Is Abandonware the same as a dropped IP?

[KezraPlanes]

Before anybody asks IP = Intelectual Property.

So my question is: Can one safely use an abandonware game IP has his own? Since there seems to be no interest from the Parent Company who created them to bring them back ever.

 

[ChurchedAtheist]

no. not if they still hold rights to it.

 

[MenaceInc]

Nope, definitely not.
Abandonware isn't even a proper legal term so there's really no such thing.

Wikipedia article for Abandonware

Copyright law does not recognize the term or concept of "abandonware". There is a long held concept of abandonment in trademark law as a direct result of the infinite term of trademark protection. Currently, a copyright can be released into the public domain if the owner clearly does so in writing; however this formal process is not considered abandoning, but rather releasing. Those who do not own a copyright cannot merely claim the copyright abandoned and start using protected works without permission of the copyright holder, who could then seek legal remedy.

Hosting and distributing copyrighted software without permission is illegal. Copyright holders, sometimes through the Entertainment Software Association, send cease and desist letters, and some sites have shut down or removed infringing software as a result. However, most of the Association's efforts are devoted to new games, due to those titles possessing the greatest value

 

[KezraPlanes]

Thanks for the clarification MenaceInc