Abandonware

Abandonware is computer software which is no longer being sold or supported by its copyright holder. Alternatively, the term is also used for software which is still available, but on which further support and development has been deliberately discontinued. Sometimes, it is used as a blanket category for any software over a certain age, usually five years.

Related Topics:
Computer software - Copyright

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The term has no legal meaning. This means that labeling any kind of software 'abandonware' does not make it legal to distribute it. Unless put in the public domain, any and all abandonware remains covered under copyright law.

Related Topics:
Public domain - Copyright

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