Illegal Software?

[DavidUK]

I use VB6 at work paid for by the company about 6 years ago. Currently, though, there is a big effort to make sure that all our software is legal and the person carrying out this exercise says that we must have proof of purchase. Unfortunately, we can't find this proof for my VB6 so she says we will have to buy a new copy. It's no skin off my nose as the company's paying but surely this isn't right? I thought you were innocent until proven guilty but this implies that you must have stolen it unless you can prove otherwise.

Anyone know the law on this please?

[vehelpfulguy]

If you have the original CD the software came on, plus maybe the box and accompanying paperwork from within the box that should be enough.

Often the paperwork inside the box includes some sort of license, and that is proof of purchase.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

In theory, your company will legally have to stil have the invoice for this purchase.

If you have the original invoice or proof it was paid i.e. computer records, then you should be ok.

Check with your finance team, they will hate you for it because the chances are the invoices will be stored in the nether reaches of the building and they will have to get their hands dirty!

[DavidUK]

Thanks both. I do have the original box etc. but no paperwork. As you say, Mrs_Pegasus, we may well have the original invoice but it will be in our dusty and chaotic archive storeroom. I did briefly search there but gave up - it just isn't worth my time.

My point, though, is whether or not this is really the law - do we have to prove our innocence rather the "software police" proving us guilty?

[wideboy]

I'm pretty sure that if it comes down to it, legally, you might have to produce the invoice, but I would like to think that having the original media would stand you in good stead. If you know who the supplier was then it is amazing how some of them can produce an old invoice for you from their records. Comet are particularly good for this; we once got an invoice sent to us so that we could get a replacement/refund for a digital camera that was only just under guarantee.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

To be honest, if you have the box and its not detected on any other machine in the building then I think the person checking is being a bloody jobs worth to take it any further.

These are the guys who might well answer your question http://www.fast.org.uk/

[DavidUK]

I suspect you migt be right, Mrs_Pegasus, about the "jobsworth". That's why I would take great delight if I could produce some evidence that shows they are going over the top on this. I will try FAST as you suggest. Thanks.