software license! You have to know!

A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software.

Software licenses typically provide end users with the right to one or more copies of the software without violating copyrights rules. The license also defines the responsibilities of the parties entering into the license agreement and may impose restrictions on how the software can be properly used.

Software licensing terms and conditions usually include the limitations of liability, fair use of the software, warranties and disclaimers. They also specify all kind of protections if the software or its use infringes on the intellectual property rights of others.

Software licenses are typically proprietary, free or open source. The distinguishing feature is the terms under which users may redistribute or copy the software for future development or use.

How do software licenses work?

A software license is a legal document that states the rights of the developer and user of a piece of software. It defines how  it will be paid for and how the software can be used. The following are some examples of specifications a license might include:

• what the software will cost;
• how many times the software can be downloaded; and
• what level of access users will have to the source code.

Licenses typically are expressed as an end-user license agreement or an enterprise license agreement. The license is a contract between the user or user organization of company  and the developer. It defines the terms of the license. The user must be agree to the terms of the license when acquiring the software.

Software also comes with a license key or product key. The key is used to identify and verify the specific version of the software. It is also used to activate the software on a specific computer or device.

Why software licenses are important

A software license establishes the rights of all parties involved with the software: the author, the provider and the end users. It defines the relationship between the software company and users and explains how they are protected.

How license agreements protect developers

• They protect developers’ intellectual property and trade secrets based on copyright laws.
• They limit what other parties can do with the covered software code.
• They limit the liability of the vendor.

How license agreements protect users

• They define what users can do with software code they did not write.
• They establish how users stay in compliance with software licenses, protect themselves from infringement claims and limit their legal liability.
• They help users maintain a positive relationship with software developers and vendors.
• They prevent overspending on licenses by establishing clear parameters of how many licenses an organization needs.

So that is very impotent to use licensed software to any one.