Use of purchasing a computer with AutoCAD already installed

[pdoak]

If a company "A" was going out of business and selling their equipment, could Company "B" come in and purchase a computer that already had AutoCAD installed and use it? They would just not be able to take advantage of the benefits of being under subscription, or would company "A" be responsible for uninstalling the software before selling it, or would it be illegal for company "B" to use the software for commercial use?

[JPlanera]

I dont believe it matters. You would just have to call autodesk and have them update the registration. For a small fee im sure, but i dont think there are any legal issues here. But before you go about your business, you might want to contact autodesk anyways...

[AlinOz]

Hi and Welcome pdoak...

It would be wise to check with your local Autodesk Authorized reseller as the License agreement may alter according to local law. What you need to keep in mind is that with any software you do not own a physical object (like a computer, car, etc). You pay for a license to use the Intellectual property (IP) contained within the software. As IP isn't something physical, the software developer always owns it and you're paying them to 'allow you to use it'.

 

Further to this, even if you have paid for the use of the license and Software developer found out that you'd been misbehaving while using it (i.e. pirating it out to other people), they have every right to revoke your license. I know we all skip the EULA, but that's a layman's translation of the legal jargon.

 

In Australia, the interpretation is that the original owner of the computer is the Licensed user and you aren't. In the past they used allow you to transfer the license for a fee, but now that option isn't available... As I said earlier, this may vary in your location and you will need to check with a local supplier

[Tyke]

Here in Germany Autodesk does not allow a subscription to be taken over, but the licence can. There is a fee of around 250 Euro for the change of ownership and after a certain amount of paperwork you can get a printout from the Autodesk database to confirm the change of ownership. I would certainly contact my dealer and let them deal with it as it often is easier through a dealer as when you do it yourself.

[Cat]

I'm pretty sure it's perfectly legal when purchased as an asset of a business.

[AlinOz]

purchased as an asset of a business.

I don't think that you'll find that software is considered an 'Asset' even in accounting terms due to the fact that you're only given a license... It would be like saying your driver's License is an asset - the car is, but not your license to drive it

[Cat]

I don't think that you'll find that software is considered an 'Asset' even in accounting terms due to the fact that you're only given a license... It would be like saying your driver's License is an asset - the car is, but not your license to drive it

 

I'm still pretty sure it's legal in the states.

[ReMark]

I think AutoDesk would argue just the opposite Cat judging by their stance in recent lawsuits. The user is "granted a license" for use. AutoDesk contends they haven't actually sold the software to you. In effect you don't own it.

[Cat]

I think AutoDesk would argue just the opposite Cat judging by their stance in recent lawsuits. The user is "granted a license" for use. AutoDesk contends they haven't actually sold the software to you. In effect you don't own it.

 

I guess we'll have to wait and see how that shakes out in court, but if that "stance" were legitimate, I suspect Bill Gates would have beat them to the punch years ago.

If I were considering purchasing a business which owned a computer with an Autodesk product installed, I would consult an attorney beforehand.

[ReMark]

Read your most recent EULA. They changed it after the recent court case to solidify their position.