RE: [OT] Any lawyers on list - or anyone got access to one?

["Alex Monaghan" <ha@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If the software is under the GPL, then you could request the source
and
build your own copy. If they are refusing to make the modified GPL software
available, then you'd probably have a case.

I'd check and see if there's an alternative driver available, chances are
someone else has written a driver for the chipsets on the card=20

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Gale [mailto:groups2@xxxxxxx]=20
> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 4:46 PM
> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> Subject: [ukha_d] [OT] Any lawyers on list - or anyone got=20
> access to one?
>=20
> I'm looking for a quick bit of advice re the supplier of my=20
> bonded ASDL router software.
>=20
> I originally bought three ADSL PCI cards from them and with=20
> which came the ability to use their software (a collection of=20
> GNU and open source software but with modified scripts and=20
> tweaks). At that time and as far as I know, there was no=20
> licence that mentioned anything about reserving the right to=20
> charge any more for this 'subscription' in the future etc.
>=20
> I've just had notification that they now want to charge a =A330=20
> annual fee for the use of each card with the software WITH=20
> ANY VERSION - new or old. i.e. even running old versions will=20
> stop working if I don't subscribe to this new model.
>=20
> I was wondering if this is actually legal - it's effectively=20
> holding me to ransom or like a car dealer selling you a car=20
> and then a year later saying that they were now going to=20
> charge extra for every mile travelled from now on (and for no=20
> extra benefit). Since I had no contract or declaration etc=20
> stating that this may happen in the future. Effectively if I=20
> don't subscribe I'm stuffed!
>=20
> Any thoughts?
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> Thanks,
>=20
> Paul.
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