Licensing Time Limits?

[Dahnlee]

A couple of years ago, I downloaded the GH:WT Eagles pack. A few weeks ago, my PS3 crapped out and I replaced it with a new one. I went to the PlayStation Store to re-download the Eagles and got a message that this content is no longer available for purchase. I was able to go into "My Downloads" and pull the files down that way, which obviously means the content is still on the servers but not for sale. After a quick search, I discovered that none of the GH:WT DLC was still available for purchase. This got me thinking about the nature of DLC licensing agreements. There has been a lot of talk about the end of the 5-year band exclusivity agreements, but now I'm wondering if there is a similar time limit for the rights to sell licensed content?

So in the case of Rock Band licensing, does HMX have an open-ended agreement to continue selling a song forever or will RB songs become "unavailable for purchase" at the end of some licensing window?

[Doc_SoCal]

It seems unlikely that there is any label that would license anything forever, there has to be a renewal time frame or expiration, right? Maybe I am wrong, licensing is indeed... hard.

Also, its unlikely HMX will say much about the specifics of these agreements but maybe they will share some broad info.

[SmashMan]

GH:WT DLC shows up in the PS3 online store. Check it out.

I am able to add items to my cart for purchase, but admittedly haven't attempted to complete a purchase, because I don't want any of these songs anymore. Maybe it would stop me before that last step.

I haven't looked on the PS3 itself, but maybe they just got lost in the shuffle of the PS3 store redesign?

Obviously this doesn't answer any questions about RB DLC, but Doc pretty much covered that.

[Dahnlee]

Thanks Guys!

You're right SmashMan, the GH:WT content IS still available online. Maybe a glitch with the PSN or my account? Anyway, thanks for checking.

Thanks to you too Doc for your response. I do still wonder how long content will be available for sale on the present platforms, but it may well be that the servers or the stores are shut down before the licensing expires...

[Lawdog1521]

It's a glitch. Ever since they released the new store, songs I bought either say purchased or unavailable.

[Pointblank41]

Looks like we have our answer as to whether or not there are time limits.