Re: Software License?

Subject: Re: Software License?
From: Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 06 Feb 2002 09:32:40 -0800

Liz -dot- Goodwin -at- ametek -dot- com wrote:

We need some way of preventing customers from copying and
distributing the new software without paying for it.


Forget about this goal. Illegal copying is widespread, and there is no protection scheme that can't be circumvented by someone with even a moderate amount of determination. Even providing a registration number is no solution, because some people pass them around freely. Understandably, companies don't like to talk about the fact, but this state of affairs is an open secret.

The most your company can do is develop a licence that puts it in a stronger position for legal action when a case of illegal distribution comes to its attention. A licence won't stop people - how many people even read licenses before accepting them? - but will help your company in court.

Have a look at End User Licence Agreements (EULAs) in any commercial products for the standard language. You'll find EULAs on install disks, and, sometimes, in the back of manuals. And, ideally, your company should enlist an intellectual property lawyer, too.

--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com

"More truth is what I need
Never mind if it makes me bleed."
- OysterBand, "On the Edge"







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References:
Software License?: From: Liz . Goodwin

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