UK user buying Autocad in the USA

[Cameron76]

I have been using Autocad LT for work since 2000, and am considering buying a copy for my own use.

 

I started looking at prices online and in the UK Autocad LT2010 is around £1000, but on Amazon in the US it works out about £500!

 

They won't post to the UK (presumably because Autodesk resellers in the UK would get no orders if they did), but I am sure I could sort out a method of getting a copy e.g. asking a friend in the US

 

I therefore wondered if anyone has bought a US copy and installed it in the UK, and if there are any issues with doing that?

 

I find the price difference ridiculous with no obvious justification, it is a clear rip off.

[ReMark]

You won't be able to register the software as AutoDesk will probably not provide you with an authorization code.

[chelsea1307]

not saying you are wrong or right, but if someone were to start the installation process and get the authorization code in the US and stop before using the authorization code to activate it what would stop him from using it in the UK?

[ReMark]

It was something in an article written by Ralph Grabowski that I just recently read mentioning AutoDesk requires users to purchase its software in the country it will be used in. How they know or track it I'm not sure at the moment but I'll nose around a bit and see if I can find out. I'll be back!

[ReMark]

Anyone in Europe want to take out their EULA and read it? Does it mention anything to the affect like "country of origin"?

 

Haven't come across a clear explanation of where AutoDesk software can be purchased and where it can be authorized. The AD website doesn't make finding this info easy.

 

BTW...the 2010 EULA has some wording changes that are quite interesting. AD is making a big push to firming up its position that the user is granted a "license" and is not buying the software. Do I smell another lawsuit brewing? It even says AD is not obligated to issue authorization codes to people who have bought their software outside of normal channels. I guess you can't buy AutoCAD 2007 off eBay and hope to actually use it.

[ReMark]

I found that statement by Ralph Grabowski. It's in a review of the Bricscad software and goes something like this:

 

"...license...stipulates that AutoDesk software can only be used in the country in which it was purchased."

[rkmcswain]

Anyone in Europe want to take out their EULA and read it?

 

Wouldn't the US/Canada EULA be the governing document here, since the OP wishes to purchase in the US?

 

In that case, Section 3.2.9 says "You may not Access the Software or User Documentation outside of the Territory", and Territory is defined in Section 1.9 as "the country in which You acquire the Software"

 

That pretty much covers it....

[ReMark]

Thanks RKM.

 

I finally found the AutoDesk website location for EULAs for both the U.S./Canada and countries outside the U.S. For anyone interested:

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/company/legal-notices-trademarks/software-license-agreements