By Copyright Infringement, Copyright Registration, Copyright Services, Cyber Crime, Cyber Expert, Digital License, Intellectual property, IPR Lawyer India
Software Piracy – A Copyright Infringement

Software piracy – a copyright Infringement through desktop typically involves the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of software on personal or business desktop computers. It’s a common form of software infringement that happens in several ways:

Types of Software Piracy on Desktop

  1. Cracked Software: Users download cracked versions of paid software from the internet. These are modified copies that bypass licensing requirements. Crackers often distribute these copies via torrent sites or online platforms.
  2. Keygen or Serial Number Theft: Key generators or illegal serial numbers are used to activate software without paying for a license. Some users share legitimate serial keys obtained from others or purchase them illegally.
  3. End-user Piracy: This occurs when a company or individual installs more copies of software than the license allows. For example, installing a single-user licensed software on multiple desktops.
  4. Softlifting: Borrowing or sharing software with friends, family, or co-workers. Though this may seem harmless, it’s illegal if the software license doesn’t allow multiple installations or users.
  5. Pre-installed Piracy: This happens when businesses sell desktop computers with unauthorized copies of software pre-installed. The buyer may not know that the software was pirated.
  6. Online Sharing: Sharing software through cloud storage, email, or other platforms, enabling others to download and use software without proper authorization.
Risks of Using Pirated Software
  1. Security vulnerabilities: Pirated software often lacks updates and may be modified to include malware or spyware.
  2. Legal consequences: Software developers or copyright holders can file lawsuits against individuals or businesses using pirated software.
  3. No customer support: Pirated software users don’t receive technical support or patches for software bugs.
  4. Data loss or corruption: Malicious versions of pirated software can result in data loss or system corruption.

 

Measures to Prevent Software Piracy on Desktop
  1. License management: Use software asset management tools to track licensed software and ensure compliance.
  2. Digital Rights Management (DRM): Companies can embed DRM technology in their software to restrict unauthorized use and distribution.
  3. Frequent audits: Regularly auditing software usage in a company can help ensure compliance with software license agreements.
  4. End-user education: Inform users about the dangers and consequences of using pirated software.

Source- Swarupa Ghosh (Cyber Lawyer),  Cyber Crime Portal