IP: Microsoft and eBay--partners in intimidation?

[Dave Farber <farber@cis.upenn.edu>]

>
>Date: Fri, 03 Dec 1999 17:33:11 -0700
>To: farber@cis.upenn.edu
>From: "David M. Rose" <drose@azstarnet.com>
>Subject: Microsoft and eBay--partners in intimidation?
>
>Hello Dave,
>
>Recently, I bought 3 Compaq Professional Workstations, which came with
>Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Workstation on 3 CD-ROMs and were accompanied by 3
>engraved hologram-bedizened Certificates of Authenticity.
>
>Since I plan on running these units under Linux and never using Win NT on
>them, I put the Win NT OSs up for auction on eBay.
>
>After a couple of days, eBay cancelled the auction, citing Microsoft's
>instructions to them to disallow all "fraudulent" auctions. eBay, further,
>cancelled all of my other auctions for computer parts. Note that I run
>these auctions as a hobby: I'd imagine that those whose families depended
>on eBay for their livelihoods would be infinitely more discomfited.
>
>Who is, in your opinion, in the right? If you pay for a license, I guess
>that it can never be transferred, per MS and eBay. This POV, in my opinion,
>would come as a great shock to restaurateurs, whose liquor licenses form,
>in many cases, a significant part of their assets. Ditto with NYC cab
>drivers, where the licenses to pick up passengers (AKA medallions) have
>bankable worth.
>
>I would welcome all thoughts, pro and con, as to whether a bought and paid
>for license is worth what was paid for it or, in fact, has been declared
>worthless due to a corporate decree and a weak-kneed response from a
>leading auction house. What I was taught at the Harvard B-School tells me
>that my rights are inviolate, however, I'm not an intellectual property guru.
>
>Finally, hasn't billg realized that his bullying tactics have run their
>course--heh, good while they lasted.
>
>Thanks,
>
>David M. Rose
>drose@azstarnet.com