Software downloaders beware: Cnet is now bundling its own installer software without publishers’ permission, in violation of many publishers’ redistribution policies.
As a result, we are joining many other software publishers in removing our software from Cnet.
We have sent the following letter to Cnet in regards to their recent unauthorized bundling:
Dear Cnet.com,
It has come to our attention that Cnet is now bundling their own software with our software, without our permission, on the download.com website.
The problem is discussed in more detail by other software authors at the following URL: http://seclists.org/nmap-hackers/2011/5
The installer given to some users is now Cnet’s proprietary downloader instead of our installer. This causes us concern, because it can be confusing to some of our users and may cause us unwanted support hassles going forward.
If our software cannot be distributed in its original form (as it was uploaded by us to Cnet), we would like to request the removal of all of our products from all of Cnet’s websites as soon as possible. If that does not happen within a reasonable time, we will be required to seek legal action for copyright infringement and violation of our license agreement.
Sincerely,
Dan Tohatan
Dacris Software Inc.
