Used Software Can Be Sold, Says EU Court of Justice 385
Sique writes "An author of software cannot oppose the resale of his 'used' licenses allowing the use of his programs downloaded from the internet. The exclusive right of distribution of a copy of a computer program covered by such a license is exhausted on its first sale. This was decided [Tuesday] (PDF) by the Court of Justice of the European Union in a case of Used Soft GmbH v. Oracle International Corp.."
Re:Absolutely amazed by this decision (Score:1, Funny)
What can the U.S. government do against the whole of the E.U.?
What CAN'T it do? According to libertarians around here, the US government is an evil regime that takes the worst parts of fascism and socialism, and it is totally out of control. When you're that evil, there's no limit on what you can't do to promote your evil agenda.
Re:I wonder what happens with volume licenses? (Score:5, Funny)
The problem is with point #4. Ebay will not allow sales of software that violate the Terms of Use from the author. They are a private company, and have the right to do so.
But, if you live in the EU, you could sell the copy of Windows to your neighbor, or to some chick you met in a bar, and it would be totally legal. I know that's not quite as exciting, but ... uh... chick in a bar!