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Question

I purchased for the sum of almost $170 dollars, a licsenced version of software.

Well, the creator of it got pissed off at me, and had a backdoor switch in the software that he was able to destroy the software from a remote location and was able to track who I was and what I was doing obviously, because it destroyed no one elses software that was made by the same creator.

I am an expert in the field of computers, and even own my own company. This is not a mistake of what happened, as I have even had others tell me he had the switch.

Submitted: 143 days and 23 hours ago.
Category: Legal
Value: $16
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Computer OS: Windows Vista
Browser: IE

Already Tried:
Tracking down the creator.

I have his login information that would be available through the service that we used, I had the software he created, the liscense number that was given to me at purchase, and also I am using two other versions of the software created by other people that are working fine. This was obviously a back door hack that was implemented into the software in the event he did not like someone.

I think that this violates federal laws of software as well, and I know how the creator can be located via supeaonaed information.

Posted by JustKing 143 days and 23 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi XXXXXXXXXX. Thank you for asking.

Is there something that we experts can do for you?

Do you have a question for us?

 

If this is a compiled program it wont be possible to undo what has happened. Unless you have a backup.

Please Give me some more details if you can.

Karl.



Edited by Karl Everest King on 7/1/2009 at 4:23 PM

143 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

I have a backup, reinstalled, by the software has been damaged from the other end.

 

I was needing to know the legalitys of installing a back door switch like this in a compiled program.

 

:)

Posted by JustKing 143 days and 23 hours ago.

Info Request

I will transfer your question to the Legal category.

 

143 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you so much :)

Posted by John 143 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer

It is very likely a breach of contract or possible fraud or mispreprestation issue, but there is no such law that prohibits this action precisely. If it installed a virus on your computer, that would be a different story. However, proof will be pretty tough, as it seems like it may be a case of his word against yours. Do you know the developer? Have you tried to contact him? What has he said?

143 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

The software developer is a very known gamer to many people, so tracking him down would not be difficult. I also have various forms of contact with him as well to provide.

 

There has also been other people who know the developer first hand, that say that he did have this ability built into his system. This is outright as you said, fraud, he misrepresented his software to be permanent after the sale was done, and even provided updates, however, just because he got into an argument with me, he cancels my liscense.

 

Also, there were many others present that use the same software, and nothing happened to them. I have 3 other versions that are created by other creators, only this one does not work properly.

 

The creator refuses to speak to me, and a person that we both know told me about the back door switch saying that he used my identifying number to just basically terminate my access.

 

Posted by John 143 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer

In order to set up a lawsuit or claim, you need to demand, in writing, for a new version of the software and/or valid substitute license. Is it a bootleg product? Wait, don't answer that. If it is not an official version of an official product, you may run into a problem in enforcing it. If is was something you can buy in a store or on the internet from a merchant, you should be able to contact the company, the creator and/or the distributor.

143 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Actually, that is a great question.

 

It is not a bootleg product at all. It is a modified version that is available for sell of an open source gaming client. So it is available for sale, but I dont know if that answers your question about if it is a "official product".

Accepted Answer

I kindof get your drift, as I bought a modified PS2 years ago and had an issue when the mod didn't work. Ultimately, I got it resolved, but that is not something that the legal system will get involved with, technically. The Doctrine is called the "unclean hands" Doctrine. Essentially, if you are knowingly trying to evade copyright law, trademark law, or are infringing on another's rights, the law won't help either side. It's a blackmarket transaction to them. I am not sure that is the situation here, as it sounds more "grey area," but just a heads-up. I'd try to work it out and if that doesn't work, try to find a way to make it worth their while to make you happy and get rid of you. I am not saying harrass them, but let them know that you plan to be persistent and just want a new product.

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Expert: John
Pos. Feedback: 98.6 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 7/1/2009

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Trial Attorney, licensed in FL, GA, & AL. Rated 10 / 10 by avvo.

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