McDonald’s ice cream machines, infamous for frequent breakdowns, may finally become easier to repair thanks to a new exemption from the US Copyright Office. This exemption allows third parties to diagnose and repair commercial equipment, which includes McDonald’s machines that make McFlurries. For years, franchise owners couldn’t fix these machines because digital locks prevented them from accessing the equipment, which only the manufacturer, Taylor, could bypass. Now, they’ll be able to get around those restrictions.
The move is partly thanks to efforts by iFixit and Public Knowledge, who filed for the exemption with support from the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice. Although the exemption doesn’t cover all the equipment requested by iFixit and Public Knowledge, it’s a major win for those dealing with McDonald’s faulty machines. Meredith Rose, a senior policy counsel for Public Knowledge, said this new rule could “spark a flurry of third-party repair activity” and improve service for customers. The exemption takes effect on October 28th, potentially making your next McFlurry order experience a little smoother.
