Resale of Used Software Licenses Legal in EU

[windude99]

Europe's highest court ruled on Tuesday that the trading of "used" software licenses is legal and that the author of such software cannot oppose any resale.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...d_software_licenses_is_legal_even_online.html

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
This of course doesn't in any case invalidate the "Activation" of Windows on more than one computer of course -- although it would be interesting to see how Ms deals with this issue.

You could legally say to Ms that the software has been removed from computer X (which is what the Court ruling requires you to do) and install on computer Y. (Phone activation required and only a RETAIL copy).

This rather hideously opens the way for Piracy -- expect to see a lot more Windows versions with "dubious pedigree" for sale soon --even more dubious versions of expensive software like Adobe Photoshop will also appear soon too -- as in all these things "Caveat Emptor" applies.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Trucidation]

Eh, I'm more worried about scumbag DRM implementations - mostly because I'm a gamer.

1. Buy game
2. Play it until finished/bored/etc
3. Sell to friend
4. DRM prevents friend from installing
5. ????
6. PROFIT FAIL

This is why I hate those digital distribution methods that don't really give you the "whole" product. I have games I bought in the mid-1990s that still work (!!) because their publishers used a straightforward CP (cd key) implementation that does not depend on them being around to Big Brother everything. Hell, many of those companies even don't exist anymore.

Back on topic, even with this ruling, they can comply by "allowing" you to resell it, but it doesn't force them to let the subsequent purchaser to actually make use of it. It's like buying a secondhand car, and then having to go to GM because your car engine won't start without their say so despite the transaction having nothing to do with them.

 

[DustSailor]

This is why I hate those digital distribution methods that don't really give you the "whole" product. I have games I bought in the mid-1990s that still work (!!) because their publishers used a straightforward CP (cd key) implementation that does not depend on them being around to Big Brother everything.

I can't stand products that force you to be connected to the internet while it is in use (internet connection required to play). I shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to prove I'm a legit customer. I tend not to buy those products.

Understandably, I went way off topic.

I'm not sure if I favor this ruling or not. I would be interested to know all potential consequences of such a ruling.

 

[lehnerus2000]

The "Cloud"

I can't stand products that force you to be connected to the internet while it is in use (internet connection required to play). I shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to prove I'm a legit customer. I tend not to buy those products.

If more people refused to buy such products, the practice would cease (i.e. the companies would stop doing it and/or they'd go out of business).

The next move will be moving all games (and other software) to the "Cloud".
You get nothing and you pay a subscription to access the game (and other software).
This is why software makers are pushing the "Cloud" so hard.

This is why I say everyone should boycott the "Cloud".

 

[DustSailor]

Don't even get me started on subscription fees...

 

[solarmystic]

Europe is really showing the world how it should be done in matters relating to technology.

Previously, their courts took Intel and Microsoft to task for their anti comptetive and criminal corporate behaviour.

Then, their parliment rejects ACTA, and now this? Kudos to them for this ruling, I say!

Shame on you America for ACTA and all those other pro-corporation BS rulings!

This is why I hate those digital distribution methods that don't really give you the "whole" product. I have games I bought in the mid-1990s that still work (!!) because their publishers used a straightforward CP (cd key) implementation that does not depend on them being around to Big Brother everything. Hell, many of those companies even don't exist anymore.

GOG.com

Any further questions?

 

[Trucidation]

Yes, I love GOG.com and their ilk.

If more people refused to buy such products, the practice would cease (i.e. the companies would stop doing it and/or they'd go out of business).

It's already too late... there's already a wide audience for this crap. We might feel attached to our purchases, but there are tons more people who play $0.99 "Angry Bird" caliber games and think nothing of buying into a vendor-locked anti-consumer product.

You can fleece these suckers of their money every single time and all they do is whine for a couple of seconds until they get distracted by the next Big Content trailer featuring a girl with her tits hanging out and explosions in the background.

I won't be surprised if the next generation consoles turn out to be bricks that only do anything when the server at the other end of the connection feels pleased with the money you fed it. I mean, you probably read the recent articles about Sony contemplating "100% digital distribution"? That's right, a cloud console: no discs, nothing on your end, ever. Bet this concept has Sony jizzing its collective pants, they finally get to control everything, all you can do is sell them your soul via monthly subscription. Games, movies, music, you buy everything from them.

And you'll like it.

Because Sony says so.

 

[Iforgot]

Yes, I love GOG.com and their ilk.

If more people refused to buy such products, the practice would cease (i.e. the companies would stop doing it and/or they'd go out of business).

It's already too late... there's already a wide audience for this crap. We might feel attached to our purchases, but there are tons more people who play $0.99 "Angry Bird" caliber games and think nothing of buying into a vendor-locked anti-consumer product.

You can fleece these suckers of their money every single time and all they do is whine for a couple of seconds until they get distracted by the next Big Content trailer featuring a girl with her tits hanging out and explosions in the background.

I won't be surprised if the next generation consoles turn out to be bricks that only do anything when the server at the other end of the connection feels pleased with the money you fed it. I mean, you probably read the recent articles about Sony contemplating "100% digital distribution"? That's right, a cloud console: no discs, nothing on your end, ever. Bet this concept has Sony jizzing its collective pants, they finally get to control everything, all you can do is sell them your soul via monthly subscription. Games, movies, music, you buy everything from them.

And you'll like it.

Because Sony says so.

View attachment 221123

Sounds like Apple too

No wonder M$ wants part of the action.

 

[King Arthur]

The internet/cloud has no place in single player games, 'nuff said.

 

[Layback Bear]

I do wonder how something like this ruling can effect the difference between Window operating system OEM and Retail. I do believe the pirates will be coming out of the woodwork. Smiling like a opossum finding a fresh road kill.

 

[bdstx4]

The smart licensing for MS software is for a family (3 or less) to get a single Microsoft Technet subscription. It will give
3 licenses of all Microsoft workstation products. Cost $550 the first year, then $250-300 each year on renewal. So get your Windows 7 keys (3) and Windows8 keys (3) when it is released. Also gives (3) keys for all the Office products.

 

[jimbo45]

The smart licensing for MS software is for a family (3 or less) to get a single Microsoft Technet subscription. It will give
3 licenses of all Microsoft workstation products. Cost $550 the first year, then $250-300 each year on renewal. So get your Windows 7 keys (3) and Windows8 keys (3) when it is released. Also gives (3) keys for all the Office products.

Hi there
Doing this is probably why Ms keeps reducing the number of keys --two years ago or about you used with a professional level subscription to get 10 (yes TEN) keys per product - then it dropped to FIVE and is now only THREE.

TechNet is meant to be used for TESTING -- if you start using these as your everyday OS'es then you are breaking the agreement and what's more probably actually BREAKING THE LAW as well in whatever country you live in.

Ms should themselves perhaps introduce a Family Licensing scheme --would make a lot of sense and probably stop a lot of piracy too.


@Layback Bear ==> the serial nr or product key will enable MS to ascertain that the product is an OEM version or not.

What the pirates will do of course is image their own system -- sell on the Windows version (Retail) with one of two options ==> tell MS that the've removed the software whether they have or not in which case the new buyer *might just get a chance* of activating Windows again -- or sell on anyway --we've all seen how totally imbecilic lots of people get when confronted with "a possible bargain". In this case the buyer is just left with a totally useless product.

Courts should realize whatever their intentions are there's a HUGE HUGE difference in GETTING a Court Judgement and actually ENFORCING it.

I like the idea of this but Ms licensing need to be able to deal with the various ramifications and likely scams to be associated with this -- as do Adobe and other suppliers of good high quality expensive professional Software.

Games are probably easier to deal with since they are so riddled with DRM and other restrictions that I doubt if there's much of a market anyway (and the trend is now to have more and more only available to be played on external servers or at least you have to be connected to a server in order to play the game even if installed locally on your PC).


Cheers
jimbo

 

[bdstx4]

As far as a Technet subscription being intended to be used for "Testing", just about everyone thar reads Sevenforums
qualifies as a tester. It only takes 1 in the family. Technet subscription is the cheapest no hassle way to go
with Microsoft software. Having had a technet subscription my self the last few years, Microsoft will actually call me
on the phone about 30 days before the subscription is up. They never ask how many computers or why, Microsoft
just wants the money. Do not be afraid if you feel you do not qualify for a Technet subscription. Just get it and
save your self some money and hassle.

 

[bdstx4]

To sign up for a Technet subscription, you must have a Windows Live or Hotmail address. Be logged into this mail account using Internet Explorer before you try to download a given CD image. Just how it is with Microsoft.

 

[bdstx4]

Technet CD key serial numbers even work for "Windows Anytime Upgrade". Myself I do not recommend MS OS major
upgrading of a OS. But it has the best chance of working if you need it. EVERYONE qualifies for a technet subscription.
All these Sevenforums people qualify. By MS definition of who qualifies. All us 7forum people are tinkerers. That qualifies.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Perhaps the dumbest reply here but if I build or buy a machine with Windows installed on it or any other software for that matter and then when I am fed up with it or want a new machine I sell the machine to say my friend down the road does that make me a criminal?

Because in theory I am transferring the activation for any software to him or her?

Or am I really that dumb to think that?