posted on July 6, 2001 01:03:27 PM new
I just have 2 of my auctions ended early by Ebay and requested by Microsoft. I am trying to sell Retail version of Office 97 professional, it is not new, open box. I stated on the auction that the item is open box but everything is included, not sure why this is not legal to sell. I purchased this from a bankruptcy court liquidation, the softwares have been removed from all machines(hard drive formatted). Please let me know how to get around this. Ebay warned me and told me from now on I have to ask software manufacture permision before selling. This sounds very painful for seller.
posted on July 6, 2001 01:41:07 PM new
I don't know a whole lot about this, but I have heard that when you buy software you are actually not buying the program, only the license to use it. The program still belongs to the manufacturer. Since the User Terms you agree to when you install the software probably says you can't reassign it, then you can't sell your license. Probably the safest place to sell used software would be some back roads software and computer swap meet!
What info do you have? Is this a world-wide thing (some new law or enforcement of DMCA) or is this some big change on eBay?
And more importantly does it affect ALL software or just "current PC/Mac" stuff?
I'm wondering cuz if they make it illegal to sell my old Atari/Coleco/Nintedo 8 bit cartridges, I will scream! I don't sell current CD software for anything and don't plan to.
posted on July 6, 2001 02:38:13 PM new
Most licenses are assignable/resellable. You cannot keep the license for yourself and sell it as well.
MS has altered their EULA (end-user license agreement) to prevent resell. This is, quite frankly, as stupid as some scalping laws preventing people from selling event tickets.
They simply want you to buy it and then be stuck with it. Anyone else has to buy from them.
I'm a big MS supporter, but this and their new licensing for Windows XP is getting out of hand.
[ edited by peiklk on Jul 6, 2001 02:40 PM ]
