Why a License Matters

You may not realize it, but software development involves a team effort that blends the creative ideas and talents of programmers, writers and graphic artists. And like most creative works, such as books, music and films, computer software is protected by copyright laws.

When you purchase software, you do not become the owner of the copyright. Rather, you are purchasing the right to use the software under certain restrictions imposed by the copyright owner, typically the software publisher. The precise rules are described in the documentation accompanying the software — the license. It is imperative that you understand and adhere to these rules. Most often, they state that you have the right to load the software onto a single computer and make one backup copy. If you copy, distribute or install the software in ways that the license prohibits, whether you are swapping disks with friends and coworkers or participating in widespread duplication, you are violating copyright law. Even if you only help someone else make unauthorized copies, you are still liable under the copyright law.

• Apart from legal consequences, using copied or counterfeit software also means:
• Greater exposure to software viruses, corrupt disks, or otherwise defective software;
• Inadequate or no documentation. No warranties;
• Lack of technical product support available to properly licensed users;
• Ineligibility for software upgrades offered to properly licensed users.