ComputerWorld: UCITA group backs off provision in software licensing law -- somewhat

"The group that drafted the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act (UCITA) has backed off slightly from one of the more controversial measures in the proposed software-licensing law -- a so-called self-help provision that allows vendors to remotely disable the software they sell to users. But that may not be much solace to corporate users."

"At its annual meeting, which ended last Friday, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) agreed to end the self-help provision for mass-market software sold via retail channels. However, the provision remains in effect for other types of software such as customizable applications that are purchased by companies."

"Software vendors could take advantage of the self-help capabilities allowed by UCITA to cut off users who they claim haven't paid their license fees or who allegedly have violated their contracts in other ways, such as by having more end users than their licenses allow. That's one of the reasons opponents have claimed the draft law gives too much power to vendors at the expense of their customers."

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