Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Re: Tailoring a Paid Software for Online Customers. Legal?

Most commercial software is distributed by license, not sale. You probably don't own the software. Under a license, you are only permitted to use it. Just like a rented car which you can't paint another color, licensed software probably can't be modified. However, licenses vary, and if you have a developer version you may have more flexibility. So, you should read and understand your license.

The license may also restrict or prohibit your furnishing copies to others.

Even if the software were sold, not licensed, the vendor might be able to restrict downstream modifications under a trademark protection theory.

The bottom line is don't violate the vendor's terms unless you are willing to be cut off, or perhaps even sued.