Consider the following scenarios: A). In which Larry has developed a software to

Question

Consider the following scenarios:

A). In which Larry has developed a software tool and given it free of charge to Rachelle for review. The tool is fully functional, and Rachelle sells it to other people for money. What are the ethical issues involved in this scenario, and how should Larry react to this situation?



B). You are issued a new accounting software package from your office library. Before installing it on your computer, you use the CD writer to make a copy for backup purposes. You install the software on your system at work, and then take the CD to install the software on your personal computer. Did you break any copyright law? Is it legal for you to use the copy on your personal computer?

Explanation / Answer

A). The ethical issue involved.
case 1: the product Larry has devoloped has GNU General Public License (GPL) (open source licenses, open-content licenses type)
Then Rachelle can't sell it for profit because of GPL license type. (based on Section 117 of the Copyright Act) She basically can't use free content license, or open source products for her own profit

case 2: the product Larry has devoleped is a proprietary software(product), and based on EULA (end user licensed agreement between Larry and Rachelle) he gave it her for reviewing.
As Larry has is the copyright holder, u can argue here the following way: as his product is a proprietary software. That is - computer software licensed under exclusive legal right of the copyright holder. The licensee is given the right to use the software under certain conditions, while restricted from other uses, such as modification, further distribution, or reverse engineering. If those condition violated - Larry may start a trial :)

B) that depends on EULA (end user licensed agreement between licenser and purchaser) which is usually stated before product installation. But in this case if this product in the office library it is usually, that it has a 'company type' public license - u can install this product on your personal computer, as u'r working in this company, that doesn't break any laws, but installing it to your friend's computer, who doesn't work in your company would be illigal.

Hope u understood my explanation. Ask if u have any questions.

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