Anti-Piracy Information

Software piracy is the duplication, distribution or use of software without authorization from the copyright owner. It includes:

• Downloading unlicensed copies of software from the Internet.
• Making copies for, or loaning disks to, friends or associates.
• Installing one licensed copy onto multiple computers (where not allowed by license terms).
• Selling counterfeit or back-up copies online or elsewhere.
• Using unlicensed or counterfeit copies.

It’s important to understand that software is not owned by an end-user, but rather licensed to the end-user by the copyright owner through an End-User License Agreement, often referred to as the EULA. The EULA contains the terms and conditions for using the software. Software publishers maintain ownership of the software they create, and control the right to duplicate and distribute their products.

Piracy is not just a concern for software publishers; it also affects consumers and the economy as a whole.

Other negative effects of piracy:

• Virus threats – When users install software from counterfeit CDs, they expose themselves to risks that such CDs might also contain other material, including potentially destructive material like computer viruses. Obviously there are no quality control guarantees when buying and using counterfeit CDs.
• Impact on research and development – Piracy undermines software companies’ ability to invest in research and development, slowing the industry’s ability to bring new and innovative solutions to consumers.
• Identity theft risks – Piracy can expose end-users to potential risks of identity theft if criminals who sell counterfeit software CDs obtain a buyer’s name, address, credit card and other information during purchase.
• Support and maintenance – Piracy deprives consumers of the basic protections offered by properly licensed software like money-back guarantees, installation support, maintenance releases, and upgrade rebates.

There are three primary types of piracy:

Organized counterfeit sales

This is the illegal duplication and sale of copyrighted software without authorization from the copyright owner and can result in both civil and criminal penalties. These sales frequently occur online, including through online auctions and online storefronts, as well as through physical venues like flea markets and swap meets. To protect yourself from counterfeit software, please see the section below entitled “What you should watch out for when buying software”.

Unlicensed use

This occurs when people and companies (including their employees) reproduce or share copies of software without adequate licenses. Unlicensed use can occur when:

• The product has a single-user license but is installed on more than one computer.
• The product is a counterfeit or restricted-use version of software and is used or sold in violation of the license terms or without proper qualifications. This includes non-qualified use of academic, not-for-resale, hardware-prebundled or trial versions.
• The product is shared over the Internet or downloaded from a peer-to-peer network in violation of federal law and license requirements.

Hard-disk loading

This is the unauthorized installation of software onto new or used computers by another person or company, typically to make the purchase of the computer a better deal.

• Actual damages experienced by the copyright owner, including recovery of the profits from any illegal sales.
• The Copyright Act also makes provision for criminal penalties – a fine (a maximum of R5 000 per infringement) and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years for a first conviction. The maximum fine and/or imprisonment penalty for a second conviction is R10 000 and/or 5 years.

If you are buying a license to use Uniclox Pty (Ltd) software from someone other than Uniclox Pty (Ltd) or a well-known, trusted retailer, you should watch out for the following warning signs:

Previously registered software

If the product is being advertised as “used” or “previously registered,” its license is generally not transferable. Any attempted resale would therefore be prohibited. If you have questions about a particular auction or a copy of Uniclox Pty (Ltd) software you received from an online seller, please contact Uniclox Pty (Ltd) via e-mail at legal@uniclox.com

Restricted-use software

Restricted-use versions of Uniclox Pty (Ltd) software, such as academic, not-for-resale, hardware-prebundled or trial versions, may only be acquired by qualified users and generally cannot be resold. Sales of these versions on auction sites, so-called “discount software” sites or elsewhere, may violate the EULA and may not be permitted by law.

Multi-license packs

Some Uniclox Pty (Ltd) software products are available in 5- or 10-license packs or other configurations. As explained in the license terms, such packages cannot be broken up and sold separately.

“CD-ROM only” sales without proper packaging

Authentic Uniclox Pty (Ltd) software is cloud-based and is not available on CD-ROM.

“Too good to be true” pricing

While some offers may seem like a “great deal,” buyers may not get what they expect. Those victimized by purchasing counterfeit software may expose themselves to the risks noted above. Additionally, buyers will ultimately need to purchase a legitimate license (or licenses) to continue using the software lawfully. As the old adage says, “If it looks too good to be true, it usually is!”

Please report it to Uniclox Pty (Ltd). We will investigate the source of the software and take appropriate action, where necessary.