Software Piracy is the unlicensed (and illegal) use of software.
Examples
These are the five main ways in which people pirate software:
- Counterfeiting: duplicating and selling unauthorized copies of software
- Softlifting: the purchasing of a single licensed copy of software and loading it on several machines
- Hard-disk loading: selling computers pre-loaded with illegal software. In most cases, the PC manufacturer will not supply the media, license agreement, manual or other documentation.
- Bulletin-board piracy: putting software on a bulletin-board service for anyone to copy or copying software from a bulletin-board service which is not shareware or freeware
- Software rental: renting of software for temporary use
Other examples
- Under-reporting the installations of software through volume purchase agreements
- Making additional copies of the software without having the proper number of licenses
- Using subscription licensed software past the expiration date
- The product being offered had previously been used to obtain an upgrade to a newer version
These are just a few examples. There are many more.
Penalties
- Bad press
- Jeopardize the University's enrollment and access to volume licensing programs
- You/your department will be required to license any unlicensed software.
- Districts, schools, and individuals can be held liable for up to $100,000 in statutory damages for each copyright violation.
- Violators can face criminal penalties of as much as $250,000 and jail terms of up to five years, in addition to a civil lawsuit.
- Violators may be required to pay the software developer’s attorney’s fees.
