Do not become a target

摘要

Just because the software is essential forthe operation of the machine does not necessarily mean that the sale of the machine can legally include the operating software. Software at low prices can be found in many places on the web. Processors are sold with software still in place. Whole businesses are sold with a complete software inventory. Is it all legal? Can licensors prevent it? Copying software for the purposes of resale will infringe the licensor's copyright, and may also amount to a criminal offence under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. However, the creation of back-up copies for the purposes of normal use is allowed, and any term in a contract preventing the creation of back-up copies is made void by the Act.