Legal Question in Technology Law in Ohio

software license for computer donation

If I give used computers (PC's) to a person so they can further their career opps or education, is it a legal issue if I install windows 98 and/or Microsoft Office Suite as long as I am not selling the products for profit.

Also, if I am doing the same thing for a non-profit org that gives the pc and software to a person wih the sam needs, is that a problem ?

Thanks


Asked on 3/15/03, 12:45 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: software license for computer donation

The software you mention is licensed to a single end-user. Any duplication of the software and its provision to an unlicensed user is a violation of (1) the license you were granted, (2) the contract terms under which you agreed to accept the software, and (3) copyright laws. If you are caught duplicating software without proper licensing you could have action taken against you by the owner of the copyright.

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Answered on 3/15/03, 1:19 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: software license for computer donation

It is legal to give away your copy of a software package provided that you also give the recipient your user license, uninstall the product from your own computer (if it is not the one you are giving away) and stop using the software yourself. You may not give someone a copy of software which you intend to keep, regardless of whether you make a profit, are giving to a charity or what have you. Copyrights mean what they say -- the owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to make copies, and the rest of us don't.

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Answered on 3/15/03, 7:52 pm


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