Software License

[developer]

A person admitted to using my software on two of his home PCs. It states in my License Agreement that he can only install it on one machine. I'm not going to do anything about this one because of the $$$ issue, but could I if I wanted to? I'm not sure if I would be able to do anything anyway could I, being that he did it in his own home, and the computers were his own? Just wondering... what exactly are the laws?

Thanks.

 

[Xjudge]

Technically the person is in violation of your copyrights. But for you do anything about it would require the help of your local police department but virtually all local police are ill equipped when it come to software piracy or copyright violations. The police would have to obtain a search warrant to check the computers of the suspected violator. Crimes such as these are very very low on the police priority list. There is a group that deals with copyright issues called the Business Software Alliance but they have no authority over home computers, only those use in business settings. If the violator is using his computers for a licensed business, the BSA may be able to help. A search on a search engine should easily find them.

 

[developer]

OK, thanks, that's what I wanted to know. But just wondering, it is a violation of copyright laws to use a second copy of software on your home (not business) computer? Just wondering.

Thanks.

 

[Xjudge]

Yes its a violation but who is going to enforce it? As I stated before, this is not considered a very serious crime and enforcing it it almost impossible. Your only option is a civil law suit but it would be almost impossible to prove in court. If you sued, 2 or 3 clicks of the mouse and all evidence is gone. And once a private individual purchases software, they can pretty much do anything they want with it.