How the Right to Repair Movement is Boosting Third-Party Maintenance

The Right to Repair movement continues to gain traction across the U.S., advocating for the rights of consumers and businesses to repair and maintain their own equipment—without being locked into OEM service agreements. This movement is especially relevant to Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) providers, and here’s why:

What Is the Right to Repair?

The Right to Repair refers to the ability of individuals and organizations to fix their own devices or hire independent professionals to do so. It includes access to tools, diagnostic software, parts, schematics, and other resources necessary to perform repairs.

Historically, many manufacturers have restricted access to these materials, forcing customers to rely exclusively on the OEM for service—often at premium costs.

Legislative Momentum in 2025

The movement has been gaining serious legal ground in recent years. In addition to previously passed laws in New York (2022), Minnesota, and California, 2025 has brought more legislative wins:

• Oregon's Right to Repair Act went into effect this year, mandating that manufacturers make parts, tools, and documentation available to consumers and third parties for electronics sold in the state.

• Colorado expanded its previous agricultural equipment law to include medical and commercial IT equipment, further legitimizing TPM in regulated sectors.

• At the federal level, the FTC has continued to increase pressure on manufacturers by enforcing rules against unfair repair restrictions and endorsing broader right-to-repair legislation.

These new laws reflect a growing consensus: repairability is essential for affordability, sustainability, and consumer choice.

Why It Matters to Third-Party Maintenance

The Right to Repair and Third-Party Maintenance share a common mission:

• Promote fair competition

• Challenge OEM repair monopolies

• Lower costs for businesses

• Extend the life of equipment

• Reduce electronic waste

TPM stands to benefit enormously from this momentum, as businesses gain more freedom to choose cost-effective, flexible support options that align with their operational needs.

Bottom line? The Right to Repair movement isn’t just a consumer issue—it’s a business opportunity. It's a clear shift in the market towards openness, flexibility, and smarter lifecycle management.