Court Rules Against Network Associates' Software Review Policy
New York court has ruled that Network Associates, a maker of popular antivirus and computer security software, may not require people who buy the software to get permission from the company before publishing reviews of its products.
The decision, which the company has vowed to appeal, could carry a penalty in the millions of dollars, according to Ken Dreifach, chief of the Internet bureau of the office of the New York State attorney general, Eliot Spitzer.
Last spring, Mr. Spitzer sued Network Associates, which has its headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., asserting that the company's software included an unenforceable clause that effectively violated consumers' free speech. The clause, which appeared on software products and the company's Web site, read: (my emphasis) "The customer will not publish reviews of this product without prior consent from Network Associates Inc."...more [New York Times] (warning: requires sign-up to access)
This is only one of the obscene ways that companies try to abuse software licenses. The fact that NA fails to understand how wrong they are, only goes to show just how clueless they truly are. My advice is DO NOT USE THEIR PRODUCTS -- boycott them. The idea that you can stifle 'free speech' is just one current of the attempts by companies to extend copyright laws. They use it to defend efforts to destroy basic constitutional rights. Next thing you know, they will include limitations on anything you say about them...mj
12:09:33 PM 
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