Permission to share old Stardock abandonware?

from Stardock Forums

I've come in to some old versions of Stardock programs (primarily WindowBlinds) from the early days of 2000 and XP, complete with license keys. Since these versions are long abandoned and can't be used with any modern operating system, I would like to ask if it would be OK for me to share them here for preservation reasons and for those that still use ancient operating systems on occasion (as you can obviously no longer purchase these versions)

I would E-Mail Stardock support, but I have E-Mailed previously about similar matters regarding old software and have yet to get a reply.

stardock software
3,139 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Whether old or new, Stardock's products are proprietary and it is illegal to redistribute them without consent.

The term "abandonware" is a construct created by people to attempt to justify violations of copyright.

Stardock retains the exclusive right to determine what can and cannot be distributed by/to a third party.

Unless there is a future change of position the answer is a simple "no".

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Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Stardock's rights regarding what you referred to as 'abandonware' are intact.

I'm not a lawyer, but as I understand it, the concept of ownership versus possession is what's central.

Stardock legal wouldn't grant you the rights to sell and/or distribute its software as Windowblinds continues to be it's software to this day, and "coming into" older versions wouldn't make it 'yours', as any original purchase would have been the purchase of a license to use, not to possess.

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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

That's fine. I wasn't using the term "abandonware" to suggest it was legal to redistribute proprietary software without consent nor was I suggesting that Stardock no longer has the rights to old copies of their own software, as Jafo or DrJBHL may have been insinuating. I must disagree with you Jafo that "Abandonware" as a term, was purely invented to justify copyright violations, instead of simply being used to describe software no longer sold or support offered.

I was just enquiring as to whether the developers/company would give permission to post the ancient software copies for free, or whether they would want copies themselves for archival reasons, as there has been no public discussion of the matter I wanted to be courteous.

Although I can see value in preserving old software, I will respect the law and Stardock's decision, as it is theirs as a company to make.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting RedWoodchipper, reply 3

I must disagree with you Jafo that "Abandonware" as a term, was purely invented to justify copyright violations, instead of simply being used to describe software no longer sold or support offered.

Just to clarify....the declaration of what becomes called 'Abandonware' is a determination by the Copyright holder only.

Finding old software that may not be relevant to modern systems does not define 'Abandonware' at all.  If the Copyright holder decides it is Abandoned or free or unrestricted only then is it Abandonware.

The issue with Stardock's software is it interacts closely with the OS and thus has the potential to cause problems requiring support/response.

If/when old software is distributed there can be the potential for system damage without recourse.

 

Thank you for enquiring first.  As I said, if circumstances change we can let you know. ;)

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