You can legally download software that is no longer for sale

Latest update on by fahd_zboot .

Myth

We have the right to download and copy software if it is no longer for sale. (Or music, film etc)

Reality

FALSE

Explanations

It must be distinguished:

  • The rights attached to a work (or software).
  • Commercial use is made of this work.

These are two separate things.

Thus:

  • It is not because a publisher decides not to sell its software that same terminate its right.
  • It is not because a claimant is no longer selling reproduction of his works if he abandons his rights over.

Example: Microsoft had stopped selling Windows 98, but it is still illegal to download and distribute applicable for old dos game also.

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