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Are they protected?
Software piracy is the mislicensing, unauthorized reproduction and illegal distribution of software, whether for business or personal use. Protect your customers from the risks of software piracy with helpful tips how to identify counterfeit or other misuse of software.
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Microsoft and other industry alliances such as the Business Software Alliance (BSA) are committed to helping level the playing field for the honest distribution channel in the following ways:
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Impact to Business Partners
Co-sponsored by Microsoft and the IAMCP (International Association of Microsoft Certified Sponsors), IDC Research has produced a study that offers and analytical look at the impact of software piracy on the Microsoft Partner ecosystems. The research, which includes information from detailed interviews with Microsoft Certified Partners, demonstrates the financial opportunity costs to Partners, Key findings show that for every $1 loss to Microsoft from software piracy, the Partner ecosystem will be impacted by $5.50 from both loss in revenue and higher operating costs. Review Study View Video |
Legal actions
Microsoft has filed and continues to file civil lawsuits against resellers allegedly engaged in the illegal distribution of counterfeit or pirated software products. The company also works cooperatively with law enforcement officials on criminal actions taken against those engaged in the high level distribution of counterfeit software products.
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Security features
Microsoft is continually researching the viability of new anti-piracy technologies, such as hologram security features employed on Windows operating system installation discs, to reduce the negative impact of piracy and make genuine software easier to identify for resellers and their customers as well as more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. Learn more |
Product Activation
Microsoft is committed to the protection of intellectual property rights and to the reduction of software piracy worldwide. Product Activation technology is being included in several Microsoft products to reduce software piracy (the number of illegal copies of a product) as well as ensuring that Microsoft's customers are receiving the quality product they expect. Learn more |
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