Software Competitive MIR Question

[Satori]

I originally posted this in the "Help Me Find A Deal" forum a few days ago, but failed to get a reply, so I thought I'd try posting it here. This forum appears to get way more traffic, so I figure there's a greater chance that someone here knows the answer to this one:

This is my first post here, and I hope someone can help me with this: I just purchased software offering a mail-in rebate to individuals who own a licensed version of certain competitive software. The rebate request form asks for the serial number of the competitive software -- does anyone know if they check that the software is registered in the name of the person requesting the rebate? I purchased the competitive software from half.com earlier this year, and while it came with the box and manual, it had already been registered in the original owner's name who'd used it for a couple of weeks before listing it on half.com. So, while I have the serial number, the software isn't registered in my name, and I wonder if that means that I won't qualify for the rebate?
Any info/suggestions much appreciated!

[sydnie]

Without knowing more detail, I doubt if anyone can answer the question with complete accuracy.

If you are requesting a rebate from Company A based on your ownership of competitor Company B's product, then I don't see how Company A can know if you are the registered owner of Company B's product. If both products are from Company A, then they may indeed be able to check their registration records.

Suggestion: Since you have the materials from half.com purchase, contact that company (web or 800 number) and ask to have the software registration switched to your name. That's a legitimate request, as far as I know, since you purchased the software "complete" from previous owner. Then your question is moot.

[millervt]

I've never heard of anyone being denied a competitive upgrade based on a check of another company's registered users/serial numbers (I'm assuming this is a different company's software).

You'e more likely to get tripped up due to general rebate issues (seems like a big percentage of all rebates have problems just in general)...and make sure the original owner of the competitive software isn't going to use the same serial number as well, since that will probably cause a problem.