Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting Planned Obsolescence

Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting Planned Obsolescence

The Cost of Brokenness: Why Your Products Don't Last
Planned Obsolescence, E-Waste, and the Economic Opportunity for India.

1. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence

2. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To
Fighting Planned Obsolescence
The Cost of Brokenness: Why Your Products Don't Last
Planned Obsolescence, E-Waste, and the Economic Opportunity for India.

3. Introduction –Defining the Conflict
•The"RighttoRepair"isamovementgainingtractionglobally,
advocatingforconsumers'abilitytorepairtheirownelectronics
andappliancesratherthanbeingforcedtousemanufacturer-
approvedservicesorreplacedevicesprematurely.
•Thismovementdirectlychallengestheconceptof"planned
obsolescence,"astrategywhereproductsaredesignedtohavea
limitedlifespan,encouragingconsumerstobuynewonesmore
frequently

4. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence

5. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence
•The"RighttoRepair"movementadvocatesforconsumers'abilityto
repairtheirownelectronicdevicesandappliances,ortochoose
independentrepairshops,ratherthanbeingforcedtouseonly
manufacturer-authorizedservices.

6. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence

7. Key Aspects of the Right to Repair
•AccesstoParts:Manufacturerswouldberequiredtomakespare
partsavailabletoconsumersandindependentrepairbusinessesat
fairmarketprices.
•AccesstoToolsandManuals:Thisincludesprovidingdiagnostic
tools,software,andrepairmanualsthatareoftenproprietaryand
restrictedbymanufacturers.
•PreventingRepairMonopolies:Themovementaimstocounteract
practicesbymanufacturersthatmakeindependentrepairdifficult
orimpossible,suchasdesigningproductsthatarehardtoopen,
usingproprietaryfasteners,or"part-pairing"softwarethatprevents
newpartsfromfunctioningunlessauthorizedbythemanufacturer.

8. Manufacturers would be required to make spare parts
available to consumers and independent repair businesses at
fair market prices.

9. Key Aspects of the Right to Repair
•ExtendingProductLifespan:Bymakingrepairsmoreaccessibleand
affordable,consumerscanfixtheirdevicesinsteadofhavingto
replacethem,reducingelectronicwasteandpromoting
sustainability.
•ConsumerChoice:Itempowersconsumerstodecidewhorepairs
theirproductsandpotentiallysavemoneyonrepairs.
•FairCompetition:Itallowsindependentrepairshopstocompete
fairlywithmanufacturer-authorizedservices.

10. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence

11. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence
•Themodernconsumermarketplaceisdefinedbyrapid
technologicalturnover,oftendrivennotbytrueinnovation,butby
productfailure.
•TheRighttoRepair(R2R)movementisadirectresponseto
plannedobsolescence,acalculatedbusinessstrategytolimitproduct
longevityandcompelprematurereplacement.
•FocusingonIndia,amarketwherethecostofreplacementposesa
substantialeconomicshocktomostconsumers.

12. My Product, My Choice.

13. Introduction –Defining the Conflict
MyProduct,MyChoice.
Whydoesasmallrepairoftencostmorethanareplacement?
•Definition:The"RighttoRepair"isalegislativepushrequiringmanufacturersto
makespareparts,tools,andtechnicaldocumentationavailabletoconsumersand
independentrepairshops.
•ThisiscrucialinIndia,wherethecostofreplacementisamuchhigherbarrier
toentryfortheaverageconsumerthaninmanyWesternmarkets.
•Manufacturer’sArgument:Controlensuressafety,quality,andintellectual
propertyprotection.
•Consumer’sArgument:Controlispurelyaboutprofitandforcingupgrades.

14. Why does a small repair often cost more than a
replacement?

15. Why It's A Growing Issue?
•Modernelectronicsareincreasinglycomplexandoftendesignedin
waysthatmakethemdifficulttorepairwithoutspecializedtoolsor
knowledge.
•Manufacturersoftenlimitaccesstoparts,tools,andinformation,
effectivelycreatingamonopolyonrepairs.
•Thiscanleadtohigherrepaircosts,longerwaittimes,and
sometimesevenforcesconsumerstobuynewdeviceswhena
simplerepaircouldhaveextendedthelifeoftheirexistingone.

16. Right to Repair: The Next Consumer Revolution To Fighting
Planned Obsolescence

17. Legislation and Advocacy:
•Variousstatesandcountriesareconsideringorhavepassed"Right
toRepair"legislation.
•Advocatesincludeenvironmentalgroups,consumerprotection
organizations,andindependentrepairbusinesses.
•Manufacturersoftenopposesuchlegislation,citingintellectual
propertyconcerns,safetyissues,andtheneedtoprotecttheir
servicenetworks.

18. Various states and countries are considering or have passed
"Right to Repair" legislation.

19. What is Planned Obsolescence?
Plannedobsolescencemanifestsinseveralways:
•DurabilityObsolescence:Productsaremadewithcomponentsthat
areknowntofailafteracertainperiod,oraresimplynotbuiltto
last.
•AestheticObsolescence:Constantchangesindesignandstylemake
olderproductsseemunfashionable,eveniftheyarestillfunctional
•SystemicObsolescence:Softwareupdatesornewtechnologiesmake
olderhardwareincompatibleorlessefficient,pushingusers
towardsupgrades

20. Durability Obsolescence
Aesthetic Obsolescence
Systemic Obsolescence

21. What is Planned Obsolescence?
•PreventedReparability:ThisiswheretheRighttoRepairmovement
focusesitsefforts.Manufacturersmakeitdifficultorimpossiblefor
consumersorindependentrepairshopstofixproductsdueto:
•ProprietaryPartsandTools:Requiringspecialized,oftenunavailable,
toolsorparts.
•GluedorWeldedComponents:Makingdisassemblywithoutdamage
impossible.
•SoftwareLocks:Pairingcomponentsviasoftware,soareplacementpart
won'tworkwithoutmanufacturerauthorization.
•LackofSchematicsandManuals:Withholdingrepairinformation.
•WarrantyVoiding:Threateningtovoidwarrantiesifunauthorized
repairsareattempted.

22. The Mechanism of Planned Obsolescence
•Plannedobsolescenceisexecutedthroughdeliberatedesignchoices
thatmanifestintwoprincipalways:hardwaredegradationand
marketsuppression.
QualityDegradationandDurabilityObsolescence
•Aclearindicationofobsolescenceistheshiftinmanufacturing
material.Oldergenerationsofproducts,particularlyinthe
automotiveandappliancesectors,wereoftendefinedbyover-
engineered,metallicinternalcomponents.

23. The Mechanism of Planned Obsolescence
•Moderncounterparts,however,frequentlyemploycheaper,
lightweightfiberandplasticsubstituteswhichlackthetensile
strengthanddurabilityofmetal.
•Thisdeliberatechoiceensuresthatstresspointsbreakpredictably,
forcingconsumersintohigh-costrepairsorreplacements
(ConsumerProtectionAuthorityofIndia,2024).

24. The Core Strategy: Planned Obsolescence
(Design & Quality)
DesignedtoDie.
•Definition:Thepracticeofdesigningproductswithanartificiallylimited
usefullife,forcingprematurereplacement.
ThreeKeyTypesofObsolescence:
•Durability(TheQualityDegradation):Usingcheap,non-durablecomponents.
CaseinPoint(India):Thevisibleshiftinappliancesandautomobilesfrom
sturdymetallicinternalcomponentstobrittleplasticorfibersubstitutes.Older
productswereheavyandover-engineered;moderncounterpartsarelightand
failduetocomponentstress.
•Repairability:Designingproductsthataredifficultorimpossibletorepair(e.g.,
gluingcomponents,proprietaryscrews).
•Systemic(Software):Usingsoftwareupdatesorpartserializationto"brick"or
degradefunctionalitywhenthird-partypartsareused.

25. Designed to Die.
The practice of designing products with an artificially limited useful
life, forcing premature replacement.

26. Durability (The Quality Degradation): Using cheap, non-durable components.
Case in Point (India): The visible shift in appliances and automobiles from sturdy metallic
internal components to brittle plastic or fiber substitutes

27. Repairability: Designing products that are difficult or
impossible to repair
(e.g., gluing components, proprietary screws).

28. Systemic (Software): Using software updates or part serialization to
"brick" or degrade functionality when third-party parts are used.

29. Engineered Monopolies and Artificial Demand
•Companiesleveragemonopolisticcontroloverthepost-saleservice
processtocreateartificialdemandfornewproducts.Thisis
achievedvia:
•PsychologicalObsolescence:Aggressivemarketingandminor
aestheticchangesconvinceconsumerstheirfullyfunctionaldevice
is"outdated."
•Furthermore,thepracticeofartificialstagnation—slowingdown
softwareonoldermodelsordiscontinuingcrucialsecurity
updates—forcesuserstowardnewerhardware(Jones&Smith,
2023).

30. Companies leverage monopolistic control over the post-sale
service process to create artificial demand for new products.

31. Engineered Monopolies and Artificial Demand
•ServiceBlackoutsandMonopolisticPricing:Authorizedservice
centersareofteninstructedtoreplaceexpensivemodules(e.g.,an
entiremotherboard)ratherthanperformingcomponent-level
repairs(e.g.,replacingasinglecapacitor).
•Simultaneously,manufacturerspricegenuinespareparts
prohibitivelyhigh,psychologicallynudgingtheconsumertoward
purchasinganewproductratherthanrepairingtheoldone(Ariel,
2022).

32. Service Blackouts and Monopolistic Pricing

33. The Business of Brokenness: Engineered Monopolies
ManufacturingDemand,MonopolizingService.
•CreatingFalseDemand(PsychologicalObsolescence):
•MarketingManipulation:Aggressive,non-stopmarketingand
minordesigntweaksthatconvinceconsumerstheircurrent,
functioningdeviceis"slow"or"outdated"andmustbeupgraded.
•ArtificialStagnation:Slowingdownsoftwareonoldermodelsor
discontinuingsoftwaresupporttopushuserstowardnewer
hardware.

34. Artificial Stagnation:Slowing down software on older
models or discontinuing software support to push users
toward newer hardware

35. The Business of Brokenness: Engineered Monopolies
LackofServiceAvailability&Monopoly:
•ServiceBlackout:Authorizedservicecentersareoftenmandated
toreplaceentiremodules(e.g.,anentiremotherboard)rather
thanrepairacheapcomponent(e.g.,asimplecapacitor),driving
upcost.
•MonopolisticPricing:Settingsparepartcostssohighthatthe
consumerispsychologicallynudgedtowardreplacementrather
thanrepair.

36. Service Blackout:Authorized service centers are often mandated to
replace entire modules (e.g., an entire motherboard) rather than
repair a cheap component (e.g., a simple capacitor), driving up cost.

37. Monopolistic Pricing:Setting spare part costs so high that
the consumer is psychologically nudged toward replacement
rather than repair.

38. The Business of Brokenness: Engineered Monopolies
TheRoleofGovernment&ConsumerProtection:
•Governmentoversight(liketheCentralConsumerProtection
Authority(CCPA)inIndia)iscriticaltomonitorandhaltthese
unfairtradepracticesandcurbmonopolisticbehaviorsinthe
after-salesmarket.

39. Sectoral Case Studies in Market Suppression
•Thetacticsofobsolescencearetailoredtothespecificnatureof
eachindustry,demonstratingacoordinatedefforttocontrolthe
entireproductlifecycle.

40. Sectoral Case Studies in Market Suppression
MobileandConsumerElectronics
•Inthissector,theprimarybarrierisphysicalanddigitalcomponent
control.Manufacturersuseexcessiveadhesivetosealcomponents,
renderingsimpletaskslikebatteryreplacementdifficultfor
unauthorizedtechnicians.
•AprevalentissueintheIndianmarketisthehighcostand
frequencyofbatteryreplacement,oftenpricedcloseto40%ofthe
device'sinitialvalueatauthorizedcenters,whichincentivizes
replacementoverrepair.

41. Manufacturers use excessive adhesive to seal components,
rendering simple tasks like battery replacement difficult for
unauthorized technicians

42. Mobile and Consumer Electronics
•Morecritically,PartSerializationlinkskeycomponents(screens,
batteries,cameras)tothedevice'slogicboardviaproprietary
software.
•Ifathird-partyorsalvagedpartisinstalled,thedevicedisplays
persistentwarningsorlosescorefunctionality,effectivelybricking
therepair.
•Thistacticforcesrelianceonauthorizedcenters(iFixitFoundation,
2021).TheIndiangreymarket,suchasGaffarMarketinDelhi,is
consequentlyreliantonlow-qualityduplicatespares,perpetuatinga
cycleofpoorrepairandrepeatfailures.

43. Case Study 1: Mobile & Consumer Electronics
(Forcing Upgrades)
TheGluedBatteryandtheSoftwareLock.
KeyTactics:
•GluedComponents:Usingexcessiveadhesivetomakebatteryreplacement
orscreenrepairprohibitivelydifficultfornon-authorizedtechnicians.
•PartSerialization:Linkingkeycomponents(likescreensorcamera
modules)tothedevice'slogicboardviasoftware.Ifathird-partypartis
installed,thedevicedisplayswarningsorlosesfeatures.
•IndianMarketContext:Greymarketrepairhubs(likeGaffarMarketin
Delhi)relyonlow-qualityduplicatesparesbecausemanufacturersrefuseto
supplygenuinepartstotheinformalsector,leadingtoapoorerrepair
experienceandrepeatfailuresforconsumers.

44. The Glued Battery and the Software Lock.

45. Grey market repair hubs (like Gaffar Market in Delhi) rely on low-quality
duplicate spares because manufacturers refuse to supply genuine parts to the
informal sector, leading to a poorer repair experience and repeat failures for
consumers.

46. IT and Appliances
•ITmanufacturingemploystheUpgradeBlockade,permanently
solderingRAMandstoragecomponentsdirectlyontothe
mainboard.Thispreventssimple,low-costupgradesthatwould
extendthemachine'slife,mandatingthepurchaseofanentirely
newmachinewhenperformancelagsoracomponentfails.
•Aclassiccaseofconsumablesobsolescenceisfoundinprinters,
wheremanufacturersusefirmwaretoblocktheuseofthird-party
orrefilledinkcartridges,despitethecartridgesbeingfunctionally
identical.

47. A classic case of consumables obsolescence is found in printers,
where manufacturers use firmware to block the use of third-party or
refilled ink cartridges, despite the cartridges being functionally
identical.

48. IT and Appliances
•Similarly,inlargeappliances,thetrendtowardssealedcomponents
andtheintegrationofbrittleplasticdrums(asseeninwashing
machines)meansasmallmechanicalfailure(e.g.,abearing)
requiresthereplacementoftheentire,expensiveassembly,rather
thanthesmall,fixablecomponent(EnvironmentalResearch
Institute,2022).
•Furthermore,majorhomeapplianceslikerefrigeratorsnowoften
useproprietary,non-universalcomponentsforrefrigerationcircuits
thataresealedandnon-serviceable,drivinguprepaircostsand
encouragingunitreplacement.

49. Major Home Appliances Like RefrigeratorsNow Often Use
Proprietary, Non-universal Components For Refrigeration Circuits
That Are Sealed And Non-serviceable, Driving Up Repair Costs And
Encouraging Unit Replacement

50. Case Study 2: IT & Computing (Limiting Upgrades)
TheSolderedComponentTrend&ApplianceFailures.
•TheUpgradeBlockade:Permanentattachmentofmemoryandstorage
(SolderedRAM/SSD)directlytothemainboard,preventinglow-costupgrades
orreplacementwhenfaulty,forcingthepurchaseofanentirelynewmachine.
•LackofSchematics:Refusaltopublishrepairmanualsandwiringdiagrams,
makingcomplexfaultdiagnosisnearlyimpossibleforindependentshops.
•ApplianceMaterialDegradation(India):Inwashingmachines,newmodelsuse
fibre-reinforcedplasticdrumsthatarelighterbutcrackeasilyandareoften
sealed/welded,meaningasinglebearingfailurerequiresreplacingtheentire
tubassembly—anexpensive,wastefulrepair.

51. IT & Computing (Limiting Upgrades)
Permanent attachment of memory and storage (Soldered RAM/SSD), Refusal to publish repair
manuals and wiring diagrams, In washing machines, new models use fibre-reinforced plastic
drums that are lighter but crack easily

52. Automobile Industry
•Themodernautomobilereliesheavilyoncomputerization,
allowingmanufacturerstoimposeDigitalLocksontheEngine.
ManufacturersrestrictaccesstotheElectronicControlUnit(ECU)
softwarenecessaryforfaultdiagnosisandreprogrammingnew
parts.Independentmechanicsarebarredfromusingproprietary
diagnostictools,renderingthemdependentoncostlydealer
networks.
•Thisissueiscompoundedbythestructuralshiftinmaterial,where
modernIndiancarsutilizeextensiveplasticunderbodycladding
thatishighlypronetodamage,increasingthefrequencyof
requireddealershipservice(AutoRepairGuildofIndia,2023).

53. Case Study 3: Automobile Industry
(Controlling Diagnostics)
DigitalLocksontheEngineandPlasticBodies.
•TheDealerDependency:Modernvehicles(carsandtwo-
wheelers)relyheavilyontheElectronicControlUnit(ECU)
forfuelmanagementanddiagnostics.Manufacturersrestrict
accesstothesoftwareneededforindependentrepair.

54. Case Study 3: Automobile Industry
(Controlling Diagnostics)
KeyTactics:
•ProprietaryDiagnosticTools:Independentmechanics(for
bothcarsandtwo-wheelers)oftenlackthespecialized
scanningtoolsrequiredtoreadandresetmodernECUs.
•Anti-TamperingSoftware:Vehiclesoftwaremaylockor
displaypersistenterrorsifcriticalcomponents(likeABS
modulesorenginesensors)arereplacedbynon-authorized
parts.
•Two-WheelerSpecificIssue(India):Theshiftfrommechanical
carburetorstoelectronicFuelInjection(FI)systemsinpopular
Indianmotorcyclesandscootershastransferredcontroltothe
OEMsoftware,makingsimpletune-upsimpossiblewithout
proprietarydealershipscanners.

55. Automobile Industry
(Controlling Diagnostics)

56. Case Study 3: Automobile Industry
(Controlling Diagnostics)
•MaterialShift(VehicleDurability):ModernIndianvehicles(both4-
wheelersand2-wheelers)featureextensiveplasticpanelsandfiber
componentsthatbreakeasilyuponminorimpactorduetomaterial
degradation,contrastingsharplywiththerobust,metallicbodiesof
previousgenerations

57. Case Studies of Covert Obsolescence
•Beyondvisibledesignbarriers,manymultinationalbrandsemploy
strategiesthatmanipulateconsumerswithouttheirexplicit
knowledge,highlightingtheneedforregulatoryoversight:
•SoftwareThrottling("Batterygate"):Oneofthemostprominent
examplesofsystemicobsolescenceoccurredwhenamajor
smartphonemanufacturercovertlyreleasedsoftwareupdatesthat
intentionallysloweddowntheperformanceofoldermodels
(specificallythosewithdegradedbatteries).
•Consumersoftenperceivedthissuddensluggishnessasanecessity
toupgradetoanewphone,whentherealfixwasasimplebattery
replacement,arepairthemanufacturerdiscouraged.

58. One of the most prominent examples of systemic obsolescence
occurred when a major smartphone manufacturer covertly released
software updates that intentionally slowed down the performanceof
older models

59. Case Studies of Covert Obsolescence
•PrinterCartridgeDigitalRightsManagement(DRM):Manyprinter
manufacturersinstallsmallmicrochipsintheirinkcartridges.
Thesechipscommunicatewiththeprinter'sfirmwaretoperform
twoexploitativefunctions:
•1)theyforcetheprintertorefusetorecognizeanduseperfectly
good,non-OEMinkcartridges,and
•2)theymaysignalthecartridgeas"empty"evenwhenresidualink
remains,forcingprematurereplacement.Thiscreatesahighly
profitablemonopolyonconsumables.

60. Many printer manufacturers install small microchips in their ink
cartridges.
These chips communicate with the printer's firmware to perform
exploitative functions

61. Case Studies of Covert Obsolescence
•ProprietaryFastenersandTools:Manymanufacturers,across
appliancesandelectronics,replacestandardPhillipsorflathead
screwswithproprietaryfasteners(e.g.,Pentalobeortri-wing
screws).
•Theconsumer,lackingthespecializedscrewdriver,isinstantly
lockedoutofperformingsimple,internalmaintenance(like
cleaningafanorcheckingacable),makingrepairdependenton
eitherpurchasingspecializedtoolsorvisitinganauthorizedcenter.

62. Proprietary Fasteners and Tools

63. Why is the Right to Repair Important?
•EnvironmentalImpact:Electronicwaste(e-waste)isamassive
problem.
•Morerepairsmeanfewerdiscardeddevices,conservingresources
andreducinglandfillburden.

64. Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact
•Theresultofengineeredobsolescenceisnotjustconsumer
frustrationbutasignificantglobalcrisis.
•E-WasteCrisis:Shorterproductlifecyclesdriveamassiveand
unsustainableincreaseinelectronicwaste.Lessthan20%ofglobal
e-wasteisformallyrecycled;theremainderposesasevere
environmentalhazardduetotoxiccomponentslikelead,cadmium,
andmercury(UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme,2024).

65. E-Waste Crisis

66. Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact
•ConsumerFinancialBurden:InacountrylikeIndia,forcingthe
prematurereplacementofamajorapplianceorvehicleimposesa
significantandavoidablefinancialshockonmiddle-andlow-
incomehouseholds,contributingtodebtandeconomicinstability.

67. Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact
•SuppressionofLocalEconomy:Bymonopolizingserviceandparts,
corporationsstarvethevastnetworkofindependentrepairshops
andtechnicians,hinderingthegrowthoflocalenterpriseand
channelingallrevenuebacktoafewmultinationalentities.

68. The Unintended Consequences (The E-Waste Crisis)
FillingLandfills,EmptyingWallets.
•ConsumerCost:Forcesconsumerstospendmoneysoonerthannecessaryon
newproducts,fuelingunnecessarydebt.
•Elaboration:ForthevastIndianmiddleclass,replacingamajorappliance
orvehicleprematurelyrepresentsasignificantfinancialshock.
•EnvironmentalCost(E-Waste):Shorterproductlifecyclesleadtoamassive
increaseinelectronicwaste,aprimarysourceofenvironmentalpollutionfrom
hazardousmaterialslikelead,cadmium,andmercury.
•Example:Lessthan20%ofglobale-wasteisformallyrecycled.
•EconomicCost:Crippleslocaleconomiesbyremovingbusinessfrom
independentrepairshops,channelingallrevenuebacktoafewmultinational
corporations.

69. Filling Landfills, Emptying Wallets.
Forces consumers to spend money sooner than necessary on new products,
fueling unnecessary debt.
Shorter product life cycles lead to a massive increase in electronic waste, a
primary source of environmental pollution

70. The Restoration Market: A New Avenue for Product
Longevity in India
•Thedevelopmentofarobust,formalizedrestorationmarket
representsamajoropportunitytoredefineconsumptionpatterns
andenhanceproductutilityinIndia.Thismarketcreatesavital
newavenueforconsumers,particularlythoseseekingvalue,to
activelyoptforrepairandlongevityoverreplacement.

71. The Restoration Market: A New Avenue for Product
Longevity in India
•ExtendingtheProductCycle&E-WasteReduction:Restoration
servicesdirectlycombatplannedobsolescencebyextendingthe
functionallifespanofgoodsbeyondthemanufacturer’sintended
limit.
•Thispracticeisthemostdirectwaytoreducethestreamof
functionalproductsenteringthewastesystem,thereby
significantlymitigatingthenationale-wasteburdenandfosteringa
genuinecirculareconomy.

72. Restoration services directly combat planned obsolescence by
extending the functional lifespan of goods beyond the manufacturer’s
intended limit.

73. The Restoration Market: A New Avenue for Product
Longevity in India
•TheAffordableGoodsAvenue:Repairserviceseffectivelyaddlife
andguaranteedqualitytoexistingproducts,creatingareliable,
affordablesecondarymarketforrefurbishedandrestoredgoods
(e.g.,mobilephones,laptops,andusedcarparts).
•FortheIndianconsumer,thisnewavenueprovidesaccesstohigh-
quality,durablegoodsatafractionofthecostofnewpurchases,
enhancingaffordabilityandeconomicinclusion.

74. The Affordable Goods Avenue

75. The Restoration Market: A New Avenue for Product
Longevity in India
•JobCreationandLocalEconomy:Formalizingthismarketfostersa
newwaveofskilledemploymentforindependenttechnicians,
certifiedrepairshops,andpartssuppliers—criticalforIndia'slarge,
technicallyproficientworkforce.
•BreakingMonopoliesandDrivingQuality:Competitionfroma
strongrestorationsectorforcesmanufacturerstoeitherlowerthe
pricesofnewgoodsandsparepartsorimprovetheirproducts'
inherentdurabilitytocompetewithhigh-qualityrefurbished
options.Thisshiftsmarketpowerbacktotheconsumer.

76. The Restoration Market: A New Avenue for Product
Longevity in India

77. The Path to Restoration: Economic Opportunity and
Regulatory Action
•TheRighttoRepairisnotmerelyaboutconsumerprotection;itisa
powerfuleconomiccatalyst.
•EconomicMultiplierandAffordability
•FormalizingtheR2RmarketcreatesanEconomicMultiplierby
generatinganewwaveofskilledjobsforindependenttechnicians,
certifiedrepairshops,andpartsdistributors.
•Moreimportantly,itallowsrepairservicestoaddlifetoexisting
products,therebycreatingarobust,affordable,andquality-assured
secondarymarketforrefurbishedgoods(laptops,phones,cars).This
influxofaffordable,qualityusedgoodsdirectlychallengesthehighprice
pointsofnewproducts,therebyapplyingcompetitivepressurethat
benefitsallconsumers.

78. Formalizing the R2R market creates an Economic Multiplierby
generating a new wave of skilled jobs for independent technicians,
certified repair shops, and parts distributors

79. Economic & Social Impact of Repair: The Opportunity
Repair as Restoration: Jobs, Value, and Affordability.
•TheLegislativeDemand(R2RSolution):R2Rlegislationrequiresmanufacturersto
providegenuinespareparts,tools,andrepairdocumentation.
•EconomicMultiplier:
•JobCreation:Formalizingtherepairmarketcreatesanewwaveofskilledjobsfor
independenttechnicians,certifiedrepairshops,andpartssuppliers.Thisisvital
forIndia'slarge,technicallyproficientworkforce.
•NewAffordableMarket:Repairserviceseffectivelyaddlifetoexistingproducts,
creatingarobust,secondarymarketforrefurbishedandrestoredgoods(e.g.,
mobilephones,laptops,andusedcarparts)thatareaffordableandreliable.
•BreakingMonopolies&PricePressure:Byenablingcompetitionintheserviceand
partsmarket,manufacturerslosetheirabilitytosetarbitrary,monopolisticprices
forsparesandservice.Thiscompetitionforcesmanufacturerstoeitherdropthe
priceofnewgoodsorimprovetheirlongevitytocompetewithqualityrefurbished
options.

80. R2R legislation requires manufacturers to provide genuine
spare parts, tools, and repair documentation.

81. The R2R Legal Framework: Key Pillars
Tobreakthesemonopolies,governmentsmustimplementacomprehensiveR2Rlawwiththe
followingnon-negotiablepillars:
•MandatorySupplyandFairPricing:OEMsmustbecompelledtosellgenuinesparepartsand
specializedtoolstoallpartiesatanon-discriminatory,reasonablewholesaleprice,andfora
definedminimumduration.
•FullDisclosureofDocumentation:Thepublicmusthaveaccesstoservicemanuals,schematics,
andproprietarydiagnosticsoftware.
•BanningAnti-RepairTactics:Thelawmustexplicitlyprohibitsoftware-basedbarrierslikePart
Serializationandensurethatusinganindependentrepairservicedoesnotvoidaproduct’s
warranty.
•EnforcementandPenalties:Adedicatedauthority,suchastheCCPA,mustbeempoweredwith
resourcestomonitorcomplianceandimposeheavy,financiallydeterrentpenaltieson
manufacturerswhoviolatethelaw.
•PromotingDurability:IntroduceamandatoryRepairabilityScoredisplayedonproductsatthe
pointofsale,usingmarkettransparencytoincentivizemanufacturerstodesignforlongevity.

82. The R2R Legal Framework: Key Pillars

83. The R2R Legal Framework: Protecting Consumer Rights

84. Global and Local Advocacy
•ThesuccessfulimplementationofR2Rlawsisdrivenbystrong
collaborationbetweenconsumerbodies,independentrepair
communities,andgovernmentaloversight.
•InternationalMomentum(EU&US):TheEuropeanUnion(EU)has
pioneeredR2RbyintegratingitintoitsEcodesignDirective,
mandatingthatmanufacturersprovidepartsandmanualsfor
specificperiods,therebysettingaglobalstandardforapplianceand
consumerelectronicslongevity.
•Similarly,activistgroupslikeiFixit(US-based)playacrucialroleby
providingrepairguidesandopenlylobbyingstategovernments
(likeNewYorkandMassachusetts)topassR2Rlegislation.

85. Global and Local Advocacy

86. Global and Local Advocacy
•IndianInitiatives:InIndia,theeffortisprimarilygovernmental,led
bytheDepartmentofConsumerAffairsundertheMinistryof
ConsumerAffairs,Food&PublicDistribution.
•TheyhavebeenactivelydevelopingacomprehensivenationalR2R
framework.Additionally,keygovernmentbodiesliketheCentral
ConsumerProtectionAuthority(CCPA)areexpectedtobethe
primaryenforcementagenciesfortheforthcomingR2Rregulations,
taskedwithmonitoringunfairtradepracticesandensuring
compliancebymanufacturers.
•Thiscentralizedgovernmentpushrepresentsastrongcommitment
toenshriningR2Rasacoreconsumerright.

87. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)are expected to be
the primary enforcement agencies for the forthcoming R2R
regulations

88. Case Study: EU's Ecodesign Mandate (Reducing E-Waste)
Governmentvs.E-Waste:ARegulatorySuccessStory.
•TheCoreAction:TheEuropeanUnionimplementedtheEcodesignDirective,which
mandatesminimumlifespansandrepairprovisionsforcommonhouseholdappliances.
•RegulationDetails:
•Manufacturersmustguaranteetheavailabilityofessentialspareparts(likedoor
hinges,rubberseals,andthermostats)foraminimumof7to10yearsafterthe
productleavesthemarket.
•Partsmustbereplaceableusingcommonlyavailabletools,notproprietary
equipment.
•Professionalrepairersmustbegrantedaccesstotechnicalinformationandrepair
manuals.
•ImpactonE-Waste:Thislegislationdirectlyaddressesdurabilityobsolescenceand
repairabilityobsolescence,shiftingthedesignincentivefromcheapest-to-manufacture
tolongest-lastingandeasiest-to-fix.Itisapowerfulexampleofhowgovernment
interventioncanforcesustainabilityandcurbprematuredisposal.

89. The European Union implemented the Ecodesign Directive, which
mandates minimum lifespans and repair provisions for common
household appliances.

90. Regulatory Action & Call to Action
GlobalMomentum&RegulatoryMandates.
•GlobalAction:PrecedentssetintheUS(Massachusetts,NewYork)andtheEU
(Ecodesignrulesmandatingrepairability).
•TheIndianInitiative:India'sDepartmentofConsumerAffairsisactively
developinganationalR2Rframework,signalingstronggovernmentintentto
formalizeandprotecttherepairecosystemagainstthemonopoliesestablished
byplannedobsolescence.
•CalltoAction:SupportR2Rlegislationinyourregion,chooseproducts
designedforrepairability,andutilizeindependentrepairshops.

91. Global Momentum & Regulatory Mandates.

92. Advocacy Case Study: iFixit and the Global Repair Movement
•Non-governmentalorganizationshavebeeninstrumentalindriving
theR2Rmovement.iFixitisagloballeaderfoundedonthe
principlethatconsumershavetherighttorepairwhattheyown.
Theircoreinitiativesinclude:
•FreeRepairManuals:iFixitprovidesthousandsofdetailed,open-
sourcerepairguidesforelectronicsandappliances,effectively
democratizingknowledgeanddirectlychallengingmanufacturer
monopoliesondocumentation.

93. iFixitis a global leader founded on the principle that
consumers have the right to repair what they own

94. Advocacy Case Study: iFixit and the Global Repair Movement
•TheRepairabilityScore:Theypubliclygradenewproducts(ona1-
10scale)basedoncriterialikeeaseofdisassemblyandcomplexity
ofparts.Thiscreatesmarkettransparency,empoweringconsumers
tomakeinformedchoicesandplacingdirectpressureon
manufacturerstoimproveproductdesign.
•PolicyAdvocacy:Theorganizationservesasakeytechnical
authority,lobbyinggovernmentsworldwideandprovidingdetailed
evidenceregardinganti-repairpractices,whichvalidatesthe
necessityofR2Rlegislation(iFixitFoundation).

95. Advocacy Case Study: iFixit and the Global Repair Movement

96. Conclusion
•Plannedobsolescence,drivenbyadesireforperpetualprofit,represents
aseverechallengetoconsumersovereignty,environmental
sustainability,andeconomicequityintheIndianmarketplace.
•Thestrategicdegradationofmaterialqualityandthemonopolizationof
theservicelifecyclearekeytacticsusedtocoerceunnecessary
replacement.
•TheimplementationofarobustRighttoRepairlegalframework,
supportedbyagenciesliketheCCPAandinspiredbyglobalprecedentsset
bytheEU,isthemosteffectivemeanstocounteractthesestrategies.
•Bymandatingaccesstoparts,tools,anddocumentation,thegovernment
candismantlecorporatemonopolies,protectconsumerinvestment,drive
thegrowthofaskilledworkforce,andfundamentallyshifttheeconomy
fromawasteful,linearmodeltoasustainable,circularone.

97. The implementation of a robust Right to Repair legal framework,
supported by agencies like the CCPA and inspired by global
precedents set by the EU, is the most effective means to counteract
monopolistic strategies.

98. References & Further Reading
SourcesandPolicyInsights
•Academic&IndustrySources(Placeholders):
•Ariel,P.(2022).Thebusinessofbrokenness:Monopoliesandplannedobsolescenceinthe
21stcentury.
•Jones,M.,&Smith,L.(2023).Psychologicalobsolescence:Marketingandconsumer
manipulationinthedigitalage.
•EnvironmentalResearchInstitute.(2022).Thelinkbetweenproductdesignandglobale-
wastevolumes.
•UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme.(2024).Globale-wastemonitor:Volumeand
flow.
•Policy&AdvocacyReferences:
•India:CentralConsumerProtectionAuthority(CCPA)andDepartmentofConsumer
Affairspolicydrafts(2024).
•International:EuropeanUnionEco-designDirectiveandR2RadvocacybyiFixit
Foundation.
•Industry:AutoRepairGuildofIndia&ConsumerProtectionAuthorityofIndiareports.

99. References & Further Reading
KeyAdvocacyWebsites&Documentaries:
•Website:iFixit(AgloballeaderinR2Radvocacy,providingdetailedrepair
guidesandrepairabilityscores.)
•Documentary:TheLightBulbConspiracy(2010)-Exploresthehistoryof
plannedobsolescence,tracingitbacktothePhoebuscartel.
•Book:Garside,K.(2024).TheRighttoRepair:HowWeCanTakeBackControl
ofOurThings.(PlaceholderforadirectR2Rbook.)

100. Planned Obsolescence documentary -The Light Bulb Conspiracy
(2010)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzJI8gfpu5Y

101. Our whole economy is based on planned obsolescence...we make good products,
we induce people to buy them, and then the next year we deliberately introduce
something that will make these products old-fashioned, out of date, obsolete.
-Brooks Stevens

102. The Right to Repair: A Divine Sanction for Modern Times
TheBoonofLordVishwakarma
•LordVishwakarmaisreveredinHindutraditionastheDivine
Architect,CelestialCraftsman,andFirstEngineeroftheUniverse.
Heisthepatrondeityofartisans,engineers,mechanics,and
industrialworkers.
•HiscreationsincludemagnificentcitieslikeDwarkaandLanka,
anddivineweaponsliketheVajra.
•ThecorephilosophyofVishwakarmaPujaistheworshipand
respectfortools,machinery,andthecraftofcreationand
maintenance.Workersclean,adorn,andpraytotheirequipment,
seekingblessingsforsafety,skill,andlongevityintheirtrade.

103. The Right to Repair: A Divine Sanction for Modern Times

104. Connecting the Divine Craft to the Right to Repair
•TheRighttoRepairisnotmerelyamodernpolicy;itisthecontemporary
manifestationofLordVishwakarma'sblessingonhumankind.
TheBoonistheFreedomtoFix:
•HonoringtheTool'sLongevity:Byallowingandenablingrepair,wehonorthe
toolandmachine,extendingitslifeandrejectingthecultureof'useand
throw,'whichisaninsulttothedivinecraft.
•EmpoweringtheArtisan(TheMechanic/Technician):Itisamovementthat
givesbackcontrolanddignitytothehandsofthecraftsman—thelocalrepair
shop,theindependenttechnician,themodern-daydevoteeofVishwakarma.
•UpholdingtheDivineDesign:Itensuresthattheknowledge,spareparts,and
toolsnecessarytomaintainandfixwhathasbeenbuiltareaccessibletoall,
preservingthespiritofexcellenceandmaintenancecentraltotheDivine
Architect'steaching.

105. The Right to Repair is not merely a modern policy; it is the
contemporary manifestation of Lord Vishwakarma's blessing on
humankind.

106. The Right to Repair: The Reaffirmation of Craftsmanship
•ThispresentationexploreshowtheRighttoRepairlegislationin
Indiaandgloballyactsasaformal,legalframeworktoupholdthis
ancient,divineprinciple:Thatwhatisbuiltcanandmustbefixed.

107. ઇન્સાનહોકીવસ્તુઅમેસાચાવામામાનીએછે, "રિપેિકિવાનો
અરિકાિ" આયેભગવાનરવશ્વકમાાનીઆિાિનાકિવાનીએકતકછે.

108. Thanks !!!