Software piracy is defined as the unauthorized copying of computer software that constitutes copyright infringement for either commercial or personal use.

Some common forms of software piracy are:

(1) software counterfeiting - illegal duplication and distribution of copyrighted software in a form designed to make it appear to be legitimate;

(2) copying a friend's version of a program;

(3) shoplifting - purchasing a single licensed copy of software and loading the same copy onto several computers, i.e., desktop and laptop;

(4) purchasing illegal software from an Internet auction site;

(5) OEM unbundling - selling stand-alone software that was intended to be bundled with specific accompanying hardware;

(6) hard disk loading - installing unauthorized copies of software onto the hard disks of personal computers, often as an incentive for the end user to buy the hardware from that particular hardware dealer; and

(7) rentals - unauthorized rental of software for temporary use.

During the summer of 2001, the FBI raided a building in Los Angeles where they arrested four men possibly associated with Asian organi

WIPO Copyright Treaty ensures protection of copyrighted works in the digital age and was adopted by the international community in December 1996. It was also a critical step towards recognizing the rights of copyright owners in the digital era and combating the theft of copyrighted works over the Internet. The WIPO Treaty (1) makes it clear that a copyrighted work can be placed on an interactive network only with the consent of the relevant rightholder; (2) makes it clear that the Berne Convention's reproduction right applies to electronic uses of works; (3) protects all forms of expression of computer programs; and (4) prohibits "hacking" of technical protections that have been applied to works.

 $12 billion in lost revenue worldwide

Not long ago on every radio station you were inundated by commercials from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) making threats about software copying. This harassment was another reason the economy is in the tank. People don't want to run a business anymore.

When MPEG-4 becomes the standard for video compressions, as well as future compression standards, what can we expect but more bootlegging. The movie industry thinks it can forestall the inevitable but people will certainly be freely trading movies the way they freely trade audio files now. Advanced compression algorithms combined with broadband will assure this future.

 12000 jobs in retail market engaged in selling packaged software (3.4%)

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