Even if you find a "working" key, MathWorks performs periodic online checks. When they detect unauthorized use, they can:
MATLAB typically uses a license key during installation, which is a 25-character hexadecimal string, often separated into four parts. For older versions like R2009b, the activation might involve the MathWorks website, entering the key, and possibly associating it with an account. However, since R2009b is quite old, the website might have changed processes, but the key itself is still necessary. Matlab R2009b Activation Key
Search engine data shows thousands of people look for "MATLAB R2009b activation key" every month. Security researchers have analyzed cracked MATLAB installers and found: Even if you find a "working" key, MathWorks