EULAs

End-User License Agreement (EULA) is a contract between a software publisher and the end user that governs how the software may be used. EULAs accompany software through download, installation, or purchase, and are usually presented as shrink-wrap licenses or click-through agreements. They do not transfer ownership of the software; rather, they grant a license to use it under defined terms.

Typical terms cover license scope (devices or installations), permitted uses, and prohibitions such as copying beyond the allowed copies, reverse engineering, or redistribution. They frequently include warranty disclaimers, limitation of liability, and terms relating to updates, maintenance, and termination. Some EULAs also address third-party components and open-source obligations.

Acceptance is usually indicated by clicking an "I agree" button or by continuing installation. The enforceability of EULAs depends on jurisdiction and the terms' clarity and fairness; some provisions, such as mandatory arbitration or class-action waivers or sweeping liability caps, are more controversial and may be restricted in some places.

EULAs are distinct from terms of service and privacy policies, though they may reference those documents. They may contain governing-law provisions and require consent to arbitration or which forum resolves disputes. Cross-border enforcement can be complex because of different laws and consumer protections.

Criticism centers on unequal bargaining power and the length or complexity of terms that users rarely read. Many jurisdictions regulate unfair terms in consumer contracts; in the EU, unfair contract terms directives restrict terms that create a significant imbalance to the consumer's detriment. In practice, enforcement varies with enterprise software and jurisdiction.