Legal Definitions - box-top license

A box-top license is a type of software license that is printed on the outside of a software package. By opening the package, the buyer becomes legally bound to abide by the terms of the license. This type of license is also known as a shrink-wrap license.

For example, a buyer purchases a software package that has a box-top license printed on it. The license may prohibit the buyer from making unauthorized copies of the software, limit the use of the software to one computer, and disclaim warranties. By opening the package, the buyer agrees to these terms and becomes legally bound to them.

Box-top licenses are commonly used for software packages that are sold in physical form, such as CDs or DVDs. They are a way for software companies to protect their intellectual property and limit their liability.