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True enough - that would be step two after finding the source code.
by andrewstuart 5y ago
True enough - that would be step two after finding the source code.
- yjftsjthsd-h 5y agoThat seems backwards IMO; you need their permission, so there's no point in finding the code if you can't get permission, and the copyright holder is more likely than almost anyone else to know where to get the source anyways.
- zxcvbn4038 5y agoYou can do two things at once! Anyone who has the code probably has a lead on the current IP owner if any.
- MaulingMonkey 5y agoThere's no point getting permission - via a potentially involved negotiation and lawyers and contracts - if you can't even find the code to fulfill that contract with. In the muddle of defunct companies, mergers, lapsed contracts, etc. - figuring out who actually owns the copyright can be a bit muddled. An engineer who may have squirreled away a copy - or who knows where such a copy might be squirreled away - is more likely than almost anyone else to know what company might own the copyright, and possible points of contact within that company to contact to even try to begin negotiation, even if they no longer work for the company.
- mekoka 5y agoGiven two absolute prerequisites, start with what's easiest/quicker. To me asking around for the source seems to be a pretty low hanging fruit.
- mmastrac 5y agoThe quickest way to figure out the IP owner is by putting the code on GitHub and waiting for a DMCA. (Kidding .. well, half kidding)
- kingcharles 5y agoLet them find you. Ask for forgiveness, not permission. It's likely no-one gives a fuck about the copyright any longer, so it's unlikely to have anyone knocking on the door. Whoever owns the IP probably doesn't even know they own it.