Software Piracy This paper will serve as a brief discussion of software piracy and its consequences. 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 …showed first 75 words of 1710 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1710 total…exceptions it is a federal offense to duplicate and distribute software without the copyright owner's permission in the United States. Counterfeiting goods, reproducing or distributing copyrighted works and selling or trading secrets are crimes. Each individual is responsible for using legal versions of software. The government needs to enforce the existing laws to reduce piracy. The SIIA believes the following will help reduce software piracy:  Enact appropriate laws.  Effectively enforce the laws.  Educate the public.