What are the Legal Requirements for Shareware?
Shareware is a type of software readily available on the Internet that has a free trial period, usually between 14-30 days. After downloading shareware, the user can install the program and utilize it for the trial period to see if it meets his or her needs. If the user wants to continue to use the shareware legally, payment must be rendered before the trial period expires. If the user does not want to pay for the shareware, it must be uninstalled by the end of the trial period. Legal requirements vary between programs and are often program-specific. Details are contained in the Electronic Users License Agreement (EULA) bundled with the product. A user must agree to the EULA before installing shareware. The EULA is a binding contract that normally contains language forbidding the user to do things such as modify the code of the program, redistribute it, sell it, and so on. Often a software program will be offered as freeware to individuals for personal use, and shareware to businesses
