The EULA is both a warning system for the user and a safeguard for the publisher.
It was originally developed to protect the intellectual property (IP) rights of software developers. In most cases, for software to be installed it must be copied to your PC and, because it can be copied, it needs to be restricted legally to protect the commercial interests of the makers.
You don't actually buy software; you buy a licence to use it under strict conditions. These conditions usually include limiting the number of copies you can make, along with limitations on the software developer's liability as a result of using the product.
There's no such thing as a 'standard' licence agreement. Nor are there any stipulations limiting length, content or complexity. They can, and do, include anything the software developer wants to include.
Furthermore, licence agreements tend to be copied, modified, adapted and reproduced around the world. The result is that consumers' versus developers' rights has become a very grey area.
It seems the only way that the issues may be clarified is if somebody mounts a serious legal challenge to a licence agreement in this country. So far this hasn't happened, leaving the big software companies with the 'whip hand' in being able to include almost any provisions they so desire.
Pictured below, a typical licence agreement window.
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: Introduction
