Software piracy is the illegal duplication and

distribution of software packages and

applications, which violate software licenses
and copyright laws
Software piracy is the unauthorized copying
or distribution of copyrighted software. Can
be done by copying, downloading, selling,
sharing or installing multiple copies onto
personal or work computers.

Increase the chances that the software will not

function correctly or will fail completely
Forfeit access to customer support, upgrades,
technical documentation, training, and bug
fixes
Have no warranty to protect themselves
Increase their risk of exposure to a debilitating
virus that can destroy valuable data
subject to significant fines for copyright
infringement

1.softlifting:
purchasing a single licensed copy of software and loading it onto
several computers contrary to the license terms. For example,
sharing software with friends, co-workers and others.

2. Hard disk loading:

installing unauthorized copies of software onto the hard disks of
personal computers.

3.Renting:
Renting involves someone renting out a copy of software for
temporary use, without the permission of the copyright
holder. The practice, similar to that of renting a video from
Blockbuster, violates the license agreement of software.

4. Software counterfeiting:
producing fake copies of a software, making it look authentic.
This involves providing the box, CDs, and manuals, all designed
to look as much like the original product as possible. Microsoft
products are the ones most commonly counterfeited

5. Client-Server Overuse:
This type of piracy occurs when too many users on a network
are using a central copy of a program at the same time. If you
have a local-area network and install programs on the server
for several people to use, you have to be sure your license
entitles you to do so. If you have more users than allowed by
the license, that's "overuse".

According to Section 63 of the Copyright Act, there is a

minimum jail term of 6 months for copyright
infringement. The section also provides for fines up to
2,00,000 and jail term up to three years or both. Any
person or company who indulges in unauthorized
copying, sale, downloading or loading of software is
punishable under this section.
Section 63-B of Copyright Act is applicable against those
who knowingly use infringing copies of computer
programs. Any person, individual or company, using
pirated software is liable under this section
Section 64 of the Copyright Act empowers any police
officer of the rank of Sub Inspector or above to seize
without warrant infringing copies as well as the material
that is being used for the purpose of making such copies.

Reduce the cost of your program

Include an activation step
Seek out and stop illegal downloads
Take legal action against those who pirate
your software
Promote education about the value of
intellectual property

"John" was the head of a new division of End Corp., a small

company with about 45 PCs. John was hired to reduce
expenses for the company and so he decided to cut corners
on his software licenses. John would only authorize the
purchase of one copy of each software program. His
rationale was, "we bought it, and we can do what we want
to do with it." John's plan seemed to work until the day
that one of his employees called the software publisher for
technical support for the pirated software. The publisher
knew they were not licensed for multiple users so they
called SIIA(Software and Information Industry
Association). End Corp., facing the possibility of a
copyright infringement lawsuit, agreed to pay a fine of
$270,000 for the illegal software. In addition, End Corp.
was required to destroy all illegal software and re-purchase
what it needed to be legal. The total cost to End Corp. for
failing to comply with the copyright law was in excess of
$500,000.