Software Distribution in E-Form: the Problem of Choosing a Contractual Model

The paper is devoted to the analysis of peculiarities of legal support of distribution of “boxless” versions of foreign software distributed exclusively in e-form in Russia. In the conditions of digitalization of economic relations, a significant part of the difficulties, Russian software distributors face with, are associated with the imperfection of contractual work in companies rather than with the current legislation. The author highlights the specifics of contractual relations (their prerequisites and content) between the distributer (reseller) and right-holder (vendor) as factors influencing the choice of a contract concluded between the software distributor and purchaser, as well as availability or lack of a tangible (material) medium as an objective form of existence of computer software. The author elucidates such prerequisites for establishing contractual relationships as substantial inequality of negotiating positions, the predetermined choice of applicable law and transformation of classical distributor's perception. Regarding their content, contracts between the vendor and reseller are often characterized by an outright prohibition of sublicensing and the assignment of duties on the reseller to perform a whole set of actions. In turn, a fundamental lack of software versions on tangible media at the vendor calls into question the feasibility of concluding a contract between the reseller and the user of the contract of sale widely used in Russian contractual practice. The analysis of the whole set of these factors with due regard to the Russian law enforcement practice, allows us to draw a conclusion about the advantages of an intermediary model of distribution using the agency contract. This model is the least vulnerable in the context of intellectual rights infringement at all stages of distribution and provides appropriate expert support to the end user of the software.

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