So, I purchased game ZumaDeLuxe for my wife as a birthday present today. This is what I received in my confirmation email : The license you have purchased is only valid for your computer. In the event of a license loss, a change in your computer's configuration or if you wish to install the software on additional computers, you will have to RENEW your license by providing us with your: ACTIVATION CODE: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx You have the right to acquire 5 RENEWALS without charge. </i> </b> Naturally I asked for refund immediately. I won`t give them my money if they are restricting my right to use the game as much as I can. Does Anybody think that they have the legal right to lease the game to me if I paid the full price and there was nowhere stated information that this game is allowed just 5 reinstallations ? Is it legal ? Or do you think that this kind of Copy-Protection Mechanism is a new viable way for indie developers ? VladR <A HREF="http://www.avenger.sk"> Avenger 3D game (Last update FEB-04)</A> <SPAN CLASS=editedby>[edited by - VladR &#111;n February 11, 2004 6:39:39 AM]</SPAN>

It seems legal to me if you were presented with the terms and conditions prior to purchase. It is not legal to bait and switch you after the sale. Microsoft has something akin to this working with WinXP, Win2003 Server, and OfficeXP. Its called Activation. They use it to ferret out theft and everytime you need to reinstall the OS, you must call them.

That said, I don''t know if MS has put a limit on the number of installs and I''m not sure that you can put a limit on something that the purchaser owns. (again unless it was purchased under those terms)

I''m not a lawyer but ... *standard disclaimer*

Kressilac

I think it''s bad for business. I do not use tactics like this "to ferrit out theft" simply because it doesn''t work wonders against piracy (look at MS products..) plus any benefits you gain are replaced with customer support issues.
There will be a crack or code on the warez sites either way.

Perhaps average gamers don''t switch an OS very much, so it can help to keep "honest people honest" so to speak since one person can''t give his friends the CD and have it work, but still I have doubts about this.