support for modules where developer is no longer around

A customer recently purchased a module including 12 months support for the module. It seems the developer is no longer around yet the module can still be purchased. The module has some issues that normally a support request would resolve but the developer isn't around to fix the issues so are we able to make the changes to the developers files to resolve the problems?

If the developer is no longer around yet still receiving payment for the purchased module who becomes responsible for the included support with the purchased module.

If the developer is no longer available, why not make the necessary changes to the developer's files to resolve the issues for your customer?

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 5:36 am

If the developer is no longer around yet still receiving payment for the purchased module who becomes responsible for the included support with the purchased module.

Did you contact the developer through OpenCart? If the developer does not respond, OpenCart may refund you and may punish the developer.

To answer both responses
Yes I did resolve the issues myself but none the less I feel my question was relevant.

And yes the ticket was raised through opencarts support system.

My customer doesn't want to chase it up as I was able to resolve the issues pretty easily.

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 13, 2023 4:30 pm

I was able to resolve the issues pretty easily.

Great! So please now add [SOLVED] to the start of the post title.

I don't believe my question has been answered so therefore not solved, some people might say that changing other peoples code can be a copyright issue.

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:29 am

I don't believe my question has been answered so therefore not solved, some people might say that changing other peoples code can be a copyright issue.

Navigating the legal waters of software modification can be complex, but I'll try to provide some clarity.

Rights to Modify: If you have legally acquired the software and possess rights to use it, generally, you have the freedom to modify it for your own use. This is often the case for software that's been custom-developed for specific entities or purposes.

Licensing Concerns: However, it's important to review any licensing agreements or terms associated with the software. Licenses can have specific clauses about modifications. Open-source licenses, for example, have different conditions based on the specific license type.

Copyright Ownership: Owning a copy of the software and owning the copyright to the software are two different things. Even if you have modified the code, the original copyright remains with the original developer. The modifications you made might be your own, but the underlying code still belongs to the original developer.

Distribution & Public Use: While you might be able to modify code for personal use, distributing it or making it publicly available, especially for commercial gain, can present copyright challenges. If your modifications are significant, and you plan to distribute or sell the modified version, it would be wise to consult with a legal expert in software copyright.

Documentation & Attribution: Even though the developer isn't available, if you make the modifications public, it's always good practice to attribute the original work and detail the changes made. This not only respects the original work but also provides clarity to users or other developers.

In summary, if the modifications are for personal or internal use and you're not distributing the modified code, the risk is generally low. However, if you're uncertain or if there's a potential for public distribution, a legal consultation might be a prudent step.

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:29 am

I don't believe my question has been answered so therefore not solved, some people might say that changing other peoples code can be a copyright issue.

I think some possible answers are:

1. Request support through OpenCart.
2. Get a refund and use a different extension.
3. Fix the extension yourself.

I'm sure it's not an issue to fix a bug in an extension you've purchased.

And another module purchased without a response from the developer. I must be really unlucky that's 2 in a row in a short period.

Been using OpenCart and professional modules since version 1xx and never had any problems with developer support until now.

I hope this isn't something becoming increasingly popular

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:49 am

And another module purchased without a response from the developer. I must be really unlucky that's 2 in a row in a short period.

Been using OpenCart and professional modules since version 1xx and never had any problems with developer support until now.

I hope this isn't something becoming increasingly popular

Did you request support through OpenCart?
How long ago did you request support?

Anyway, we maintain a list of extension developers we consider write good quality code and provide great support:
https://www.antropy.co.uk/blog/good-qua ... xtensions/

Yes definitely done through the correct channels. I believe the module has been pulled by opencart but I've received no response still. I appreciate this is low on priority.
I guess its from my point of view it's just making other users aware that this is a potential issue. I can solve any module issues myself but when I'm busy i'd rather send it back to the developer if the support time limit is still valid although I'm sure that not all people who purchase modules would be able to fix any issues themselves.

I'm not sure how opencart can keep track of modules being sold with support where the developer is no longer available.

And thank you to all have responded.

[SOLVED}

uacinfotech wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:01 am

[SOLVED}

What was the resolution?