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With all the other administrative demands on your business, keeping track of your software seems like the least of your worries.
But if you're caught with unlicensed software on your computer system, you could expect a crippling fine and up to two years in prison.
There are incentives of up to £10,000 for your employees to inform on you.
All it takes it one telephone call and you could receive a visit, without warning and with the full support of the law.
If that doesn't scare you, read it again.
Unlicensed software is a criminal act
To many organisations, using unlicensed or pirate software is just something you do.
It's not considered illegal and there's no likelihood of being caught, so you feel you can get away with it.
Wrong. Using unlicensed software is a criminal act. You're stealing.
| No matter what you think of software companies like Microsoft, if you install or use their copyrighted works without their permission, you're breaking the law and can expect prosecution.
There are no mitigating circumstances. Ignorance of the law is not a permissible defence.
If just one person in your organisation has an unlicensed copy of a software title on their machine, you, as director, are held to be personally responsible.
It's you who could face the prison term, not them.
And these aren't just empty threats. Actions do happen, hundreds every year.
The software companies, the Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) and the Federation Against Software Theft (www.fast.org.uk) are actively engaged in tracking down offenders.
Companies are raided. Directors are prosecuted.
The next one might be you. |
