Trial Software Distribution Laws

U

ultramel1987

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Hi

I just want to find out whether it is legal to provide download links or direct downloads of Trial Version software.

Eg, if I put either a direct download link, or a link to the publishers site ie: Mozilla, for the download of Free Firefox, is it legal?

May I provide this? May I put the Firefox logo on my website?

Thank you kindly
 
thats great. read the link, its perfect. Thank u. Would other software also be ok to link? eg if it is downloaded from a free software site?
 
As long as you only distribute the trial version with a link back to where you got it from, you should be OK.

Some freeware distributors prefer that their software be distributed via specific channels only, you'll have to either read the T&C's or ask/email the programmer directly.

And distributing commercial stuff is a big no :)
 
MelissaFleet said:
commercial stuff ??
Click to expand...

You can post links to trial versions of commercial products as long as you include the links to where you originally found the trial versions.

Of course you cannot post links to full versions of commercial products as that would lead to all sorts of problems with licensing and copyright infringement.
 
Garyvdh said:
You can post links to trial versions of commercial products as long as you include the links to where you originally found the trial versions.

Of course you cannot post links to full versions of commercial products as that would lead to all sorts of problems with licensing and copyright infringement.
Click to expand...

:o

Clarified better, thanks meneer! :)
 
ok great. so if I just have a link which directs the user to eg: the microsoft Download page / office 2007 trial, then its ok?
 
thats fantastic. Thank you so much all of you for your help. I dont suppose the microsoft logo may appear next to the download link ? or am I pushing my luck now :-)
 
I see no problem with that as long as you are not profiting from the sale or using the logo to promote your own self or your own business.
Since the logo points straight to the Microsoft site it would be considered fair use.
 
Thank you for the reply...

Fantastic. I would just like to provide links to these various sites, and then the logo's just assist with getting the users attention to the links.

If for eg, Microsoft has an issue with it, will I be contacted and then first have a chance to remove it before I get thrown in the lions den? :-)
 
MelissaFleet said:
Thank you for the reply...

Fantastic. I would just like to provide links to these various sites, and then the logo's just assist with getting the users attention to the links.

If for eg, Microsoft has an issue with it, will I be contacted and then first have a chance to remove it before I get thrown in the lions den? :-)
Click to expand...

Yes, they would first send you a "Cease and Desist" letter... if they even had a problem with it in the first place.
 
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