How to remove PDF protection without the password?

I have a batch of PDF reports from an old vendor. They are restricted, so I can't copy text or print them. The vendor shut down years ago and nobody has the permissions password. Is there a legal way to strip these restrictions from my own files?

Adding to this: some of them also refuse to open in older readers. Around 60 files total.

Owner-level restrictions (print, copy, edit locks) are separate from the open password. If the file opens, the restrictions can be removed.

1

Run SysTools PDF Unlocker. Add files in batch. It handles owner restrictions without needing the permissions password.

2

Pick an output folder. The tool writes fresh unrestricted copies and leaves the originals untouched.

3

For 60 files use the folder mode. A batch that size finishes in a couple of minutes.

Since these are your own business files, removing owner restrictions is fine. An open password on a file you don't own is a different story and no honest tool will crack that.

All 60 done in one run. Print and copy both work now. Marking solved.