Retail Serial Key already registered...

Hello,

I purchased a copy of the Demigod Collectors Edition 2 weekends ago for my nephew so we could play the game over a LAN. I installed his copy, and then tried to activate it so I could download the 1.2 patch, and it stated that the Serial Key was already registered to another account. I then tried to copy my installed version over the top of his, and tried to activate it that way, so I didn't have to redownload the patch, and again, it states the serial key from his retail copy, is already in use. This box was on clearance at Wal-Mart, but was still factory sealed, and inside one of their anti-theft plastic boxes. It even had a pewter Rook figure in it, which I was rather jealous of . I sent an email to Stardock Customer Service, and the automated reply said I should be contacted in about 48 hours, that was almost 2 weeks ago, and I have not gotten a reply. I can only assume, that key was either invalid, or hacked/pirated/cd-key generated. I am reasonably sure I had the exact same problem with my original copy I picked up at Wal-Mart as well, but I can't remember for sure and can't find any old emails, so I may have deleted them already. I've also noticed after doing some Google searches, I'm apparently not alone, but I couldn't find any remedies other than contacting Stardock. Please help or direct me to someone I can get some help from.

Thanks from an actual paying customer.