The EQEMu programs and source code (and MiniLogin.exe) have been created by the EQEMu devs and, as such, they CAN distribute those freely. The discussion here is about whether or not you can distribute the EQ client files (Everquest.exe, EQGame.exe, etc.).
Shockingly, most people here seem to be saying that they find nothing wrong with doing so.
What they don't seem to realize is that they ARE NOT PURCHASING THE RIGHTS TO THE PROGRAM. After you go out and buy a copy of Windows XP Home Edition, YOU DO NOT OWN THAT PROGRAM.
What you are doing is purchasing the right to USE THAT PROGRAM UNDER THE RESTRICTIONS AND GUIDELINES SET FORTH IN THE USER LICENSE.
In the case of EQ, you are purchasing the legal rights to use that program on a single computer. THE COMPANY STILL OWNS ALL RIGHTS TO THAT PROGRAM.
Many people seem to believe (as I did up until about 3 years ago) that, by providing software files/programs to others, you weren't hurting anybody because, unlike stealing a car, the original program is left exactly where it is. By giving it to someone else, you aren't causing anybody else to lose the ability to run the files/program. What you don't realize is that you are STILL BREAKING THE LAW because you are attempting - even if it's unintentional - to undermine the financial stability and intellectual property rights of that software's creator.
Now, some of you might still say "but the files that EQ patches don't matter because they don't work anymore. At least not in the way originally intended."
That doesn't matter either. Even if they are abandoned, they are still covered as "abandonware." Just because a program or file is no longer actively supported does not invalidate the fact that it is still owned by someone else. Just because a company no longer sells or provides a computer program or any part thereof, does not change the fact that it is still covered by it's original licensing and trademarks/pantents.
The EQEMu devs (well, actually "The Public" since it's GPL'd) STILL own the rights to the old/previous EQEMu versions. It doesn't matter that the current version is 0.5.7-DR2. That still doesn't erase their rights to version 0.5.5. Or even version 0.1.4.
Anyway, I don't seem to be getting very far here so this will be my last post on the matter.
P.S.
Charmy, that example was supposed to be harsh. It had to be so obviously wrong (both legally and morally) that nobody would be able to argue differently.
P.P.S.
UncleFester, using the EQ Client program to play on EQEMu servers isn't illegal because, as I stated earlier in this post, you are doing nothing more than using that software. You, by playing on EQEMu servers, are still obeying the lisence agreement.
By distributing files, however, you are doing more than just using the software. You are providing that software to others, something you have no right to do because, even though you have the legal right to use the software, you do not have the right to distribute it.
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