Ask HN: Software Licenses Confusion

2 points by anon-guy 4 years ago | 2 comments

Is it within a company’s rights to sell a non-consumable product, let’s say “Access all of software for X cost”, then within a year or two, turn around and say “Access all of software for X cost with subscription but folks who purchased all software before without subscription now lose access”?

Based off my little knowledge of software licensing, that seems like it’s legal and allowable. So, a company can give a sale to allow access to software with a single purchase, then randomly revoke access and then request you to pay again to access the same stuff you previously thought you bought and had access to?

Flankk 4 years ago |

You don't sell software you sell software licenses. Details on how licenses can be revoked would be outlined in the EULA. Hypothetically you could do that but you wouldn't in practice. Customers don't tend to enjoy bait and switch tactics. Companies that switch to a subscription model typically issue a new version without revoking any licenses.

brudgers 4 years ago |

If it matters, hire a lawyer.

That's how contracts work.

If that sounds expensive, it is.

Just because you came to the table with the short stack, doesn't change anything.

That's the way contracts work.

Or to put it another way, if you're pointing to the contract, it usually means the personal relationship is f'd.

And it is time to lawyer up.

Or put up with it.

Or walk away.

Good luck.