NCJ Number
98822
Date Published
1984
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet highlights the illegality and adverse consequences of softlifting and software piracy, when employees make copies of software for their own use or a friend and when organizations consciously or unconsciously allow this to occur.
Abstract
The introduction emphasizes that unauthorized duplication of software is simply wrong: it violates the U.S. Copyright Law and unfairly deprives software developers of revenue they are entitled to receive and need to improve their products. The pamphlet explains the U.S. Copyright Law and its penalties for unauthorized use of software. Myths and facts about software focus on software pricing practices and rationalizations for software piracy. It states that legitimate software users as well as developers are paying for theft and that new products will not be financed unless investors feel that they will receive a reasonable return on their investment. Actions that the Association of Data Processing Service Organizations are taking to reduce piracy through increased public awareness, stronger copyright laws, and serious law enforcement are reviewed. A model organizational policy on software protection is included.