Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Texas

Public domain games?

I want to share my old video games online, but I don't know if it's legal. I emailed the ESA asking for a list of protected games, but they never responded, and they don't have one on their website. There are lists of ''abandonware'' online, but apparently this is not a legal term, nor is it clearly defined. It is illegal to distribute many abandonware titles without appropriate permission.

So, I want to know where I can find a list of public domain video games; if you can provide such a list, I would very much appreciate it. Also, is the ESA legally obligated to provide me a list of their protected games?

Thank you,

Alex


Asked on 2/04/06, 9:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Public domain games?

You are going about it backwards. No one is obligated to provide you with a list of anything, save for a government entity under a FOIA request.

Check the copyright on the game you want to share, then see if you can track down the copyright holder. If you find them, ask their permission.

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Answered on 2/04/06, 11:16 am


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