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Pirate Software Issues
Pirate software can be described as any computer program, console game or even online software application that is copied, distributed and used in a way not authorized by the copyright holder.
Instances of pirate software acts include that of copying a software package and then selling it at a profit, as well as copying and distributing software for free, and installing such software at more than the allowed computers.
Pirate software is not limited to copies on disks, but can include making the software available via a download site, copying and distributing it via memory disks, and sharing the package over a network.
Pirate software cases are prosecuted under copyright law and can entail both criminal and civil action against the infringers of copyrights.
Not all people purchase the copied software on purpose. Many are tricked into believing that they are purchasing legitimate packages while others simply don’t realize that they are also guilty of copyright infringement if they purchase, distribute or install and use such packages.
People often think that if the copying and distribution of software is for academic purposes, that they are not infringing on the rights of the software developer. Academic institutions should take extra care since their licenses may stipulate how many instances of installation are allowed and where specifically.
Providing students with copied disks so that they can install the packages at their home computers for the purpose of being able to prepare for class, is still software piracy.
The students should purchase the full legitimate packages or the academic institution should get a license agreement for installation of the software at the home computers of the students as well.
If your company has lost money because of pirate software or has to defend against allegations of software piracy, contact the intellectual property attorneys at Smit & Van Wyk for assistance.
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