Windows 7: Legality of buying licenses from student MSDN accounts for resale

Binghamton University offers some students access to free software. I had an idea to purchase licenses that aren't being used by students to install on various desktops for resale.



I want to know if this is legal. I don't want to run into issues when trying to start up my business.

This is absolutely not legal. You are not licensed to do that.

I'm surprised a person would ask if it is legal to buy cheap licenses intended for students, and only students who are associated with that particular university, and resale them.

That being said, if you built a computer for a fellow student, and sold them a copy of Windows to go with it for the same cost, you might possibly be okay...but I wouldn't even bother to be honest. It should be blatantly obvious what those licenses are for, and why they are so cheap. Your school should also only be allowing one license per student anyway.

Well, they offer both an English version, and Chinese version. Both of which work for any Windows 7 Pro and are different keys. So 2 per person really.

I didn't know. I had my doubts. That's why I asked. Can't it be said that once the student downloads that software, as part of the tuition, he OWNS that software, and then can do anything he wants with that software?? It is a retail version, not a student version (If they even make one)

I don't see how this is BLATANTLY OBVIOUS

You don't ever own software. You license it, meaning you agree to follow the rules or you don't use it. The software is discounted because of you being a student. That's the blatantly obvious part...that selling it to a non-student violates the terms of licensing. You should have plenty of documentation to clearly outline that from your school.

In another thread, you mention being a start up system builder. Licensing would have been one of the first things you would have considered in your business plan. You should be looking into registering as a system builder with Microsoft, and then purchasing system builder licenses for use on the systems you will be selling. If you want to stay in business...you need to be legit. One phone call from a client who finds out their license isn't legit to Microsoft...and you'll be closing up shop.

I don't know if MS makes a student version of Windows 7 or not, but they certainly have for previous versions. You say that it is a retail version, are you positive about that, have you thoroughly read the EULA? If it actually is a true retail version, then yes, you could sell it to a non-student, however that seems highly unlikely.

Yes, I am. It's part of the plan. I am using system builder software, but I was told all you are obligated to do is install and use the key on a system being sold.

Well, I will say it is much better that you asked than just assumed. Unfortunately, you're seeing it's not that straight forward. If you're going to be doing this as a business, I'd take the advice given and acquire a system builder's license.

You may be interested in reading this Licensing FAQ

Think of Microsoft as a big drug-dealing franchise. The idea behind student licenses is to hook the kids into using their products by offering them cheaply at the school gates.

If they find that some small time operator like you is buying the kiddie packs then selling them at full price on the street - they will send the big boys around to break your legs.