Microsoft Canada | Software Asset Management

Protect Yourself from Piracy - Avoid Illegal Software

Software piracy is the illegal reproduction and distribution of software applications, whether for business or personal use. It is seen in many forms: operations systems, application software, and even hardware.

What is intellectual property?

Anything that can have a patent or a copyright is intellectual property. You use intellectual property all the time, whether you read a book, listen to music, purchase a piece of art, or use computer software. Intellectual property is not a physical commodity, but rather the contents of which belong to the individual or company that created it.

Why is it important?

If anything you thought, made, or distributed could be legally copied and freely distributed, your new inventions and innovations would quickly lose their value. Furthermore, the incentive for you to keep exploring, thinking and inventing would be lost. Protection of intellectual property is an important aspect in all cultures that value exploring, thinking, and inventing.

Software Piracy and You

Microsoft is committed to preventing piracy from hurting legitimate software users, but by staying informed, you can ensure you're being part of the solution.

Be sure it's Genuine

Piracy and Your PC

Make sure the software you’re using is genuine.

Do buy your new PC preinstalled with genuine Microsoft OEM Windows software.
Don't use Volume License media to install the initial Microsoft Windows license on a new PC.
Don't transfer OEM software from one computer system to another.

Look for the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label is a visual identifier that assists in determining whether Microsoft software and components are genuine. If your PC has come with Windows preinstalled, the COA label should be found adhered to the exterior of the computer chassis. When the Windows® operating system is acquired separately from the PC the COA will be adhered to the top of the product box.

The label itself has a number of anti-piracy features to look for, including a porthole and an embedded metallic thread.

Beware of Spam Email

Be suspicious of Spam Email offering cheap software. Purchasing from known and trusted sources and avoiding "too good to be true" deals are the best ways to avoid wasting valuable time and money on counterfeit or infringing software.

Product Activation

The goal of Product Activation is to reduce a form of piracy known as "casual copying" or "softlifting." Casual copying is a form of piracy characterized by the sharing of software between people in a way that infringes on the software's end user license agreement (EULA).

In an effort to reduce software piracy and ensure that Microsoft's customers receive the product quality they expect, Product Activation technology is being included in several Microsoft products.

Product Activation is easy, safe, and convenient for both individuals and Volume License customers.