Search results
People also ask
Is abandonware legal?
What is abandonware & how does it work?
Is abandonware considered a crime?
Is abandonware under copyright?
Is downloading and hosting abandonware legal in the US?
Is abandonware safe?
Jan 15, 2023 · Abandonware is any software whose copyright has not lapsed, and all of the legal restrictions that apply to typical copyright are still in effect, yet the copyright holder isn't currently enforcing the copyright.
- Sydney Butler
- Editor, Hardware And Cutting Edge Technology
Morally, abandonware is mostly a victimless crime, or even beneficial to the rights-holder, as it can keep public interest in a game alive and encourage a proper re-release.
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.
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
Unlike so-called abandonware, it is perfectly legal to transfer public domain or freely licensed software. Amstrad is an example which supports emulation and free distribution of CPC and ZX Spectrum hardware ROMs and software. [ 89 ]
Okay, what makes something legally abandonware? There isn't one. Speaking purely in the legal sense, downloading copyrighted software for free is piracy, even if the copyright holder isn't actively selling said-software. That's just the way it is.
Is it legal? We allow you to download old games for free, but we do not take any responsibility for downloads considered illegal in your country. Please try to buy the game first: GOG.com, Steam, Amazon or eBay may be selling your game.