Legal Question in Technology Law in Virginia
Is it ok to download a copy of old software which you already own?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Sure, as long as you don't violate any copyright and/or trademartk
laws that might apply to this "old software" by downloading
this copy under the circumstance described.
It is important to distinguish between ownership of "the work" and ownership of "a copy of the work". When you say "old software which you already own" my guess is you mean you bought a copy of it, but do not own the copyright. In that case, you ordinarily need the permission of the copyright owner or the law to download it (i.e., to reproduce the work into a second copy). The law gives permission under certain circumstances, such as, for example, 17 U.S.C. � 107 and � 117. See http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107 and http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/117.
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My brother was convicted of this in Michigan... Asked 2/07/13, 5:44 am in United States Virginia Computer & Technology Law