Computer hardware and software
editing copyrighted software?
Question : editing copyrighted software?
Hi,
My company uses a software for our dispatching and accounting and such and i was wondering if it was legal to edit the softwares code to do things with it that we need it to do? I know i cant sell what i have edited but since we purchased the software shouldnt we be able to do what we want with it as far as editing goes?
dispatch software
Best answer:
Answer by tesladude
Read the End-user license agreement EULA that comes with the software it will tell you…
i don’t think that the company will care; unless you try to resell it.
In short, it is possible, but unlikely until you do some more work…
First we need to explore a few issues:
A. Is this custom software that your organization commissioned? Or is this off-the-shelf software that you purchased through a retail channel?
B. Define “edit the software.” Are you talking about adjusting the GUI (graphical user interface)? Or actually modifying the source code itself?
C. Is the software “open source?”
D. What operating system is used to run the software? Is it Windows? Is it Linux?
“Telsadude” was “kind of” correct when he said “Read the End-user license agreement EULA that comes with the software it will tell you…”
The only assumption to make with regard to “modifying software source code,” is that you absolutely CANNOT modify the software’s source code, whatsoever, without express written consent from the copyright holder, pursuant USC Title 17 Section 101+; the federal statutes that govern US copyright law. Note that I am specifically talking about the source code, and not the GUI, or software tools within the software itself.
In other words, you can only modify the source code if the EULA specifically says that you CAN modify the code. Otherwise, you cannot.
There are only a few “dispatching and accounting” software packages on the market, none of which are “open source” that I am aware. I have worked with most of the manufactures of such, and I can almost guarantee you that you CANNOT modify the code, per se…
However…
It wouldn’t hurt to contact the manufacturer, and inquire about your needs.
If you explain that you need to make modifications, and ask for a simple letter allowing you to do so. The letter will likely contain language that prohibits use of the software outside of your organization, and forbids any distribution of the software. Source code modification will very likely void any support or warranty the product may have as well. (all things to keep in mind)
You might even offer to share your changes with the company, in exchange for the letter, such that they could better improve their product.
Let me know if this helps, or if we need to explore other possibilities.
G.C. Hutson, Chief Executive and Senior Partner
Sadien Intellectual Property, Inc.
http://www.Sadien.com