is EDA software sold on ebay/auctions?

[exe]

Hi!

When an electronics company goes bankrupt, what happens to software licenses? I've never seen them on sale. Is this because of terms and conditions, or because licenses are locked somehow? Asking because I'm interested in upgrading from DipTrace, but any other software costs prohibitively expensive for hobby use.

[Wilksey]

If the software has a dongle or offline serial code then you should be OK, just save a copy of the installer.
If the software uses online activation / phone activation etc  or they supply you with a license file that is locked to your machine i.e. you give them an "activation code" that shows up on the screen in the software somewhere, they generate a key and send it to you, as soon as that company ceases to trade, depends if it is bought out, licenses will change and possible not be usable.

Prime example is Eagle, if you have a license for v7 you can still install and use v7, from v8 onwards the license model changed to subscription and now essentially doesn't exist as its own product as is tied in with Fusion 360.

[Ian.M]

Small companies going under, its quite likely the engineer using the software set up the licencing themselves and retained it in lieu of pay.  Companies large enough to have an I.T. department will almost invariably have centrally managed network or node locked licencing, and even if the licence contractually permits transfers, the point of contact email address will probably have been shut off for non-payment by the time the administrators get round to dealing with small intangible assets.

[Warhawk]

Hi!

When an electronics company goes bankrupt, what happens to software licenses? I've never seen them on sale. Is this because of terms and conditions, or because licenses are locked somehow? Asking because I'm interested in upgrading from DipTrace, but any other software costs prohibitively expensive for hobby use.

My corporation just threw away a bunch of Cadsoft Eagle boxes, including the serial, CD, and the CD-key. The thing is - it is typically licensed to a certain user. Getting the key does not make it legal. This is even written on the box.

Just two days ago, I bought a CorelCad from Humblebundle. The EULA contains this: "LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE. You receive a usage right (license) to the Software, but you do not own the Software itself. "

I guess this also somehow draws the line why this forum generally accepts hacking of Rigol Scopes but strictly prohibits any software cracking/hacking, etc.

Long story short - I too tried to find SW on eBay but it does not make sense without the invoice. And I could not find any (in contrast from M$ products).

[krish2487]

Yes, but isnt it legal to sell software that you bought? in the EU atleast?
That software and the licenses are what you bought and own, not leased or permitted to use kind of nonsense..

My corporation just threw away a bunch of Cadsoft Eagle boxes, including the serial, CD, and the CD-key. The thing is - it is typically licensed to a certain user. Getting the key does not make it legal. This is even written on the box.

Just two days ago, I bought a CorelCad from Humblebundle. The EULA contains this: "LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE. You receive a usage right (license) to the Software, but you do not own the Software itself. "

I guess this also somehow draws the line why this forum generally accepts hacking of Rigol Scopes but strictly prohibits any software cracking/hacking, etc.

Long story short - I too tried to find SW on eBay but it does not make sense without the invoice. And I could not find any (in contrast from M$ products).

[exe]

After ten seconds of searching I found this link that states that reselling software is perfectly fine, even if it is "non-transferable" etc: https://www.itassetmanagement.net/2016/10/31/secondary-software-2016/ .

I can imagine how awkward a conversation could be. "Hello, I bought your $10k software suite for $5 on eaby, can you please help me activate it?". Also, I'd expect the support contract to be transferred too .

[Warhawk]

I meant my comment differently. In the EU it is ok to resell SW. I wanted to point out that I never came across to 2nd EDA software that was sold by the original license owner.
PS: I think you also lose the right to any support. SW that requires an online activation may not work. E.g. Autodesk tells "screw you" to you

[Spirit532]

I wouldn't mind sending a low-ball offer for a seat of Altium