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Sky
Lv 7
Sky asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 7 years ago

Penalties for computer service installing bootleg software?

I'm having a debate with a friend. The topic is, if a small computer repair/sales service installs bootleg software (cracked or otherwise) on a computer the customer wants built, either by customer request or by the business offering it, and then somehow gets found out by authorities for making money off a project that involved installing that bootleg software, what are the legal penalties?

I say the business owner would go to jail.

He says the feds don't bother with people like that.

What's the correct answer? Answers from practicing attorneys, prosecutors, or those with a background in copyright law or other related areas of expertise are most appreciated.

4 Answers

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  • 7 years ago
    Favourite answer

    Being paid money for a willful copyright infringement is a federal crime in the USA. 18 USC 2319. Penalties include up to 10 years in federal prison, although first offense is limited to 1 or 3 years max. Plus fines. Plus being sued by the copyright owners for up to $150,000 for each program illegally distributed. 17 USC 504. Statutory damages, even if not with any intent to profit.

    One related case I know of involved massive copying of subscription journals from a college database. Several state and federal charges were brought against the perp, who was also a well known internet policy person (involved in Creative Commons and whatnot). He was facing up to $1 million in fines and 35 years in prison, unable to get a plea bargain with the feds, and killed himself in 2013. Aaron Swartz.

  • 7 years ago

    No not jail.

    He'd find himself losing his business and likely his house, when the companies lawyers hit him with multiple suits.

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    I went on a site on this topic but can't remember the name, If I'll remember I will let you know.

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    What a Dumb*ss....

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