End-User Piracy.
End-user piracy is the illegal copying of software without
licensing each copy. Sharing or giving a copy of the original
CD or the latest PC game to a friend is already end-user piracy.
There are also uninformed business owners who assume that
Volume Licenses cover their Windows desktop operating system.
By installing these Volume Licenses in PCs, they are committing
piracy since the license only covers windows desktop upgrades.
Pre-installed Software.
Another form of piracy is pre-installed software, or software
already installed in PCs bought in computer stores. Always
look for and insist on proper license documentation in assembled
PCs and be informed on what you are actually paying for.
Internet Piracy.
The Internet is a haven of piracy. You could download almost
everything armed only with an Internet connection and a PC.
When you see a website which allows you to download certain
licensed software, verify with its publisher if distribution
is allowed.
Counterfeiting.
You may have seen imitation copies of software products on
stalls in malls or sidewalks. This is counterfeiting or the
method of copying an authentic copy of licensed software and
reproducing it to resemble the actual product. Even registration
cards and serial numbers are included in the package so it
appears like the original product. Avoid being fooled by counterfeiting
by understanding the features of an authentic copy of the
product.
Online Auction Piracy.
Beware of online auctions, which sell unlicensed products
at a really low price. Most likely it is too good to be true.
Sometimes these deals include a special offer to lure you
into buying the software, which is non-genuine. This is called
online auction piracy, which violates the original terms of
sale. The Not for Resale (NFR) or OEM software may not be
sold by a third party.
Effects of Software Piracy
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) announced
that in 2004, 35% of software used worldwide is pirated, unlicensed,
or counterfeit. More significantly, there are still many users
who are unaware that their software is not genuine. One may
observe that piracy seems embedded in everyday life. But as
with any illegal activity, software piracy exists at the expense
of others.
Software piracy directly affects the global
economy, according to market research firm IDC. Its findings
show that if software piracy were to be lowered by 10%, 2.4
million new jobs would be created, along with an estimated
US$400 billion to boost the global economy.
There are also more risks involved in using
pirated software. Viruses could be included in counterfeit
CDs, which may damage your operating system and pose threats
in the computer's security.
You also face the risk of identity theft when
buying from counterfeit dealers. By providing unscrupulous
sellers personal information such as your full name, credit
card number, address, and other personal data, you can be
a target of identity thieves anytime.
Finally, users with pirated, unlicensed, or
counterfeit Microsoft software may not avail of the support
and maintenance features provided by Microsoft. If you bought
a counterfeit product that is defective, you will not be able
replace it with a new one or even get your money back.
Microsoft Piracy Prevention Features
In order to combat piracy and prevent users
from being fooled into buying counterfeit products, Microsoft
has implemented piracy prevention features that allow buyers
to determine that they are actually buying genuine Microsoft
software products. These features can only be seen in genuine
Microsoft products.
The Certificate of Authenticity (COA), proof
of license label, inner mirror band hologram, and wavy edge
perimeter hologram are some of the piracy prevention features
that you should watch out for when buying genuine Microsoft
products (See the Value of Genuine
section).
A Guide to Counterfeit Software
Scams
Counterfeit software lurks around and comes from many sources;
it is important to buy from a reputable seller or from the
Microsoft website itself when purchasing genuine Microsoft
software.
Re-bundled software
There are genuine products, which are not intended for resale
and are bundled with the Certification of Authenticity (COA)
and the End-user License Agreement (EULA) gathered from illegal
sources. Check the Not for Resale (NFR) tag on CDs to confirm
that the product is not intended for resale.
Auction websites
Auction websites are very attractive when it comes to selling
products because of its low price offers. But more often than
not, the product being auctioned is counterfeit. These CDs
are presented as a compilation CD or a backup copy and offered
with a special price.
Spam e-mail messages
Spam messages in e-mail should always be ignored and immediately
deleted even though they offer high discounted prices for
Microsoft software. Never give personal or sensitive information
through spam e-mails, which may lead to identity theft.
Deals from other regions
Avoid accepting deals from other regions even if they are
cheaper and perceived as a product with better quality. There
are instances where software are stolen from one country then
sold with cheaper prices in another country. The best way
to buy genuine Microsoft software is to buy locally.
Non-Microsoft.com downloads
When seeking genuine Microsoft downloads, always download
from the Microsoft website, and not from any other website
that offers Microsoft software. Some websites might have viruses
included or offer illegal product codes and broken codes.
Laws on Piracy
RA 8293: Intellectual
Property Code of the Philippines
Republic Act 8293 provides power and functions to the Intellectual
Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines. The RA 8293 covers
regulations pertaining to copyright and industrial property.
Download
here
RA 9239: Optical Media Act
Republic Act 9239 is the law regulating optical media, details
the purpose of the Optical Media Board, and specifies the
penalties to those who disobey the law. It also gives information
on licensing and other regulatory provisions from the Optical
Media Board. Download
here
