repair' movement and how has it intersected with intellectual property and warranty law?

The right to repair movement has gained significant legislative momentum at both state and federal levels. Manufacturers like Apple, John Deere, and medical device makers restrict repair through software locks enforced by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which prohibits circumventing digital controls even on products you own. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act already prohibits manufacturers from voiding warranties solely because a consumer used a third-party repair service or parts, though manufacturers often do so anyway. As of 2024, over 30 states have introduced right to repair legislation, and Colorado enacted a right to repair law for agricultural equipment. The FTC has also issued reports supporting right to repair reforms and has taken action against companies that illegally void warranties.