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  2. Jan 15, 2023 · Key Takeaways. Abandonware is any software still under copyright when the copyright owner either doesn't or can't enforce it. Regardless, since the copyright still exists, hosting and downloading abandonware generally counts as piracy in the US, making it illegal.

    • Sydney Butler
    • Editor, Hardware And Cutting Edge Technology
  3. 5 days ago · However, there are several arguments that suggest downloading abandonware could be legal. One of the primary arguments is that abandonware is no longer commercially available, and the companies that developed it are no longer benefiting from it. In this sense, downloading abandonware is not depriving the creators of any revenue or benefits.

  4. Mar 19, 2020 · The simple answer is no, abandonware is not legal. Even if the creator abandons a copyrighted work, it does not become public property automatically. The copyright on the work exists until the copyright expires, the duration of which varies from country to country.

    • Senior Editor
  5. In a nutshell, downloading abandonware is illegal, but it’s rare for a company to actually chase you over it. In some cases it’s even a victimless crime. Arguments for and Against Downloading Abandonware. As we covered above, there is a debate over whether it’s okay to download abandonware.

  6. Oct 26, 2023 · Is Abandonware Legal? Now, let’s get into the most asked question about abandonware: Is it legal to download abandonware? Abandonware is not legal, to cut a long story short. A copyrighted work does not immediately become public property if the creator abandons it.

  7. Apr 3, 2024 · However, downloading Abandonware that isn’t available elsewhere is a victimless crime. Whoever originally owned the IP no longer makes money from it, and by downloading it, you’re only ...

  8. en.wikipedia.org › wiki › AbandonwareAbandonware - Wikipedia

    Proponents of abandonware preservation argue that it is more ethical to make copies of such software than new software that still sells. Those ignorant of copyright law have incorrectly taken this to mean that abandonware is legal to distribute, although no software written since 1964 is old enough for copyright to have expired in the US. [78]

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