Robert -- whether the books are gray market goods depends upon whether
they are legitimate goods (not pirated or counterfeit goods). The
definition of a gray market good is a genuine good that is distributed
through unauthorized distribution channels -- the standard example is a
good authorized to be manufactured or distributed overseas for a foreign
market, but which then is re-imported into the US without permission of
the manufacturer to compete with authorized distribution channels here.
So if the book was authorized by West for overseas distribution only,
yes, this is a gray market book.

As a West author, I find this all distressing  . . . .

Lynda



-----Original Message-----
From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robert Bird
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 5:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: gray market textbooks?

Hello everyone,
 
This semester I am using a new edition of a West textbook for a upper
division course.  Students sought out the book online and have appeared
with "International Student Versions" in the class.  These versions are
identical but are in a paperback format.  Strategically placed stickers
advertise the website where the book was obtained.  If you lift up the
stickers, the book states in big letters that the textbook is not to be
sold or used in the United States.  Conveniently, the course is
international business law and I used the book as an example of the
international gray market.  Am I right as to what these textbooks are?
Are there any other legal issues relevant to these rogue texts appearing
in class?
 
Thanks!
 
Robert C. Bird
Assistant Professor
University of Connecticut
email: [log in to unmask]