Software Piracy
... Why is it that society now finds it impossible to function without technology and the software that makes it work? Technological advances such as software enhance the overall capabilities or abilities of we as society want accomplished or desire to accomplish. So what are the different forms of software? ... A better question would be what isn’t software? Or what isn’t controlled by some form of software, because it definitely isn’t todays society. Software can be computer programs, databases, operating systems, and video games. The best definition of software would be any technological product that provides ease in your life. ... So with the rise in innovation comes the rise in demand for software, whether it be for work or relaxation. ... Technology, especially software is not inexpensive. So how do we get our hands on this software cheap? ... I will admit that I have on multiple occasions come in contact with duplicated software. ... Its nothing out of the ordinary to be approached about or inquiring about copied software. ... The reason why is because piracy is a crime on all levels that has always manage to slip through the cracks. Definition of Piracy Encarta Encyclopedia defined piracy as the crime of robbery or other acts of violence that occur outside the normal jurisdiction of any nation, and without authority from any government (Encarta Encyclopedia). Black’s Law Dictionary defines piracy as the illegal reprinting of or reproduction of copyrighted matter and the unlawful representation or distribution of property protected by patent and trademark laws (Black’s Law Dictionary). Think about the term piracy, or the root word pirate. ... The BSA The Business Software Alliance is an international organization established in 1988. It serves as the voice of the software industry representing 65 worldwide countries. The aim of the BSA is to educate both the government, and consumers on how software strengthens the economy, worker productivity and global development The organization does so in hopes of instilling the fact that software piracy only deteriorates the value of the software and thus halts any socioeconomical development (www. ... Software is in a sense covered by copyright law. The software coding is actually the only thing protected. This leaves the rest of the software unprotected. What this means to software pirates is that all they have to do is change around a couple codes here and there and seemingly they can get away with bootlegging someone else’s creation. Software is not officially covered under patent law. ... Since software isn’t considered to be any one of the four, it isn’t considered to be a patentable item. Statistics Recent research conducted for the BSA and the SPA concludes that about 27 percent of the software used in the United States is acquired illegally--by loading, softlifting, or counterfeiting. ... Even more shocking is the fact that SPA Anti-Piracy, a division of the Software & Information Industry Association, reports one in every four business software applications in use across the United States is an illegal copy (wings. ... 3 forms of Software Piracy The three forms of software piracy can best be defined in the context of an actual situation: Let’s say I have a friend, like my buddy Don Wedding. ... And let’s say that Don is in possession of this and many other highly touted pieces of software. ... This is bulletin board piracy. ... Code So what exactly can and can I not do when it comes to possession of software? ... Scripted below are sections 101, 106, 117, 501, 504 and 506 of Title 17; and section 2319 of Title 18 cited from the website of the Software publisher’s Association’s website: Title 17 Section 101: Definitions • The term `financial gain includes receipt, or expectation of receipt, of anything of value, including the receipt of other copyrighted works. ... No Electronic Theft Act In December of 1997, President Bill Clinton signed the No Electronic Theft Act which gave law officials authority to prosecute and sentence violators of software copyright laws. ... This was a huge victory in terms of justice in the software industry. FAQ’s In conclusion I have listed some questions that businesses and consumers of all types may want to know the answer to regarding the do’s and don’ts, cans and cannots, and yeses and no’s of software duplication.