NFR or "Not for resale software" question

CrystalcCrystalc
edited December 2005 in Science & Tech
First of hi everyone, this is my first post. Cool forum, looks like lots of good info. My question is this.....

I came across a software site that has some great prices, seems legit in BBB and all that. They sell Office 2003 Teacher Student edition for around 90. The also say "this CD is labeled NOT FOR RESALE" but can be used for commerical or educational use.

Now it come with the Holygram CD with the COA and all that. No retail box and no paper manual.

I was going to buy this as a reseller myself and sell it locally. I have read a little bit here and there on this subject but cannot seem to come up with a legit answer. I am under the impression that IF you get one of these disk/s for FREE then it is illegal to resell and make a profit off it, which makes sense.

I am also under the impression that if this company I am looking to purchase the software from bought it for $$ and then sells it to me for $$ then I can resell it for $$.

Can any of you shed some light on this. I don't want to do something illegal here, I just want to make sure I can do what I am thinking of doing.

THANKS IN ADAVANCE!!

Comments

  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited December 2005
    If it is an NFR, then per Microsoft it is not to be resold. Microsoft is suing folks who have been doing this (reselling NFRs) including some folks who have been in the business a long time.


    NFRs come in things like MSDN subscriptions and MAPS subscriptions. They are ONLY for the subscriber's use, though some of this software licensing has in the past said it can be used for demo use also.

    No, by contract it is not legal and if you are a Microsoft reseller who knows who it is that is selling this, Microsoft wants to know.
  • muddocktormuddocktor
    edited December 2005
    Like Straight_Man said, it's illegal to resell NFR software. I just read the other day of Microsoft going after 11 sites/sellers that were selling NFR or counterfeit software or software that violates their EULA somehow.
  • CrystalcCrystalc
    edited December 2005
    Thanks for the replies guys. After doing alot of research on this tonight I believe what this company sells is legit even though it say "NOT FOR RESALE" on the disk. This is what the company says when questioned about it :

    "Dear Customer, The product read "not for resale" because the CDs were not for resale by themselves. They have to be accompanied by a product key and Microsoft Packaging as per Microsoft legal standards. This customer misunderstood what he purchased, all our software is clearly described on our website. We are happy to accept a return on this item."

    I would guess Microsoft would have shut them down a long time ago if this was illegal, not to mention they don't hide the fact that those words on on the CD itself. If this was an attempt to misrepresent they would just leave the facts out.
  • TexTex Dallas/Ft. Worth
    edited December 2005
    No one is saying the cd's are not legit and you get a cd-key etc...

    ITS NOT FOR RESALE.

    NFR.

    Tex

    You said "I would guess Microsoft would have shut them down a long time ago if this was illegal".

    There are thousands of sites doing crap like this. They just havn't worked their way around to this one yet maybe.

    Why not take a second and call Microsoft and have them explain what a NFR disk really is. I think you will find their viewpoint refreshingly simple.

    NOT FOR RESALE.
  • CrystalcCrystalc
    edited December 2005
    I did email Microsoft on the piracy email, so lets see what they say. I am curious myself, I know what your saying and it makes sense also, so hopefully microsoft will answer me. I will post the reply once I get it. Thanks.
  • TexTex Dallas/Ft. Worth
    edited December 2005
    The software I have seen marked that way was demo's, give aways and heavily discounted software sold to students or employees.

    tex
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