Peter Lewycky wrote:
>
> Presumably you paid for these copies and are their owner. How can they
> legally prevent you from selling them? Are they offering to buy them
> back?
Er, no, that's not how it usually works. If you read the fine print on
most software packages you are *not* the owner of anything but the
media, the printed manual, and the box it came in; you are
_licensed_to_use_ the software, said license often specifically stated
not to be transferrable.
Yes, I know that's not how you buy music or books (though music
recordings are sold with public performance rights withheld, and
paperback books used, at least, to specifically withhold the right to
circulate the book in a cover other than the original [to stop libraries
buying cheap editions & getting them rebound] or to resell it outside a
certain geographical area).
It's certainly not how you buy cars. (" SINGLE USER LICENSE. This
vehicle remains the property of F*rd Motors. You are permitted to drive
it yourself. No other person is permitted to drive it. You are not
permitted to drive it for indecent or immoral purposes, or purposes
contrary to the preveiling standards of your community. You are not
permitted to disassemble the engine or other parts, to study them for
the purpose of making copies, or to reproduce the look and feel of any
part of this vehicle. You may not sell it or lease it without the
express written permission of F*rd Motors. This car may not be
distributed as part of any derivative product (eg, parade float, beach
buggy, racing stock car, rural garden ornament). It may not be
repainted, decorated with vanity plates, lace garters or furry dice, or
otherwise modified without the express written permission of F*rd
Motors. By starting this car you become a party to this contract. We
make no guarantee of the servicability of this product. In some
jurisdictions you may have additional rights. If at any time you wish to
terminate this contract you may do so by returning the vehicle in its
original condition to F*rd Motors, D*troit.")
-Robert Dawson
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