Beta software, test software and evaluation software are not permitted on the eBay site. These are early copies of software distributed by software developers strictly for the purpose of evaluation and troubleshooting. Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Limits placed on account privileges
Loss of PowerSeller status
Michael’s mother works for Adobe, and she brought home a “beta” copy of Photoshop 10.0 in order to test the program for problems. When she finished testing it, she gave it to Michael, who wanted to sell it on eBay. Because this beta copy of Photoshop 10.0 is not authorised for resale or distribution, Michael is not permitted to list the software for sale on eBay.
Kay Lee created a new computer game. She sent four evaluation copies to her friends so that they could tell her about any bugs in the software code. Long after the software was tested and released to the public, one of her friends decided to sell the original evaluation copy on eBay. Because Kay Lee owns the copyright and clearly marked each evaluation CD “not for resale or distribution”, her friend is not permitted to list the CDs for sale on eBay.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of beta, test and evaluation software is prohibited by law, regulated, or may cause harm to eBay or its members, sellers may not list these items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing illegal merchandise and helps protect intellectual property rights.