posted on July 8, 2001 05:33:21 PM
Bill Gate is trying very hard to forbid owner of OEM software from reselling them, something that they paid for. He tried to do the same in Europe but lost the case at EU court, US consumers have not fought hard enough.
posted on July 8, 2001 09:54:26 PM
Actually, OEM providers are supposed to be registered with MS as an OEM system builder, and are NOT allowed by license to sell OEM software direct without hardware or systems. Listing a company with MS to be a system builder is free, but has restrictions.
posted on July 9, 2001 11:19:25 AM
eBay has given MS free reign to shut down people's auctions even if they only suspect you are selling OEM software. How many laws this violates is a matter of conjecture, but that doesn't seem to impact the unconscious of eBay or M$. You can sell it without either the hassle or the fee at haggle.com.
Waiting for the US courts to do the right thing, much less eBay is not likely to be fruitful. M$ is a law unto themselves, so don't hold your breath.
