Selling on computer program software

[Llonaid]

Can anyone advise me on the law regarding the selling on of used computer program software. I am getting several conflicting opinions on this matter, and I really don't want to drop myself in it by doing something illegal.

[pdq1]

I wouldn't think you could do this. I once worked for a company who had to buy a copy of the software for each computer they had and transgressors were firmly brought to book.

Also if the software happened to be for the operating system you would not be able to transfer to another computer because of the checks in place such as the hardware configuration.

[RATTER15]

I think that would depend on licence agreements for that software. If it is licensed as Windows operating system you can sell it on as long as it is sold with the licence number and only used in accordance with that licence.

[boxtops]

The licenced programmes we have can only be used on our own computers, we'd be in trouble for selling them on.

[RATTER15]

Boxy, I think you can sell the software on but you would then be breaching the licencing agreement if you continued to use the software installed on your PCs.

[ZedBloke]

You can't sell it on directly but if you are selling a PC you can provide the original software with it (Not a copy).

[Llonaid]

My grateful thanks to all who replied. I think I'll just hang on to to them. I don't fancy a Christmas session with the local magistrate.

[harrycp]

I dont think this will be helpful just sell your computer as software key has once been used on your pc and it will definitely show conflicts if installed on other computer.

[ChuckFickens]

The only person who's given a correct answer so far is Ratter.

It will depend on the licensing terms for the particular bit of software.

For example, Windows can be either a OEM license or a retail License, if it's OEM licensed then it's tied to the computer hardware and can only be sold with the hardware, if it's retail licensed then the EULA says you are free to sell it as you wish.... MS office is the same, it can be either OEM or retail and the same rules apply.

For most other general software (games and the such) you would be free to sell on as you wish, but again the only way to be sure is to carefully check the license agreement for the transfer of ownership terms.

Most general software would be under a retail license model