Copyright laws

[kramer]

Is it legal to sell a piece of software for example windows hearts wich everybody already has for a couple of dollars. Im just curious.

[Nuclear Krusader]

No, it is not.

[MulderMan]

ive seen on places like ebay that sell things like that. they just state that you have to own the software to bid and its stricly for backup pourposes, in some sort of sarcestic tone.

[EzyStvy]

Look on any pc running Windows for the EULA.txt file in the Windows or Windows\System32 folder:

* The OS Components are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and treaties. Microsoft or its suppliers own the title, copyright, and other intellectual property rights in the OS Components. Microsoft reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this Supplemental EULA. The OS Components are licensed, not sold.


Additional Rights and Limitations.

* You may reproduce, install and use one copy of the OS Components on each of your computers that is running a validly licensed copy of the applicable OS Software, provided that you use each such additional copy of the OS Components in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Supplemental EULA.

* Solely for the purpose of preventing unlicensed use of the applicable OS*Software, the OS Components may install on your computer technological measures that are designed to prevent unlicensed use, and Microsoft may use this technology to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the OS Software. The update of these technological measures only occurs through the installation of these OS Components. The OS Components will not install on unlicensed copies of the OS*Software. If you are not using a licensed copy of the OS Software, you are not allowed to install the OS Components or future OS Software updates. Microsoft will not collect any

[TwoRails]

Just to stir the pot up some: Hearts is not "OS" software....

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by TwoRails Just to stir the pot up some: Hearts is not "OS" software....

It is part of the Windows OS package though. So in essence, you are taking a part of Windows XX that you bought for only one liscence and reselling it - illegal.

kram

[TwoRails]

Using EzyStvy's post above, they only mention "OS software" and "OS component" -- and Hearts, which was in Kramer's original post, is neither.

[hobey19]

Originally Posted by TwoRails Using EzyStvy's post above, they only mention "OS software" and "OS component" -- and Hearts, which was in Kramer's original post, is neither.

wouldn't it be an OS component because it is in fact part of (a component of) the OS?

craig

[TwoRails]

I'd sure say no. It's something you can remove and the OS will still work. That was one of MS's big deals about Not removing Internet Explore from the whole "package" in their early battle with NetScape: they integrated IE into Windows and each needs each other to run. Smart move on MS's part, and bad for NetScape. Hearts is Not an intregal part of the OS.

[kramer]

one reason i asked was I was going to sell 3d pinball to my friend for $5. The second reason was I was gonna put it an ebay just to see if id get a bid. Ive seen people wanting it on the internet and wanted to see if any body was willing to acctually pay. If it was legal I wouldnt expect to make any money. maybe a buck.

[SonicVanguard]

Microsoft Hearts Network Version 5.1 (Build 2600 sxsp2.030422-1633 : Service Pack 1) Copyright © 1981-2001 Microsoft Coproration This product is licenced under the terms of the End-User License Agreement to: Alan David Sebalj Visionary Labs

Why is this even an issue? You cannot sell what is not yours without paying proper royalties. And in accordance with the EULA you agreed to when you installed your OS, you cannot sell any component of it - AT ALL.

Dave.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by kramer one reason i asked was I was going to sell 3d pinball to my friend for $5. The second reason was I was gonna put it an ebay just to see if id get a bid. Ive seen people wanting it on the internet and wanted to see if any body was willing to acctually pay. If it was legal I wouldnt expect to make any money. maybe a buck.

Nope, not legal. It's not yours, and you don't have a license certificate to transfer to the new owner in the instance that ownership is transferred. You only have a license for the O/S CD itself, and pinball or hearts is included on that CD.