The bad news, from a consumer's viewpoint, is that when you click "I Agree" to the licence agreement during installation, you're most likely entering into a legally binding contract.
You don't have to physically sign anything. In fact, with some software packages, you may be agreeing to the contract when you remove the shrink-wrap on the package.
Even if you can't understand the almost indecipherable legalese that's common to licence agreements, the onus is on you, the consumer, to seek that clarity before you agree. Software makers have customers over a barrel. You either agree to the terms or you can't use the software, no matter how much you paid for it.
Just clicking "I agree" has become a fact of life for most personal computer users. And all too often we do it without thinking about, let alone reading, the licence agreement. But that puts you on shaky legal ground if you later want to challenge it.
The Fair Trading Act has provisions against deceptive or misleading conduct, but if there's a pop-up window that has to be interacted with, it may be difficult for a consumer to argue that conditions were not sufficiently drawn to their attention.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Why EULAs exist
