Question
It is a general practice of commercial software companies to include an "End User License Agreement" (EULA) with their software products. The EULA describes among other matters, the draconian restrictions imposed on the end-user by the software company with regard to use of their software product, such as permission to install the software on only one computer, etc., etc. I desire to know about the issue of ownership of the software according to the Shariah. Who is owner of the software product which has been purchased?
Answer
The software product is acquired by sale. As such it is the exclusive property of the purchaser. According to the Shariah he has every right to utilize it as he deems fit. The restrictions the manufacturers place on the product are baseless.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 22 No 08
- PDF page
- 2
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).