Software for sale only in specific regions?

[Threepwood]

I'm thinking about buying some software from overseas, possibly to resell.

A thought occured to me, the way you see something like "only intended for sale in the US and Canda" for example on some software boxes.

Is this a huge legal thing? I don't want to get into trouble or anything of course, so if it is I will re consider selling it.

I know some people buy stuff like games from overseas, I see no problem if it's for personal use, but like I said I'm considering re selling it.

BTW I'm talking operating systems, mainly Win XP retail version, as they don't retail it in this country anymore, I can't see it being a problem as I wouldn't be competing with an official dealer or anything like that.

Ideas, or any links to information on this topic?

 

[LazyLion]

Windows Operating System Software that is only intended for Resale in a specific region is invalid for support in other regions. In other words, the license is void if you try to claim support. I bought Windows ME in the USA and brought it home with me on the plane. I called MS South Africa for support and they refused. Said I had taken the software out of it's intended sales region.

It has to do with bypassing the licensed local Distributors (MS South Africa and their partners). Sorry to say

I think you are allowed to import Ubuntu though!

 

[iDenTiTy]

Normally have those stipulations due to the laws in various countries.

It also has to do with the license agreements. Microsoft, for example, has to provide an altered WindowsXP in Europe because of a lawsuit they lost there...

 

[Threepwood]

Ok, well as for M$ support I'm not worried about that.

I doubt I will need that anyway.

If I do decide to sell it to people I will inform them of that issue for sure.

Garyvdh, you're reffering to technical support right? You can still get updates fine with this software can't you? Could you with your WinME?

If anyone else has info on this topic please post.

 

[LazyLion]

Ok, well as for M$ support I'm not worried about that.

I doubt I will need that anyway.

If I do decide to sell it to people I will inform them of that issue for sure.

Garyvdh, you're reffering to technical support right? You can still get updates fine with this software can't you? Could you with your WinME?

If anyone else has info on this topic please post.

Yes, you can get all downloadable updates as normal... only telephonic support is broken (and other forms of "contact" support). It would basically be like an OEM version. So my advice is... compare the price of retail boxed version overseas with local OEM versions. Since you would essentially be getting the same product.

 

[PeterCH]

I'm thinking about buying some software from overseas, possibly to resell.

A thought occured to me, the way you see something like "only intended for sale in the US and Canda" for example on some software boxes.

Is this a huge legal thing? I don't want to get into trouble or anything of course, so if it is I will re consider selling it.

I know some people buy stuff like games from overseas, I see no problem if it's for personal use, but like I said I'm considering re selling it.

BTW I'm talking operating systems, mainly Win XP retail version, as they don't retail it in this country anymore, I can't see it being a problem as I wouldn't be competing with an official dealer or anything like that.

Ideas, or any links to information on this topic?

As long as you sell a product eg Starry Night Astronomy Software,
which has no local distributors (authorised ones, not ones doing same as you want to do) it should be OK.

Most co's which havent entered our market won't care if you resell.

 

[Threepwood]

Garyvdh, I don't think it will be quite the same.

You see the issue with DSP is that it is tied to the PC it is first installed on, it is not legal according to M$ EULA to then transfer that OS to another PC. AFAIK changing your hardware (major upgrade) or changing just the motherboard is counted as a new PC under the same terms.

Apparently some people have moved DSP OSs between PCs without issue, but I'm not sure if it's worth the risk of not being able to use the OS on another PC, i.e. I have no way of guaranteeing that.

This is the main reason I'm thinking of sourcing the retail box version overseas, as it's not available here anymore.

Will they still allow a telephonic activation of Windows if need be, it being S/W form the "wrong" region?

Most co's which havent entered our market won't care if you resell.

Well in that case do you think M$ will care? 'cos they are a company that's entered our market, but in this case the specific product is no longer available in our region.

 

[LazyLion]

Garyvdh, I don't think it will be quite the same.

You see the issue with DSP is that it is tied to the PC it is first installed on, it is not legal according to M$ EULA to then transfer that OS to another PC. AFAIK changing your hardware (major upgrade) or changing just the motherboard is counted as a new PC under the same terms.

Apparently some people have moved DSP OSs between PCs without issue, but I'm not sure if it's worth the risk of not being able to use the OS on another PC, i.e. I have no way of guaranteeing that.

This is the main reason I'm thinking of sourcing the retail box version overseas, as it's not available here anymore.

Will they still allow a telephonic activation of Windows if need be, it being S/W form the "wrong" region?

Yes, you are right. That is true. I have run into that problem myself. As far as I am concerned I am allowed to install Windows on only one PC at a time. I don't care that Microsoft says it is tied to the PC. If my PC dies... I am going to install (and have installed) that DSP version on another PC. I paid for it, and I will use it as I see fit. I am not going to throw away that license and buy another one, just because M$ says they want more of my money. Anyways.... all that happens is they transfer you to an agent who asks you "Is this the same machine that this OS was originally installed on?" and if you say yes, then she gives you your activation code. It is M$ way of saying, we know it's not... but you can use it anyway.

But you are right... that would be one valid reason to rather import the retail versions. And as far as I know there is no reason why you should not be able to activate them over the internet. It never asks you where you are when you activate.