Software Piracy - What it is & What it does

Kinds of Piracy

End User Piracy

Using multiple copies of a single software package on several different systems or distributing copies of software to others.

Reseller Piracy

Reseller piracy occurs when an unscrupulous reseller distributes multiple copies of a single software package to different customers; this includes preloading systems with software without providing original manuals & diskettes. Reseller piracy also occurs when resellers knowingly sell counterfeit versions of software to unsuspecting customers. Indications of reseller piracy are multiple users with the same serial number, lack of original documentation or an incomplete set, and non-matching documentation.

BBS/Internet Piracy

BBS/ Internet Piracy occurs when there is an electronic transfer of copyrighted software. If system operators and/or users upload or download copyrighted software and materials onto or from bulletin boards or the Internet for others to copy and use without the proper license.

Trademark/Trade Name Infringement

Infringement occurs when an individual or dealer claims to be authorized either as a technician, support provider or reseller, or is improperly using a trademark or trade name.

Effects of Piracy

When software is pirated, consumers, software developers, and resellers are harmed. When software is pirated the consumers run the risk of viruses, having corrupted disks and defective software. The consumer usually has inadequate documentation to enjoy the full benefits of the software package and is unable to take advantage of technical support and product upgrades, which are typically available only to legitimate registered users of the software. When software is pirated, developers lose revenue not only from current products but from future ones as well. As software is sold, a portion of the revenue is funneled back into developing better software packages. When software is pirated, software developers lose revenue from the sale of their products, which hinders development of new software and stifles the growth of the software company.

Different Kinds of Software and What the Licensing/Terminology Means:

Beta Software

This is software that is in the testing stage of its development. Typically, the software developer allows individuals and organizations to preview new software in return for feedback on any problems encountered. Beta software usually has some bugs. In many cases this type of software is also covered by special licensing agreements that, in addition to standard terms of use, include a "non-disclosure agreement". The NDA prohibits discussion of the software and its capabilities.

Trialware or "Trial Software"

This is built on the concept of "try it before you buy it." A version of the software that is missing features or cannot be used more than a certain number of times or days is distributed freely. This gives the user the opportunity to try the software, and determine if it fits their needs.

Shareware

Shareware is an anachronism of the 1980's before the Internet reigned supreme and BBS's dominated. Traditionally this is software that has no time or feature limits and is distributed freely. This gives the user the opportunity to try the software, and determine if it fits their needs but with little incentive to purchase it. This software originated the concept of "try it before you buy it."

Adware

Adware is software that is distributed freely, with no usage cost. The catch is that the software will display ads. Often the ads can be removed by purchasing and registering the software.

Postcardware

Postcardware is software that is distributed freely, with no monetary usage cost. To continue using the software you must send the author a postcard of your home town.

Freeware

As the name implies, this type of software is distributed freely, with no usage cost. Freeware does, however have licensing agreements that need to be followed.

Public Domain

With this type of software, the copyright holder has given up all rights to the software, allowing it to be freely copied and distributed. Unlike Freeware, public domain software can be modified or repackaged for sale.

Reporting Piracy

• Trialware Professional Association - non-profit organization that attempts to bring down Internet sites hosting or linking to pirate software files.

• NukePirates - commercial organization that brings down pirate Internet sites for their clients.

• Software Publishers Association - To report Software Piracy (SPA) (800)388-7478
  
  M Street NW
  Washington, DC 20036-4510
  (202)452-1600 (voice)
  (202)223-8756 (fax)

• Federation Against Software Theft - This is a UK Organisation - but deals with all software theft and has a reporting procedure

• Business Software Alliance Hot Line 1-888-NO-PIRACY or email software@bsa.org
  
  18th Street NW
  Suite 700
  Washington, DC 20036
  (202)872-5500 (voice)
  (202)872-5501 (fax)

• The Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST) - (800)263-9700
  
  PO Box 6272
  Station A
  Toronto, Ontario
  M5W1P7

• Report Borland Software Piracy

• Microsoft Antipiracy Hot Line (800)R U LEGIT or email piracy@microsoft.com

Piracy Links

• Software Piracy: What you should know
• Internet Crime