Unfortunately, few people ever read the end user license agreement (EULA) for software or cloud-based services. Those that do may find surprises like this gem from Amazon’s AWS cloud contracts.
From Gigaom:
Basically, AWS is invoking its rights not to be sued for patent infringement by its customers not only for the time you’re using its service, but going forward — in theory — in perpetuity.
. . .
First, neither the Microsoft Azure license nor Google Cloud contracts include similar limitations, the lawyers said. The overall “broad covenant not to sue” is not unusual in and of itself, said a Seattle-based attorney, but the extensions of limitations beyond the term of contract was striking.
. . .
What’s interesting here is that, in theory, this 8.5 provision could allow Amazon to defend itself against customers (or former customers) if it ends up using their IP down the road.
via In AWS cloud contracts (as in life), read before signing — Tech News and Analysis.