Why a License Matters

Software development involves a tremendous collaborative effort that blends the creative ideas and talents of programmers, writers and graphic artists. 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 that software or 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 license agreement that comes with accompanying the software. It is critical that you understand and adhere to this agreement. Most often, the agreements states 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 federal copyright law. Even if you only help someone else make unauthorized copies, you are still liable under the copyright law.