What happened to HR3632

[Bob Worthy]

Does anyone know anything about the national House bill that was proposed to
go into effect in December? It had to do with tax breaks for people, both
residential (up to 5k) and commercial (up to 50k), that installed systems
that provided security. I read the bill but than lost track of it. It was
HR3632. I don't have the Senate companion bill number.

 

[Jim Rojas]

On December 23, 2004, President Bush signed into law HR3632. This public law
changes the wording of some existing laws which make it illegal to sell the
Microsoft COA "proof of license" products.

This is unfortunate for the consumer as well as our website because prior to
this new legislation, the sale of genuine COAs were completely legal and an
excellent way for consumers to save money on legitimate software components
without having to buy the entire package costing hundreds of dollars more.
The changes to this law now make it illegal to sell the COAs separate from
the ENTIRE software package as it is manufactured.

We believe that this new revision of the law has no basis and will be
challenged in Federal Court. Until this happens however, we will comply with
the law as it is written and cease the sale of COA "proof of license"
products.