Do hobbyists who sell boards on a small scale need to buy Eagle?

In eagles TOS it says you shouldn't use the free version to make money. But on a small level like you claim I don't think you are hurting the company. You might wanna send a cadsoft rep an email and they might even give you a free licence. Also thanks for helping developers out. If you don't mind sending me an email to your boards I love to see new open source designs, maybe even get them out to more people.

Fidel Salinas

AFS Technologies.

AFS labs

I myself wouldn't pay because if it isn't a business then really are they going to look for a hobbyies. The free edition is just that with no control to selling of the board's made by using it. they offer support for it and it's free so they can and in most case's not come after you or anyone for use of freeware but I would check with the company to make sure they don't have a writen in the agreement that on the size your running at it's not going to hurt with the free edition.

Andrew Kaylor

KaylorSoft lld.

could always go to designspark...

On 02/07/2013 04:56 PM, Ian Teixeira wrote:

Hi,

I have a friend using the free version of Eagle to design a small number of boards. As a hobby he has produced a couple of designs and he have been selling the fully populated boards

for a small profit. He does not own a company, he just builds the boards in his spare time at home. Should he be paying for the Light version, or does CadSoft usually turn a blind eye to this?

This is from http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/freeware/?language=en

    The Freeware version of EAGLE Light adds these limitations:

• /Support/ is only available via /email/ or through our /forum/

        (no fax or phone support).

• Use is limited to /non-profit/ applications or evaluation purposes.

    What does “non-profit” mean?

    The definition of /non-profit/ is fairly simple and straightforward:

• If you earn (or save) money by using the Freeware version of

        EAGLE Light, you have to register it.

    ...

    How can I register/upgrade?

    If your application exceeds the /non-profit/ domain, or if you

    prefer to have access to full support via phone or fax, you can

    register your program copy and receive your own, personalized

    license file.

The license agreement does not discern "how much" of a profit is earned,

or how much is "saved" by using Eagle.  It only references whether /any/

earnings or savings are realized.  In the spirit of the document, as

soon as one starts selling boards designed with Eagle, one needs to

purchase a license.

As Fidel mentioned, call Cadsoft.  Ask them.  It's kinda like asking a

girl out on a date - the worst she can do is say "no".

Enjoy,

    - Chuck

On 2/7/2013 4:56 PM, Ian Teixeira wrote:

Hi,

I have a friend using the free version of Eagle to design a small number of boards. As a hobby he has produced a couple of designs and he have been selling the fully populated boards

for a small profit. He does not own a company, he just builds the boards in his spare time at home. Should he be paying for the Light version, or does CadSoft usually turn a blind eye to this?

Also is there any difference (in price, or otherwise) between paying and downloading from the CadSoft website, or ordering from Farnell ?

 

Thanks

 

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Hi Ian,

I hope you're doing well. I applaud you on asking and showing integrity,

not everyone does this.

According to the licensing info, if he's turning a profit he should buy

the Light Edition to stay within the terms of the license agreement. Now

we are not going to chase him down, however should he ever be involved

in some sort of IP battle over his designs etc. then the legal

ramifications of abusing of the freeware would definitely hurt his case.

hth,

Jorge Garcia

Cadsoft Support

just curious, did you ask cadsoft, and what did they say?

You mean my friend? I'll have to ask him, but I think this post has the answer :

http://www.element14.com/community/message/67139#67139/l/re-eagle-newbie-question-re-commercial-usage

It seems to be from an official cadsoft employee. So I think the answer to my friend is that if you dont have a registered business, ie a hobbyist working from home who produces pcbs for a little profit the free version of Eagle is allowed.

Free free to comment otherwise people.

Regards,

Texy