When people mention pirated software, many people automatically assume that they are referring to ripped off versions of computer programs that are sold out of the back of cars. While that is one way that software can be pirated, that is not the only way computer software is pirated. Pirated software is the term that is given when computer software is illegally distributed against the copyright or license agreement of the company that developed the computer software.
There are three common ways that software is pirated from the companies that own the copyrights. These ways include counterfeit sales, unlicensed use and hard drive uploading. Here is a look at what each type of copyright infringement involves.
Counterfeit Sales
Counterfeit sales are the most well known type of pirated software. This involves the physical copying of the software onto a CD or zip drive with the intent to take that copy and sell it either online or in person. The software that is copied onto the CDs and drives is copyrighted material that is owned by another company. Many times counterfeit sales will appear in boxes that appear similar to the actual product but do not come directly from the company that created the software.
Unlicensed Use
Unlicensed use is the taking of the software that is purchased and sharing it with friends, family members and co-workers. Unlicensed use can be physically taking the copy of the software and downloading it onto another computer or taking the software and copying it onto a CD so that others can use it.
Hard Drive Uploading
Hard drive uploading is not a very common form of pirated software. This is a marketing tactic that is used by companies to encourage people to purchase the computer system. They will take copyrighted software and include it with the purchased computer.