I'll throw my 2 bits in on this:
I'm not sure what the laws state outside of the US, but over here it doesn't matter if it's pictures, movies, music or software, they all fall under copyright law. It doesn't matter how old or how abandoned it becomes, the creators and distributors still hold the rights for ownership. But some people argue that they purchased a copy, therefore they have every right to do as they please with that copy, hence the so-called "fair-use" policy. To the creators and distributors, it doesn't matter; fair-use doesn't apply. As long as the licensing and distribution rights are kept active, it shows who is in control.
I have felt that this is very unfair to the purchaser for a long time. We who buy the content should be allowed to do as we please, even if it means making backup copies. But the distributors all fear that if fair-use is granted, some people may make a load of unauthorized copies, lay out a blanket on the front lawn and sell them to others for a price, aka piracy. Of course, this is a bit absurd and I can only imagine a very small number of those who would ruin it for us all.
As far as software goes, I believe it's at least reasonable that after 25 years or so, it can be made freeware. At what percentage of people actually run and use 25 year old programs? Not many.
But follow the laws we must. Read the EULA included with each piece of software and follow it word for word. Until someone comes along and says enough with the draconian laws in place, we have to prevent becoming a liability.
73s de Phreakout. :rambo:
I'm not sure what the laws state outside of the US, but over here it doesn't matter if it's pictures, movies, music or software, they all fall under copyright law. It doesn't matter how old or how abandoned it becomes, the creators and distributors still hold the rights for ownership. But some people argue that they purchased a copy, therefore they have every right to do as they please with that copy, hence the so-called "fair-use" policy. To the creators and distributors, it doesn't matter; fair-use doesn't apply. As long as the licensing and distribution rights are kept active, it shows who is in control.
I have felt that this is very unfair to the purchaser for a long time. We who buy the content should be allowed to do as we please, even if it means making backup copies. But the distributors all fear that if fair-use is granted, some people may make a load of unauthorized copies, lay out a blanket on the front lawn and sell them to others for a price, aka piracy. Of course, this is a bit absurd and I can only imagine a very small number of those who would ruin it for us all.
As far as software goes, I believe it's at least reasonable that after 25 years or so, it can be made freeware. At what percentage of people actually run and use 25 year old programs? Not many.
But follow the laws we must. Read the EULA included with each piece of software and follow it word for word. Until someone comes along and says enough with the draconian laws in place, we have to prevent becoming a liability.
73s de Phreakout. :rambo: