Software Piracy

Software piracy is defined as the unauthorized copying of computer software that constitutes copyright infringement for either commercial or personal use.

Some common forms of software piracy are:

(1) software counterfeiting – illegal duplication and distribution of copyrighted software in a form designed to make it appear to be legitimate;

(2) copying a friend’s version of a program;

(3) shoplifting – purchasing a single licensed copy of software and loading the same copy onto several computers, i.e., desktop and laptop;

(4) purchasing illegal software from an Internet auction site;

(5) OEM unbundling – selling stand-alone software that was intended to be bundled with specific accompanying hardware;

(6) hard disk loading – installing unauthorized copies of software onto the hard disks of personal computers, often as an incentive for the end user to buy the hardware from that particular hardware dealer; and

(7) rentals – unauthorized rental of software for temporary use.

During the summer of 2001, the FBI raided a building in Los Angeles where they arrested four men possibly associated with Asian organi

. . .
8 million worth of counterfeited Microsoft software. The report highlights are as follows:

 25% of all business software is obtained illegally in the U.

Not long ago on every radio station you were inundated by commercials from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) making threats about software copying.

Strong, uniform standards of intellectual property protections are a fundamental condition of free trade. software industry’s increasing importance to the economy is illustrated by their contribution to the U. The WIPO Treaty (1) makes it clear that a copyrighted work can be placed on an interactive network only with the consent of the relevant rightholder; (2) makes it clear that the Berne Convention’s reproduction right applies to electronic uses of works; (3) protects all forms of expression of computer programs; and (4) prohibits “hacking” of technical protections that have been applied to works. Brad Smith (1999) stated, “TRIPs accordingly establishes core elements that must comprise every WTO member’s IPR enforcement regime, including the production of documentary evidence, compensatory damages, civil ex parte search orders and criminal penalties. 8 billion in lost tax revenue in the U. The Trade Related Intellectual Property agreement (the WTO TRIPs Agreement) recognizes that intellectual property rights is meaningful only if accompanied by adequate enforcement procedures and remedies. Without a single dominant standard these kinds of activities may not necessarily coalesce.

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Approximate Word count = 1687
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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