Many businesses and organizations are unaware they may be using illegal software. Illegally distributing and using software is a significant problem that hurts Boost, collectively referred to as "Boost", and all software publishers. Our products, solutions, and services exist to assure the technology that powers your business is secure and available — from the desktop to the network core, and across the servers you rely on to deliver your competitive advantage. We want you to have the information you need so you get maximum value from our products — legally. Software piracy is a significant problem costing the industry billions of dollars annually. Boost is committed to educating our authorized users and, when necessary, bringing those violating our licenses into compliance.
Types of Software Piracy
Software piracy is the illegal distribution and/or reproduction of software. Purchasing software is actually purchasing a license to use the software. That license spells out how you may legally use such software. Any time someone uses the software beyond the scope of the license, that person — or company — is violating the license agreement and copyright law. Whether software piracy is deliberate or not, it is still illegal and punishable by law.
Software piracy comes in many forms. The types that impact Boost, include:
1. Corporate or end user:
- Underreporting software installations acquired through volume purchase agreements
- Making additional copies of the software without having the proper number of licenses
- Swapping disks inside or outside of work
2. Subscription licensing: Using subscription-licensed software past the expiration date.
3. PrimeSupport entitlement: Accessing support entitlements (e.g., .DATs, updates, or upgrades) without a current agreement.
4. Internet piracy: This can occur in many different forms, including:
- Auction sites that offer counterfeit and/or outdated products
- Peer-to-peer networks that allow for unauthorized file sharing
5. Counterfeiting: Someone attempts to copy the product and packaging to look like a Boost original.
6. Hard-disk loading: Some unscrupulous suppliers illegally install software to help sell computers. While many suppliers are authorized to install products onto the machines they sell, honest vendors supply the software via agreements with software vendors.
First Steps to Effective Software Asset Management
To effectively manage your software assets, you’ll need to know what type of Boost products you have installed on your network. Regular audits can help you determine this. And though you may have policies in place that prohibit employees from making unauthorized copies, those policies do not stop employees from illegally copying software.
Many software audit tools are available to help you determine what type of software is installed on your network. Running these tools and comparing the results to your license documentation is a good first step in determining whether you are in compliance. If you find you are not in compliance, Boost will work with you to acquire the appropriate Boost licenses necessary to get back in compliance.
For more information or to report instances of noncompliance, please contact Boost’s License Compliance Services.
Legal Ramifications
Software piracy can subject an individual to arrest and criminal prosecution, with fines of up to $250,000 and prison terms of up to five years. In civil cases, Boost can obtain its lost profits plus the infringer’s profits, or statutory damages of up to $150,000 per product. In addition, Boost may seek to recover its attorneys’ fees. Boost also cooperates with federal law enforcement authorities, such as the FBI.