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Donating PC's: any liabilities

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by wbailey

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I work for a non-profit agency with multiple programs. Sometimes we have programs that wish to donate their old PC's to clients who cannot afford computers. If we donate these PC's "as is" without removing the software, are we liable for license issues? IE: Is the software "our" responsibility or that of the person getting the PC? Should we include a letter stating the PC is being donated "as is, with no support from our agency and that software licensing is the donee's responsibility" ? I'm having a hard time finding things re. this on the web. Thanks, Will

3 replies

by zlitocook

Delete, format any computer that are donated! I have worked for a company that received a lot of donations of computers. Most of them were junk, 386 and 486 computers. Donated because the people could deduct it from their taxes at full cost. If you leave software installed it becomes your problem because you are selling a product that has property of another company installed on it.

by gcmartin

I would agree that you should format the Hard drives before donating them, however it's the responsibility of the receiver not the donator to have the necessary licenses. Hope this helps

by wbailey

Thanks. I would like to think that "it's the responsibility of the receiver not the donator to have the necessary licenses," as mentioned in the previous post. IE: What if we donated most systems that have been formatted but we missed formatting some before donating them. I just wouldn't want us to be liable for anything.
Thanks for the feedback.
Will

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