Here is their email reply to me (caveat emptor):
I'm not a lawyer, but let me try to address your
questions to the best of my ability.
Q> Greetings. I am highly interested in legally owning a few ROMS. However, I have a few questions. If I purchase a ROM from you, does that legally entitle me to own a copy?
A>Yes.
Q> If I own the ROM (through a purchase from you), can I modify the ROM as I see fit, or is this a breach of the license?
A>I don't think this is allowed under the end-user-license.
Q> If your company goes under, do I still own it, or does the license expire if you do?
A>Your license would be unaffected. It is still valid.
Q> How can I prove (in a court of law) if necessary that I actually purchased and legally own the ROM I purchased from you?
A>Good question. StarROMs keeps records of all licenses issued. If your license were ever challenged, StarROMs can verify that the license was issued to you.
If you want to have something for your own records, I suggest that you print a copy of your download confirmation page, or else print out your download list.
Q> Forgive me for being a little skeptical, but we have seen many "legal ROM" sites come and go. I am all for purchasing these for legal use, but I must make sure there is actually a legal purchase (as in, you have the right to sell these Atari ROMs from the copyright holder) in case I am challenged in a court. What assurances can you make, other than a page written on a website?
A>As long as you provide accurate personal contact information when you buy from StarROMs, your purchase is 100% legal. Keep in mind, however, that the license we issue is for non-commercial personal entertainment purposes only, and is non-transferable. You are strictly forbidden from actively or passively (put on the 'net) distributing the ROMs to others. If this were to take place, your license would become void.
I hope I've been able to answer your questions to your
satisfaction. Thank you for visiting StarROMs.
StarROMs Customer Service,
William